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Terrorism and Travel

BonBon March 27, 2016 11 Comments

The recent attack in Brussels shook the world and made everyone feel very hesitant to travel abroad. I have few clients changed their minds in traveling to Europe since the Paris attack and a lot asked me if it is still safe to travel. I am no expert in safety nor an expert to know what is going to happen next. BUT I do know that there is no “safe” place anymore in this world and we can’t be hiding.

The Paris and Brussels terror attacks are just two out of the many attacks that have happened around the world. Joining them, there were attacks in Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Jakarta, Afghanistan, Somalia and a lot of other lesser reported ones. YES, we are living in dangerous times and if you call yourself a Christian and you believe in the Bible then this should not surprise you at all- “the last days” as it says. It sure does scares everyone including myself. But I keep my faith and lived life one day at a time.

The Grand-Place is the central square of the City of Brussels where every tourists and locals hang out. — **The Grand-Place is the central square of the City of Brussels where every tourists and** locals hang out.

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Fall in Arkansas

BonBon October 7, 2015 22 Comments

Two years ago we discovered the beautiful state of Arkansas. It was summer time when my husband told me that he read an article in an airline magazine about Arkansas during the Fall. I am not just a sucker for colorful foliage but to new destinations and adventures as well. Thus, I immediately started researching about the place – when is the best time to go and where to stay. The Arkansas Fall foliage drives and destinations webpage is a great place to help you plan your trip. If you’re reading this in September or October you might be too late to plan for this season, but it is the perfect time to make a reservation for your next year’s travel. Seriously, there are limited camps, lodges, cabins, vacation rentals and rooms and people already start booking a year ahead of time. I swear, in August I probably called over 20 properties and they were all booked. We were lucky to get a booking with The Arkansas House that time since they had a last minute cancellation.

Our kids were only 3 and 2-year-old when we went so we didn’t do many activities; we went hiking, took pictures, watched some wild animals and we enjoyed every minute spent with the whole family. Here are some of the pictures we took during our stay. Hope this article will convince you to visit this state which rivals even those “foliage” states further up North.

We Love Arkansas!!! — **Overlooking the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks**

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Family Beach Vacations

BonBon August 20, 2015 18 Comments

We love the beach!!! Who doesn’t?!?

Beach vacations are perfect for the family. Perhaps the best type you can get especially if you have kids aged between 1 to 5 years – a great learning experience for the little ones and the big ones.

I totally understand that some parents get too discouraged to go on vacation with the kids. It’s hard – they are energizer bunnies that run around and can’t stay focused, they’re picky with their food, but they eat anything off the ground… I mean anything… and the hardest part is that they get sick so easy. However, you can’t be a hermit – not me at least. You have 2 options – 1) leave the kids with grandparents/friends/nanny 2) have them tag along and do something fun for everyone. Believe me, it’s NOT that hard as you imagine it to be.

We started traveling with our kids when they were only a few months old and looking back…. I wouldn’t change a thing.

My boy's 1st time swimming in the ocean:) Hawaii '09 — **My boy’s 1st time swimming in the ocean:) Hawaii ’09**

First time at the beach:) Look at that big Smile... I will forever cherish moments like this. — **First time at the beach…. look at that big Smile:) St. Thomas ’11**

One of the best sunset we've seen... Montego Bay, Jamaica — **One of the best sunset we’ve seen… Montego Bay, Jamaica**

Buena Beach, Costa Rica '12 — **Buena Beach, Costa Rica ’12**

A family beach vacation is easy for novice travelers and here are few things to keep in mind. Read More

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Berlin with Kids

BonBon April 22, 2015 9 Comments

Berlin WWII - Raising a flag over the Reichstag - Picture courtesy of Wikipedia — **Berlin WWII – Raising a flag over the Reichstag – Picture courtesy of Wikipedia**

On the top of my bucket list was Berlin – I was curious, as everyone, how they rebuilt the city after WW2 and Reunification. A place so rich in history with its sad and bitter past. However, I assumed most have moved on; I am here to share with you the Berlin now!

So thrilled to finally visit Berlin; thankful I got to see and experience it with the whole family. We only stayed for few days, but I believed we covered most of the must-see attractions. If you decide to visit Berlin; stay for at least a week.

We flew from DFW to Berlin via Frankfurt. Our flight was delayed, but we managed to catch our connecting flight just in time and our luggage made it too! Yay…

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Traveling with Kids

BonBon March 15, 2015 10 Comments

Yes, it is possible to travel to distant places with your kids. And yes, it is challenging and can be daunting.

When I got pregnant, I told my husband that we needed to travel as much as possible before the baby arrived; I was thinking it would be so impossible to travel with a little nutter. But when baby Nicholas arrived, we just kept on going. Then baby Arianna came and we said, “this is it, traveling with 2 babies is just too much”. Then again, old habits die hard.

That said we’ve managed to enjoy all our travels with our kids and learn a lot along the way. So let me share with you some important things you need to consider when flying with babies/ toddlers.

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Travel Plan

BonBon March 15, 2015 Leave a Comment

I want to travel and see the world! Where should I go? What should I do? Where should I start? I know… so many places to go, so little time and limited funds. It is overwhelming in the beginning, especially when you haven’t done something like this before.

I would not say I am an expert, but I want to share with you what I have done and learned after making travel plans for over 15 years. This works for me and my family; it might work for you too.

In my family, I am in charge of our travel plans – where to go and what to do. Before I talk to my husband; I already have a place in mind and when it’s a go for him then I start making a detailed plan.

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