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Tips & Tricks

The Best Vacations for When you Don’t Have Much Vacation Time

By | Article, Blogs, Destinations, feature, Places, Tips & Tricks, Vacations

Sometimes you are in desperate need for a vacation but don’t have much time to get away.
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You could call in those extra days sick…
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Or you could make most of those 2 days you have saved up, and take a long weekend to put all other long weekends to shame.

Here are just some ideas for when you need to get away in a hurry.

IF YOU WANT TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SHORT VACATION: CHOOSE SOMEWHERE CLOSE!
Travel time can chip away at your vacation time; choose somewhere not too far away from home (but far enough away to forget work).

I live in Tampa, Florida so a great example of a trip not too far away is:

A Trip to New Orleans

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If  you can get a nonstop flight that is ideal. From Tampa to New Orleans it’s just a little over an hour and a half plane ride.

Although Spirit is not my airline of choice…. for under $90 round trip you can make it there and back in a flash!
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This is a great choice if you are very limited on time because even if you don’t make it there until later- the party is just beginning on Bourbon Street.

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Stop into one of the hundreds of bars and get a drink…or 3. Bourbon street  is a great option for people watching or just a scenic view of historic building.

New Orleans also has an amazing selection of cuisine. From Caribbean, to Italian there are so many restaurants to choose from.

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And as you can see there is so much to see. It is also a very walkable city. Get an Airbnb near the city center and hit all of the sites. From restaurants, bars, museums, or even the famous St Louis cemetery.

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A 3 Day Cruise

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For under $500 you can go on a 3 to 4 day cruise. A cruise is an easy getaway! It’s a floating all inclusive. If you are looking for a simple vacation, you never even have to leave the boat. You can take advantage of the

included meals and drinks, and relax on the deck.

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If you are looking for more, you can take advantage of one of the offered excursions. No matter what you are thinking, a cruise is a great vacation for those on a time budget. You can jam pack your long weekend with

karaoke, unlimited food, tanning, swimming, and a quick tours of some really beautiful places FAST. 

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A Bed and Breakfast

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A bed and breakfast is the perfect local get away for when you just need to get away from it all. You can choose to stay cooped up in one of the charming rooms, ordering breakfast in bed (no pun intended). Or you can take the time to see

a nearby city with local sites and museums.

amy sedaris relax GIF by truTV’s At Home with Amy Sedaris

This is a very low key vacation, and can also be a very affordable option. This is also a great option if you are bringing a significant other along. It can be a very romantic way to get one on one time with some peace and quiet.

Amusement Park Hopping

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If you’re looking for a get away that’s a lot of fun, amusement park hopping might be a good fit. This is especially a good fit if you are planning on bringing the kids along. If you are going this route, the best option is to get a package

through the amusement park you are thinking of going to. Whether it’s Disney or Universal studios, they are always running park hopper promotions. Universal often offers free nights at their resort when you purchase multiple day park hopper tickets.

This is a trip that requires very little planning. Just get to the park and enjoy!

Just Stay Home

This may seem like a stupid one, but I have one question for you-

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Just kidding. But sometimes the best thing is just staying at home for a long weekend, watching all of the Netflix shows you’ve missed while you’ve been too busy, and swimming in your pool if you have one.

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This is obviously the most affordable, least effort option and with zero travel time, you can take advantage of every minute of your vacation time.

but seriously

No matter what vacation you choose, or how long you have to get away, Luxevo Vacations can make it happen!

Book Here

 

How to Travel like a Travel Agent

By | Article, Blogs, Tips & Tricks
Here at Luxevo Vacations we have nearly 400 travel specialists. Just as their title suggests, they specialize in ALL things travel. 
Many of our agents have embarked on FAM trips (Familiarization trips), which allows them to experience first hand the many tropical resorts we offer. 
Our favorite group of hotels is Karisma Resorts: they specialize in luxury all inclusive resorts that leave nothing to want!

 

So, I asked our agents the following set of questions

1.What is your favorite Karisma Resort/ Why?
2.What is one thing you CANT travel without?
3.What is your favorite drink for the beach?
4.(If you’ve been on a FAM trip) What is your favorite Karisma restaurant/ meal?
And finally….
5.What is the best thing about being a travel specialist?
Then, I compiled the BEST answers so you can travel like a travel agent!

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1. What is your favorite Karisma Resort/ Why?

LARISSA LAWSON: El Dorado Casitas Royale  " you feel like a celebrity in one of those super exclusive, private resorts"


It's no wonder 4 other agents chose the El Dorado Casitas as their favorite Karisma Resort. As Lane puts it "They are Gorgeous and you feel secluded yet enveloped in excellence". 
The Casitas are luxury bungalows in a private enclave. They are located in Cancun, Mexico one of the most popular tropical destinations. But instead of crowded, loud, tourists littered 
beaches you are used to envisioning....
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El Dorado Casitas Royale offer a luxury experience complete with the best gourmet food Mexico has to offer, private access to the bluest waters, spas and excursions.


2.What is one thing you CANT travel without?

LARISSA LAWSON: Anything forgotten can be bought in the airport or destination 😂   

This is something my mom always says lol. Almost anything you forget can be bought when you get there. This is the get up and go mentality of true adventurers!

BRIAN NEWELL: My bipap machine

Well….maybe you can’t buy everything you’ll need at your destination!

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CASS DEJANES: Nalgene Bottle

Cass is keeping it sustainable. I also love to bring a metal bottle with me on vacation. Not only does it cut the need for bringing one use plastic water bottles, it will keep your

drink cold all day in the sweltering sun.

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bye plastic :~)

PATRICIA KRAMER: The one thing I cannot travel without is my husband

This is definitely my favorite answer. That’s the truth about travel: it doesn’t matter where you go, or what you bring, it’s all about the people who come with you and make long lasting memories.

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3.What is your favorite drink for the beach?

BRIAN NEWELL: 57 T-BIRD

I have to be honest, I thought this was a car hahah. It’s a very complicated shot, and here is the recipe:

You will need vodka, Grand Marnier orange liqueur, Amaretto/Disarono almond liqueur, and pineapple juice

Sounds like paradise in a shot glass.

BETH HOWELL: Margarita

 A woman after my own heart! A simple but classic beach drink.

CASS DEJANES: A dirty banana

This is another one that had me scratching my head, but after looking up the recipe I have got to try it. The recipe is as follows:

Start by adding ice to the blender. Then add a splash of rum, kahlua, and coffee liqueur, 1/2 a banana, heavy cream,

and chocolate syrup.  Hit blend and pour it into a glass.

Sounds more like a Starbucks drink than a cocktail…I love it!

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4.(If you’ve been on a FAM trip) What is your favorite Karisma restaurant/ meal?’

Most of the specialists agreed: All the Karisma restaurants are incredible and it’s nearly impossible to choose a favorite.

But Cass Dejanes said “Jerk Chicken on the Beach for lunch at Azul Beach Resort Negril” 

and Beth Howell said “Fuentes Culinary Theatre at EDR was awesome!”

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5.What is the best thing about being a travel specialist?
BETH HOWELL: Getting paid to help people make memories
Being a travel agent with Luxevo Vacations allows you to make money giving people something they actually want: Vacation!
CASS DEJANES: Sharing the love of travel with people who want to give it a try by giving them the confidence to leave the safety and security of home.
Travel agents take all of the unknown out of travel. Our travel agents are equipped with the knowledge of all the resorts they are offering so you can feel safe
spending your money, and getting the most out of your vacation.
MARIA CANTRELL:  I can work from home! 😁
And you can do it from anywhere! Being a Luxevo Travel agent gives you the freedom to work from wherever there’s wifi and create a fulfilling career. Whether it’s part
time to help pay for your yearly family vacation, or if you are trying to grow a flourishing business. Luxevo gives you the tools to unlimit (not a word yet ) yourself, and do whatever you want!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


							
						

Top 5 Tropical Excursions for the Adventurer

By | Article, Destinations, Tips & Tricks, Vacations

Staying at an all inclusive can leave you wondering WHAT IS OUTSIDE OF THESE HOTEL WALLS??

Taking an excursion allows you to see the best parts of where you are traveling as well as leaving you with memories you will NEVER forget.

 

These are some of the Best Excursions Paradise has to offer

1. Horseback Riding in Cancun Mexico

This excursion (that is offered at the El Dorado Royal Karisma Resortallows those with little to no horseback riding experience to explore the beautiful verdant Mayan jungle. Your guides will take you on a relaxed ride through the mind blowing scenery that Cancun has to offer including two sinkholes.

These naturally formed swimming holes are straight out of a magazine. You will never forget the hidden paradise that lies within the Mayan Jungle.

PRICE: $67

The price on this excursion is extremely affordable. Children above the age of 13 are also welcomed to ride if they are accompanied by a consenting adult. This definitely makes the top 10 list of excursions!

2. ATV Tour

Taking an ATV tour gives you the chance to see all the various landscapes your destination has to offer. This tour in the Riviera Maya takes you on a 45 minute excursion of the mangroves, luscious trails, and finally the stunning white sands beaches of Playa Maroma. You can choose to take the ride alone, or double ride one of these ATVs. Once you arrive at the beach, sit back and relax (and take photos to make everyone back home jealous), until your transportation arrives to take you back. phewf no back tracking!

PRICE: $55

Here is another excursion that doesn’t break the bank. Taking an ATV will cost you less than hiring a driver to see all of the sights, and takes you to places that can’t be reached in a car. This is a good option for the adrenaline junkie who doesn’t mind riding in adventure instead of luxury. Besides….When in Mexico!

 

3. Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

A hot air balloon is a romantic way to get a bird’s eye view of paradise. This hot air balloon ride in Punta Cana takes you over the bluest of blue waters and greenest of green lush scenery the world has to offer.

PRICE: $275

This excursion is the most expensive thus far but is a 100% worth it! Whether you’re trying to propose amongst the clouds, or are just looking for the most memorable experience…. this is it.

 

4. Snorkeling

Try snorkeling (At the Azul Beach Resort in Negril Jamaica) in the gorgeous waters of Negril Jamaica. You will take a luxury catamaran out to see and view the native fish and wildlife that lies beneath the surface. Your guides will take you to the perfect spots for snorkeling in the sea.

 

PRICE: $150

This excursion is slightly pricey, but still reasonable for what it offers.

 

5. A Shaman Guided Ritual

You read that right… A SHAMAN GUIDED TEMAZCAL RITUAL! Believe it or not, this excursion is offered by the all inclusive El Dorado Karisma Resort  in Cancun, Mexico. Your Shaman will take you through the four stages of this purification rituals. You will learn about the various purification properties of volcanic stones and native herbs. After this seemingly intense ceremony, you will kick back and relax in a hammock with a tropical drink at hand (even intense shaman lead rituals end with a tropical drink when you’re in Cancun). You are said to leave refreshed and renewed.

PRICE: $105

I am no expert in the going rate for Spiritual Shamans, but for a little more than a hundred bucks you are guaranteed to have a unique experience you will never forget.

 

No matter where you choose to go, or whether or not you leave the luxurious confinements of your all inclusive BOOK WITH LUXEVO VACATIONS!

We’ll make sure you get exactly what you want out of your vacation with ease.

Last minute travel

The Ultimate Last Minute Packing List

By | Article, Blogs, Tips & Tricks, Vacations

Most of us book vacations months in advance, and still manage to be packing the night before. In the frenzy of last minute packing, we can often forget some of (in my opinion) the most essential items. Here is my list of essentials and miscellaneous things that will make your trip a breeze.

1. A Sweatshirt

Pack something warm! You’re going on the tropical vacation of your dreams, but you’ll regret not having your sweater on that long frigid airplane ride. Best to be over prepared than freezing cold. (I think that’s the saying.)

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the most prepared couple of the year award goes to….

2. Lip Balm

Airplane’s and the sun tend to suck out all the moisture from your lips.

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Don’t forget your favorite chapstick, lip balm, or gloss.

Here are some of my favorites:

  1. Mario Badescu Lip Balm

No matter how you pronounce it, this stuff is all natural and ultra hydrating for long flights, and long days on the beach.

2. Vaseline



Yup….literally just vaseline. Not much to say about this, but petroleum jelly does the job. These come in little mini sizes that are perfect for tucking away in your purse that’s already stuffed with passports, tickets, and knick knacks that didn’t fit in the carry on.

3. Aquafor

This stuff is no joke! Aquafor is like a forcefield for your lips: no moisture is getting out!

3. Plugs on Plugs on Plugs

bath bathing GIF by Faith Holland

You don’t want to be stranded without your electronics, especially on that trek to paradise. Don’t forget to bring your chargers, blocks, chords, and adapters. Before you go, check and see whether or not you’ll need an outlet adapter in the country you are visiting or else you might catch your ipad on fire.

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4. Sunglasses

This may seem like an obvious one, but you don’t want to be caught without your favorite pair of shades.

If you don’t come from a super sunny place, this may seem like an understated suggestion, but paradise gets bright baby! And you want to keep your eyes protected. Look for sunnies that have UV protection as well.

5. Wipes

Being shoved in a metal box with a hundred strangers can leave you feeling musty. I always take my favorite makeup wipes, or handy wipes with my when traveling. This will allow you to wipe your face and hands and feel a little more refreshed when you get off the plane.

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6. A Change of Clothes

Going off of number 5, a fresh shirt always helps when you don’t want to waste time getting vacation started. A wardrobe change in the airport will make you feel good as you (or good enough) to go straight to dinner or cocktail hour.

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me out on the town

7. A Book

A book is always on airplane mode! Bring that book you’ve been saying you’d get to; it’ll make time fly (pun intended) on your long flight and also makes the perfect beach pass time.

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8. A Neck Pillow

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A crink in your neck can ruin your whole day. A neck pillow seems to be the thing I always forget until I’m at the airport and see them at the overpriced convenience store.

Get yourself this one at Amazon for just 7 bucks.

9. Pain Medicine

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Just in case you miss number 8, or just because travel can be a pain. Bring a travel size bottle of ibuprofen to get you through.

10. A Camera

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Now that you’re all set for vacation, don’t forget a camera to capture your favorite memories of your trip!

Book your next vacation with Luxevo Vacations

Surviving Long Flights

By | Article, Blogs, Tips & Tricks

LONG FLIGHTS ARE ESSENTIAL to get to some of the most far out places on the planet. So, even though the entire experience of the trip can be exciting, the flight is what is dreaded by most. How are you supposed to keep yourself entertained in a tiny air space, thousands of feet off the ground, surrounded by strangers? With these 10 tips, long flights will no longer be something you dismay in your traveling experiences!

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Pick Your Seat Wisely

If you plan to sleep most of the flight, then you should pick the window seat because you can rest your head on the side and no one will be waking you up to go to the bathroom. But, if you plan on staying awake for most of the flight then consider the aisle seat, so you can get up as you please.

Ask to Upgrade

It never hurts to ask the flight attendants if you can upgrade your seat to first class or if there is another open seat with the extra leg room, because let’s be honest, that extra leg room on a 10 hour flight could be lifesaving.

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Wear Comfy Clothes

If you are going to be sitting on a plane for 5+ hours, dress comfortably! Wearing lose, stretchy pants or sweatpants is great for sitting for hours and being able to adjust, stretch your legs, and curl up in a ball on your seat. Always wear comfortable shoes for walking purposes, and bring a jacket or sweatshirt because you never know if you are going to be cold on the plane or not.

Bring Entertainment

If you struggle to sleep on a plane, then make sure you bring enough entertainment to keep you busy for your flight. Download movies onto your phone/laptop/tablet beforehand. Bring headphones and make playlists with different genres of music or podcasts. Books are also a great way to kill some time because they are time consuming and always helps with sleep. Cards are a great way to keep yourself entertained, as well, or even make a friend on the flight.

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Sleep is Important

Sleep is important for traveling and we know it’s not the easiest thing to sleep on the plane, so make sure you bring a pillow/neck pillow, blanket or sweatshirt, sleep eye mask, and if needed, a sleep aid helps for flights over 8+ hours. Sleep is essential so when you land, you can start your trip on a positive note instead of feeling exhausted and wasting the day sleeping.

Keep Your Electronics Charged

Before your flight, make sure if you are utilizing your electronics, keep them charging. Also, for the flight, bring a portable charger to keep everything charging. You don’t want to have 6 hours left on your flight, and your tablet died in the middle of the movie. So, be smart, keep your electronics charged and invest in a portable charger.

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Don’t Forget to Eat!

It is important that you maintain your health while on the flight. We know plane food isn’t the best tasting for you, but by eating you are maintaining your nutrient levels, giving you the right amount of energy. So, make yourself sandwiches, dried snacks like nuts or trail mix, crackers, anything solid that can pass through TSA. Pack smart, but pack healthy.

Hydrate or Die!

Just kidding, but not really… Stay hydrated! It is super important to drink lots of water on these flights because the elevation levels can throw you off and being confined to a tiny space can almost make you feel dried out. So, pack an empty reusable water bottle, and keep drinking because you are going to need your energy when you land.

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Refresh Yourself

After sitting on a plane for hours, you might feel a little dirty, like you need to shower or change your clothes, so bring a mini toiletry bag with a toothbrush, toothpaste, baby wipes to clean up, hairbrush, deodorant, face wash, and a change of clean clothes, so you can get off the flight feeling refreshed and new.

Be Respectful

This is the number 1 rule of a long flight or any kind of flight, or airport experience. Be respectful! You are all in this situation together, so being respectful, makes for an easy going airplane experience.

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Ready to book your next vacation? Let us help you with that!

Be Environmentally Friendly On Vacation

By | Article, Blogs, Food for thought, Tips & Tricks

WE ARE CREATURES OF HABIT, when it comes to our personal items or our homes, we maintain a consistent agenda to keep everything well maintained and spotless. We don’t want to live in filth, so for example, we keep dirty clothes organized in a hamper and wash them when the hamper gets filled up, we wash our dishes to be able to reuse them, take the garbage out, preserve a garden or lawn, recycle, and so much more. So, how come when it comes to vacationing, we lose sight of our sanitation and admiration?

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Don’t pause on being respectful and environmentally friendly because we desire to be pampered on vacation. We should treat mother Earth the same way we would handle our own homes because Earth is our home base! Respect the environment and mother Earth and the locals will be thankful.

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Clean Your Trash!

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Just because a housekeeper comes into the hotel room to maintain all the rooms, doesn’t mean it is respectful to leave everything a complete disaster for her to clean or because there are landscapers, they will clean the trash off the land. Especially when it comes to trash! Use a garbage can. If you are walking through the halls of the resort or outside walking the paths to the beach, find a garbage can, don’t just throw your trash onto the ground and if the locals recycle, then you recycle as well. Keep the environment clean, so that it will maintain its beauty. Be respectful to the employees and the resort.

Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

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Bring a reusable water bottle with you when you travel. If it is empty, it will pass through TSA with no problem. But, by bringing your own bottle, you are saving plastic bottles from being used. Which is great because it requires fossil fuels polluting the air to break down plastic in the landfills. So, think green about plastic because you don’t want the beautiful environment, clean air, and breathtaking oceans to be polluted and ruined.

Think Local

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By supporting local business; like farmers markets, local restaurants, souvenir stands, and much more; you are supporting local agriculture which means that they don’t need to outsource to other countries for branded products. Plus, you are keeping the locals happy, supporting their culture, and learning about their history. It is a great way to show them that there are benefits to tourism.

Choose Green Activities

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Earth-friendly activities are great for being environmentally friendly. Plus, they are also super fun. So, look into activities like snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, biking, and hiking. Not only do you get to try new activities, but this is another great way to learn about their culture and what the land has to offer. Most importantly! It will reduce your carbon footprint. (NOTE: A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouses gases produced to support your activities.)

Use Biodegradable Sunscreen

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Save the coral reefs! Save the oceans! Every day we need to remember and appreciate our oceans because without them, we wouldn’t have beautiful beaches to explore all over the world and we wouldn’t have gorgeous marine life to discover. By wearing biodegradable sunscreen, you are protecting the oceans ecosystem.

Continue to think green and keep our environment alive!

How to Survive Traveling with Toddlers

By | Article, Blogs, Tips & Tricks

WORKING IN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY, it is our duty to make sure all aspects of travel are covered, from planning the perfect romantic getaway to packing hacks to traveling with children… We cover it all.

Traveling with children is not my forte because I personally don’t have any, so I took the time to interview my closest friend, Kelly, who is a wife, mother of 3 toddlers, and 2 dogs.

The Dodaro family is constantly going on road trips from their hometown in New Jersey to Nags Head, NC, Hershey Park, PA, Chatham, NY, Pittsburg, PA, Washington DC, and Sykesville, MD.

I asked her, “how do you survive vacationing with 3 kids, who are 5, 3, and 11 months?”

Kelly’s response, “Keep them entertained.”

Below are Kelly’s 5 tips on how to survive traveling with toddlers!

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Tip #1: Pack LOTS of snacks! Nobody wants to hear “I’m hungryyyyyy” or “I’m thirstyyyyy” for hours. Hungry turns into hangry (hungry angry) and there’s nothing worse than 3 hangry little kids screaming and crying in the car or on a plane.

Tip #2: If you are into electronics, which these days it’s hard not to be, make sure the iPads are fully charged. Throw on a movie, give the kids some snacks, and you are guaranteed at least an hour and a half of semi-peace and quiet. If a movie isn’t cutting it, download some free kid-friendly games that will keep them entertained.  This will make them happy and more importantly will keep them from bugging you every 5 minutes.

Tip #3: If you want to work your child’s brain activity, play some verbal games that keep them thinking.

  • For example play the “I’m going on a picnic..” alphabet game. Each person takes a turn picking out an item they are going to bring on the picnic using each letter of the alphabet. (i.e. I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing an apple. The next person would say I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing an apple and a banana.) The key is to remember each item that was said and recite them all back when it’s your turn.
  • Another game to play is “I’m thinking of an animal.” One person thinks of an animal and gives clues about them. The players can ask yes or no questions and guess until they come up with the correct animal. It’s a lot of fun and makes children think and learn new things without even realizing it.

Tip #4: Coloring books and crayons/colored pencils/markers are always a simple solution to keep kids entertained.

Tip #5: What child doesn’t like a dance party? Make a playlist of your child’s favorite songs, crank up the volume, and dance the long car ride away of if you are on a plane, give them headphones and let them entertain themselves. They have fun, you have fun, and honestly, it’s funny watching your little kids create their own dances.

“These things work for my family. Hopefully they can help some other families as well. Good luck with your children and safe travels!” – Kelly Dodaro

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Maintain a Healthy Sleep Habit While You Travel

By | Article, Blogs, Tips & Tricks

LUCKY FOR YOU, you’re reading advice from a true, medically-diagnosed insomniac… So, I’m basically an expert on the subject of what makes healthy sleeping habits a reality (without any pesky prescriptions). Also lucky for you, working in the travel industry, I’ve had my fair share of long days and even longer nights in unfamiliar hotel rooms. This means I know some handy dandy tricks that will help you receive your much-needed eight hours of sleep while you’re on the road (…or the beach).

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Essential Oils

Calming scents, such as lavender, chamomile, or sandalwood can help to relax and quiet your brain, promoting faster and uninterrupted sleep! (*Hint* using essential oils before bed every night, even while in your own bed, makes this tip more effective when traveling as your brain learns to associate the oil scent with sleep.Image result for essential oil gif

Travel Pillow Comfort

If you’re someone who needs a particular type of pillow (soft, firm, somewhere in between, with feathers, no feathers, tempurpedic, etc.), you may want to look into purchasing either a travel-sized pillow that can fit in your carry-on or just bringing your pillow from home (if you have a mammoth-sized suitcase and only plan on packing two pairs of shoes)! Our Marketing Manager, Miranda, suggests that if you bring a pillow from home, you should use a bright-patterned pillowcase. This way, housekeeping won’t mistake it for the hotels and you won’t forget it when you leave! A comfortable place to lay your head after a long day is essential to a restful night’s sleep.Image result for essential oils to sleep gif

Sound or meditation app

Having white noise or a calming guided meditation helps greatly in assisting most people in falling asleep and calming an over-active brain. Personally, I like to listen to the sound of rain using the Rain App and have it lull me to sleep; but I have friends who put on a guided meditation every night using the Buddhify App to help them drift off. Thank the Lord for Smart Phones replacing the bulky sound machines that were once so popular!Image result for meditation sleeping gif

Sleep Eye Mask

Sleep eye masks work wonders in helping you stay asleep, as the ones made out of nylon material stay cool throughout the night and are thick enough to keep out the pesky morning light (and the unflattering fluorescent airplane lights). They’re small enough to where they are perfect for travel and you can take them with you wherever you go.Related image

Stick with what you know

If you have pre-bedtime rituals, try to stick to them as closely as possible. If you watch a show before bed every night or listen to music to unwind, bring along your laptop or tablet. If you have a favorite before-sleep snack or beverage, pack them with you to enjoy. Unwinding after a long day and calming down your mind is important when it comes to getting to sleep quickly. You’re out of your element enough in a new place, you might as well do everything you can to stick with what you know, right?Image result for watching tv to sleep gif

Bring the COZINESS with you

Comfort is key when it comes to restful sleep. If you’re not comfortable, how are you going to rest your mind enough to actually sleep? It’s not very probably. If you have a favorite cozy blanket or your trusted, long-time stuffed animal (for me, its comfy cashmere socks), pack it with you! I’ve even known some people to pack their own sheets from home and remake the bed when they arrive, giving their room a little sense of “home”. It might seem silly at first, but it’s totally worth it when you wake up refreshed and happy!Image result for be cozy gif

Over-the-counter sleep aids

Although this isn’t something I personally partake in (over-the-counter sleep aids don’t help insomniacs like we wish they would), I have family and friends that swear by taking either ZZZ-Quil or Melatonin when they travel to try and help maintain their regular sleep schedule. Make sure you don’t start out with the full dose of sleep aids if it’s your first time trying them, as they work differently for everyone! Also, check with a pharmacist to make sure they don’t interfere with any allergies you may have or any other medications you may take.Related image

Stay Hydrated

Many people don’t think about this one, but when you travel, drinking your needed eight cups of water a day isn’t really a top priority along with making sure your bags arrived at the same destination as you did. But staying hydrated is super important while traveling, as if you don’t drink as much as you should throughout the day, you’ll wake up the next morning even drowsier than usual.Image result for stay hydrated gif

Trying to get rest on vacation, isn’t always easy, but with these helpful tips and tricks, sleeping can be!

Be So Relaxed You Thought You Were on Vacation

By | Article, Blogs, Fashion, Tips & Tricks

TOO BAD EVERYDAY CAN’T FEEL LIKE VACATION. Unfortunately, you’ll be sitting at work to pay the bills, writing papers in school to get an education, or your home is just filled with clutter and chaos because you’re too overwhelmed to get it together. Life happens and when it does happen, it hits hard. But with the help from these wonderful essential oils; they can make you feel so calm and relaxed, you thought you were on vacation!

Essential oils are the new au natural, anxiety and stress relief remedies. There is no need for pills anymore when you can just smell a few drops of these oils and completely change the whole vibe of your day! Inhale them deeply, add some to your bath or shower, diffuse the oils into the air, or rub a little on your nostrils, palms, temples, or feet because everyone should feel like there on vacation every day.

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Lavender 

Lavender is number one in being a stress reliever. Its scent is light, flowery, and super calming. It relieves nervous tension, anxiety, emotional damage, improves sleep, and can relieve pain. Add the scent to the air, listen to a beach white noise on YouTube, dim the lights, and take a bath and you will feel as relaxed like you’re on vacation.

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Bergamot 

Here’s another essential oil that could be the new au natural remedy to relieving depression. Bergamots combination of spicy and citrus is a complex scent that gives you the perfect amount of R&R (reduction & relaxation). It reduces nerve tension, anxiety, stress, high blood pressure, insomnia, and depression by relaxing your nerves, your anxiety levels, and it’s an antidepressant. Just like lavender you can place it in the shower or bathtub, rub it on your skin, and inhale deeply for its warming effects to overcome any stress.

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Tea Tree

Tea Tree, also known as Melaleuca oil, comes from the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree. The benefits of this oil make it a must-have for every home. Benefits include mental cleansing from stress, anxiety, or physical pain, it soothes skin from irritants or burns, and can be used a great household cleaner, keeping your home smelling like a relaxing day outdoors.

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Eucalyptus

With one inhale of eucalyptus you will instantly imagine yourself outdoors. The smell is unique. It is piney, but minty, with a hint of warm honey. There are so many health benefits to eucalyptus; improves respiratory circulation and immunity. Just rub a little in your hands, inhale deeply through your nose or mouth, and it will open up your air ways, your sinuses, your chest for clear breathing, and all that tight tension you were feeling in your chest, will just disappear.

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Lemon 

When I think of lemon, I think of a lemon in my cold water, iced tea, or cold cocktail, and when I think of a cold beverage, I think of being somewhere tropical and hot. This citrus not only tastes good, but also smells good! Smelling the cent of lemon will stimulate your mind into daydreaming about an island escape, which will enhance your serotonin levels, and bring you to a state of complete tranquility and happiness.

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Wild Orange 

This is another citrus smell that will stimulate your mind into thinking you’re on an island. Only, the difference between lemon and orange, is that orange energizes the mind and body. It uplifts the mood and energy levels, so that you are ready to go, go, go. You can diffuse this around your home or take a moment at work to meditate your mind with the scent of wild orange and enhance your performance and keep you charged.

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Patchouli

Patchouli is from a plant called, Lamiaceae, commonly known for being part of the mint family. The scent is warm and spicy, also referred to as “the scent of the 60’s”. Rubbing patchouli oil on your wrists and temples relieves stress, anxiety, and depression, making you feel like you just woke up from a nap on the beach.

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Ylang Ylang 

Comes from the tropical flower Cananga Ordorata Genuina, It is the “flower of all flowers.” It’s sweet floral scent is an antidepressant, enhances relaxation, and lowers blood pressure (frustration, anger, anxiety). This would be another oil that you could put in the bathtub, listen to some calming music, and imagine yourself on a beach with no stress!

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Ginger 

Gut-friendly ginger is great for reducing nausea, stomach knots, pains, or upset stomach. Sometimes when stress happens or nerves, our stomachs react first. With the potent and powerful scent of ginger essential oil, one sniff is a quick remedy for calming our minds and bodies, especially our stomach muscles. This could be great for pre-travel nerves the night before or before your flight.

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Seaberry Oil 

Also known as, Sea buckthorn Oil, comes from a berry called Hippophae Rhamnoides. It is the new go-to vacation essential if you are going to be on a beach. It is the au natural remedy for your skin. After laying in the sun for hours, you feel crispy and dried up, you might be burnt or just added to your amazing tan, either way rubbing Seaberry oil all over your skin is great for anti-aging, skins elasticity, heals burns, and rejuvenates skin.

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