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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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African Safari with Children

BonBon February 23, 2016 19 Comments

You might be one of those parents who really want go on an African Safari but you have young kids and wonder if it’s the right time to tag them along for many reasons. Well, here’s my take on this issue.

An African Safari is probably on your bucket list and it SHOULD be because it is a very thrilling and exciting journey. Most parents concerns are over the safety of their children and yes, it should be any parent’s priority but honestly, the biggest threat is not brute force injury from the big animals or violent people… it’s the diseases spread by the likes of mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. So, gear yourself up with knowledge on to how to protect your family. Talk to your doctor or pediatrician about your travel plan to help you determine what vaccines or medications you need before your trip and call a travel professional for latest updates and travel advisories on the issue. For now, my suggestion is to go to a safer region like the South Africa’s Eastern Cape (www.healthmap.orgwww.healthmap.org which is a good source to see the alerts for any disease).

Cape Town is your best option.

The most iconic land mark in South Africa, Table Mountain — **The most iconic landmark in South Africa, Table Mountain**

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Fall in Arkansas

BonBon October 7, 2015 23 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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End of Summer Vacation

BonBon September 8, 2015 16 Comments

One peaceful morning at Sonestra Resort — **One peaceful morning at Sonesta Resort**

There is no secret on when is the best time to travel; timing and information are the keys. We all know peak season is the summer months. Most families with school-going kids are planning getaways in summer and all are looking at the same destinations. Many families in this situation will feel their choices are limited and the best advice is try book your vacation far in advance and hope everyone will have a great time.

The beach is a popular destination during summer and as expected you will be looking at crowded beaches, theme parks, restaurants with unfortunately costly accommodation, plane tickets, transfers and tours. However, if you have the option to delay the vacation to the shoulder seasons (typically when school is out in your state but other states not) you might be in for a good treat. We did!!!

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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**

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Venice with Kids: Know Before You Go

BonBon July 26, 2015 18 Comments

My husband recently had a conversation with a coworker who is going to Venice with his family. He had a flashback of our unforgettable experience last 2011. Then, he asked me to write a blog about it since Venice is such a beautiful city and families who are planning to go shouldn’t hesitate tagging along their kids. Proper planning is needed.

Flashback… Venice -February 2011 while I was 6+ months pregnant together with our 14-month old boy. Imagine that!

It was our 1^st international flight with our son and I was pretty confident that I got everything covered. However, travel is often full of surprises and its part of the whole experience. Our journey started bad – 1^st flight delayed so we missed our connection from Heathrow to Venice, leading to an unexpected reroute with a bus transfer to Gatwick with 1 bag already lost.

We stayed Venice for a few days and it was magical as expected. Actually, it was more meaningful since we shared it with our little boy.

We made lasting memories in Venice with our boy... — **We made lasting memories in Venice with our boy…**

So, here is a list of few things to consider when traveling to Venice with kids. This is a Must-Do-Check-List.

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