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Summer in Arkansas

BonBon October 7, 2015 17 Comments

My family and friends spent the last Labor day weekend in Mountain View, AR, it is located deep in the Ozarks surrounded by mountains and rivers which offers an exciting outdoor adventure for the whole family. We had an amazing time and it’s one of those trips that you just don’t want to end; half way back home the kids were still asking when were we going back to the house on the mountain.

**My girl jumping for joy at Blanchard Springs**

During this recent trip, we stayed at Overlook Lodge. It is perfect for a big family who wants to get out of the city, to relax and enjoy nature. The lodge sits on forty acres atop a mountain overlooking the Ozarks National Forest and White River. It’s Gorgeous!!! Plus, nothing to worry because it’s a gated property with security access and got cameras in the surrounding grounds.

Tip: Hummingbirds are our frequent visitors so bring table sugar or something they prefer to eat to make them happy and they’ll sing for you all day long:)

Our view every morning! — **Spectacular view from the terrace**

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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**

Europe Home Travel

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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Top 5 Charming Villages in Madeira

BonBon June 3, 2015 10 Comments

Madeira Island is an exciting destination for all types of travelers. For the venturers who want to discover the unknown, for the dependables who require travel with comfort and for the centrics who can either go for a good challenging adventure or go for anything fun and comfortable. Madeira offers varied activities for everyone. Well, as I mentioned in my previous blog, one of my favorite things to do in Madeira is to go around the island. So many things to see and do… and heeeey…. you can tour the entire island for a day or 2.

Here are my top 5 charming villages in Madeira:

São Vicente

Located north of the island lies this cute little village of São Vicente. You will find the chapel bridge (Capela da Ponte) or saint chapel (Capela do Santo) down the valley by the sea. Built in 1694 constructed right on the very spot where it is believed that Saint Vicente appeared.

Teixeira family - background view is the Sao Vicente chapel by the bridge — **Teixeira family – background view is the Sao Vicente chapel by the bridge**

Europe Home Travel

Beautiful Island of Madeira

BonBon May 16, 2015 7 Comments

Madeira, “Ilha Jardim” (Garden Island) or “Pearl of the Atlantic”,one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe. I fell in love with this small island the first time I visited. It was just me and my husband then; I was totally blown away with its scenery – simply beautiful! This time round, we visited the family with our 2 kids.

My husband’s parents grew up in this island, but they moved to South Africa for better opportunities when they were young. So, in this visit they flew to Madeira to meet us and spend some quality time with the rest of the family. It was indeed an unforgettable trip. We’re glad the kids met their Portuguese family.