travel Archives - Dad of Divas

The Top 7 Florida Resorts for Outdoor Lovers

September 30, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

The great outdoors provides plenty of opportunities to get your body moving, your mind working, and your blood pumping. If you are planning an upcoming vacation to Florida, you might want to stay in accommodation that offers fun activities that will get your heart racing and adrenaline running.

There is no reason to accept a boring hotel with limited activities in the Sunshine State. Learn about the top seven Florida resorts for outdoor lovers.

Source: Instagram, posted on May 10th, 2022, Westgate Ranch’s official profile.

Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo – River Ranch

You will feel more in love with rural America after a visit to Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo. The luxe dude ranch is jammed with outdoor activities to suit every guest, from pony rides and mini golf to horseback riding and guided hunts.

Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo is bursting with outdoor activities to beat boredom, challenge your skills, and help you maximize every second in a beautiful backdrop. An hour from South Orlando, you will go back in time to the rustic Old West during your stay while enjoying various luxurious modern amenities.

For example, the luxe Conestoga Wagon camping accommodation is inspired by the 18^th-century wagon design used to transfer cargo by oxen or horse. Yet, you can enjoy many comforts of home once you step inside, such as air conditioning and heating, a full bathroom with a walk-in shower, electrical outlets, premium linens, and countertop appliances.

Of course, as an outdoor lover, you will likely want to spend much of your stay outdoors, and you will not be disappointed at this stunning resort. Try the following activities for a fun-filled break:

Airboat rides
Horseback riding
Fishing
Archery
Tennis
Rock climbing
Swamp buggy rides
A trap and skeet range

Also, step out of your glamping tent or wagon to watch the Saturday Night Rodeo at the 1,200-seat Rodeo Arena. You might even want to tackle the skill for yourself on a mechanical bull at the resort.

Source: Instagram, posted on September 13th, 2022, Steinhatchee Landing’s official profile.

Steinhatchee Landing Resort – Steinhatchee

Steinhatchee Landing Resort has charming one- to three-bedroom cottages, providing a private base for fun outdoor pursuits, such as scuba diving, fly-fishing, and canoeing.

Get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life at Steinhatchee Landing Resort. This hidden gem provides one- to three-bedroom cottages and is a short distance from the Gulf of Mexico and Steinhatchee River converge.

Embrace many affordable recreational activities at the enchanting resort, such as scuba diving in Florida Springs, kayaking along the Steinhatchee River, or exploring Gulf Coast State Parks.

Anglers will never want to leave charming Steinhatchee, as it is home to shallow grass flats and an untouched shoreline, providing a safe habitat for many saltwater fish. Also, if you stay at Steinhatchee Landing Resort during summer, you can enjoy some of the best scalloping on the planet along the river.

Source: Instagram, posted on September 23rd, 2022, Margaritaville Hollywood Beach’s official profile.

Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort – Hollywood, Florida

Sunny days don’t get much better than riding waves on a surf simulator, paddleboarding outdoors, or cycling along Hollywood Beach Boardwalk. Create fond memories at Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, which offers stylish suites, unique dining experiences, and endless water fun.

If your heart is set on a beachfront break with your loved ones, you will likely remember a vacation at the laidback Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. The little slice of paradise in Hollywood, Florida, exudes family-friendly fun, offering sports activities, nature tours, and unmissable local festivals.

Water fun is a given at this visually stunning resort, as it features two pools, a surf simulator, and canals. Also, you can rent a paddleboard from its 5 O’clock Somewhere Bar & Grill to explore the calming waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, which is across the road.

Those looking for a fun experience on land can cycle, run, or rollerblade up and down the scenic Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, or spend a sunny weekend exploring the popular Yellow Green Farmers’ Market.

Also, Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort is a superb pick for those who want to explore many nearby parks between riding waves and lounging in the sunshine, as the resort is a short walk from Charnow Park, West Lake Park, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Source: Instagram, posted on June 29th, 2022, Hawks Cay Resort’s official profile.

Hawks Cay Resort – Duck Key

You would struggle to find much better than Hawks Cay Resort for South Florida fun. It will be hard to forget swimming with dolphins in the sunshine, enjoying a scenic view while kiteboarding, or fishing on a paddleboard.

Hawks Cay Resort is a tropical paradise in South Florida, offering beautiful resort rooms and cottages to meet many guests’ needs and tastes. Located on Duck Key, a small, secluded island, you and your loved ones can enjoy many outdoor activities along the aquamarine waters, including kiteboarding, paddleboard fishing, kayaking, and swimming with dolphins. The fun isn’t over once you are back on dry land, as you can play tennis on one of many courts or cycle around the resort at your leisure.

Non-stop activities will cause you to build up quite an appetite throughout the day. Satisfy your cravings by visiting one of the six restaurants available at Hawks Cay Resort, such as Sixty-One Prime, Angler and Ale, and Coral Grill.

Source: Instagram, posted on September 22nd, 2022, Cheeca Lodge & Spa’s official profile.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa – Islamorada

Spend every day of your vacation having fun outdoors during a stay at the 214-room Cheeca Lodge & Spa. Pack many fun-filled activities into your itinerary, such as parasailing, fishing, Hobie cat sailing, or guided jet ski tours.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa is a serene oasis in relaxing Islamorada, offering a pretty backdrop of turquoise water and towering palm trees with a cooling breeze. The accommodations are just as magnificent, as it is home to 214 elegant rooms and suites for a luxurious getaway.

Despite its soothing environment, it is a must-pick for outdoor enthusiasts wanting to get their muscles pumping and body moving. When not dining at its first-class restaurants, you can play a round of golf on the 9-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed course, cycle around the resort, or go on a snorkeling tour.

Cheeca Lodge is also based in the sportfishing capital of the world, as you can charter a boat during your stay to catch 500 fish species or cast a line from the resort’s 525-foot pier.

Source: Instagram, posted on July 12th, 2022, South Seas Island Resort’s official profile.

South Seas Island Resort – Captiva Island

Fun and excitement are included in your stay at South Seas Island Resort. You can select from countless outdoor activities at the 330-acre retreat on Captiva Island, such as boating, parasailing, kayaking, and more.

Families, friends, or couples who adore the outdoors will want to return to South Seas Island Resort time and again. The secluded retreat and wildlife nature preserve is home to two-and-a-half miles of white sand beaches on the Florida Gulf Coast.

The elevated rooms, suites, and villas provide a luxury, comfortable environment to help you and your loved ones recover from a busy day of activities at the resort. You will not know where to start when it comes to outdoor pursuits, as you can go:

Banana boating
Wave running
Parasailing
Swimming with turtles or dolphins
Kayaking
Fishing

After you have dried off from the water fun, you can play tennis or pickleball on one of seven courts, go shelling along the beach or enjoy a sunset serenade cruise to watch a Gulf of Mexico sunset.

Source: Instagram, posted on April 10th, 2022, Tarpon Lodge & Restaurant’s official profile.

Tarpon Lodge & Restaurant – Pineland

Passionate paddleboarders, kayakers, and anglers will want to move to Tarpon Lodge & Restaurant in Pineland. Providing a mix of old and new Florida, you will remember every second of your stay at this gorgeous retreat.

Tarpon Lodge & Restaurant in Pineland, South Florida, has it all: history, luxury, and recreation. You will spend every night of your stay in the 1926 lodge, which blends old Florida charm with modern comfort and fun.

Wake up every morning of your vacation in a boathouse or cottage filled with character, providing more privacy and comfort than nearby hotel rooms. After making breakfast and enjoying a hot shower, you can enjoy select from many exciting activities throughout your stay. For example, you will never regret fishing or boating along the backwaters of Pine Island Sound, which is known for spotted sea trout, snook, and redfish. It is an angler’s dream vacation.

Passionate kayakers and paddleboards will be glad they made the journey to the resort, too. You could happily spend every waking moment of your vacation on The Great Calusa Blueway, as it connects 200 miles of inland tributaries with inlets and wetlands. It is an experience you will never forget.

Taking a Trip Back in History on the SS Badger

October 6, 2021 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Over the past weekend, I took a trip to Manitowoc, Wisconsin to celebrate the wedding of a close friend. Manitowoc, Wisconsin is a town I have visited a number of years ago, but it is a bit of a hike to get there when coming from my hometown. That being said I was looking for a way that I could bring my family over to Manitowoc without having to deal with the stress of driving through Chicago, which is the normal way I would have to travel. Typically from home, it would take me about 8 hours to drive around the lake through Chicago, Illinois. As I examined new ways to travel, I would either have to travel through the Upper Peninsula and it would take about 10-12 hours, or another option was traveling on the S.S. Badger, a car ferry that travels directly into Manitowoc, Wisconsin from Ludington, Michigan. Looking into the options, I chose to take my family across Lake Michigan on the S.S. Badger.

The S.S. Badger offers the largest cross-lake passenger service on the Great Lakes and an authentic steamship experience. The relaxing four-hour, 60-mile cruise takes passengers, autos, RVs, tour buses, motorcycles, bicycles, and commercial trucks across Lake Michigan between Ludington, Michigan, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

The S.S. Badger is the last coal-fired passenger steamship in operation in the United States. She has provided a fun, reliable and affordable shortcut across beautiful Lake Michigan for more than 60 years and has transported millions of passengers since her re-birth in 1992. In 2016 she received the nation’s highest historic honor when the Department of Interior officially designated the Badger as a National Historic Landmark. (Learn more about the history of the S.S. Badger).

Some interesting facts about the S.S. Badger

Length: 410 feet, 6 inches
Width: 59 feet, 6 inches
Height: 106 feet, 9 inches (7 stories)
Weight: 6650 tons displaced

Now you might be wondering, what is there to do on a 4 hour car ferry ride. Well….. to be honest, a ton! There is a ton going on during this voyage including:

ON BOARD

Famous Badger Bingo
Shopping in the “Boatique”
Staterooms
Enhanced Wi-Fi
Free Movies
Lounging
Open Deck for Walking and Fresh Air
Board Games
Museum
Quiet Areas

KID’S ACTIVITIES

Scavenger Hunt
Coloring Contest
Movie Theatre

DINING

All dining and bar locations feature items made with local Michigan and Wisconsin ingredients

Badger Galley
Full Service Bar

SHOP ON BOARD
The Best store available on the Great Lakes! Their online store features only a sampling of some of the unique finds for their onboard gift shop. You can also check out the small gift shop inside the new Ludington ticket office.

I ended up taking the S.S. Badger both to and from Wisconsin and my family had an amazing time. While 4 hours seems long by time, I will tell you, the time flies by and before you know it you are pulling into your destination. As we traveled, my family LOVED the famous S.S. Badger Bingo. The employees that led this effort made the game fun and funny and the prizes were ones that my kids loved to try to win.

All-in-all, this trip was a trip back in time. My father-in-law was someone that worked on the S.S. Badger sister ship, the Spartan back in the 1960s, and the trip over on this old ship really allowed you to enjoy your time while coming closer as a family.

The S.S. Badger usually ends trips across Lake Michigan in mid-October and starts trips again in the Spring.

If you have never traveled on the S.S. Badger before, I highly recommend you experience this for yourself as it is a memory that you will hold on to for years to come!

Find out more information about the S.S. Badger

Learn some amazing facts about the S.S. Badger

Medications You Should Take on Vacation

February 3, 2021 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Vacations are all about giving yourself a much-needed break away from the stress of working life. They’re fun, exciting and can give you the revitalization you’ve been looking for. However, the enjoyment you get from a vacation doesn’t mean they don’t take some planning and remembering to bring medications is one of the most important tasks. Here are the medications you should never forget when going on vacation.

Any Prescriptions

Most important of all, prescriptions are necessary wherever you go. Although the chances are you would never forget them, you should still make sure they are at the top of your list.

Anti-Allergies

If you are a sufferer of allergies (and maybe even if you’re not) you should take any anti-allergy medication with you. If you’re going somewhere new, you never know what might trigger symptoms! Some allergy eye drops and antihistamines won’t take up much room in your luggage but will be a lifesaver when your eyes and nose become itchy.

Motion Sickness Meds

Whether you’re traveling by plane, car or boat, you should stock up on some motion sickness meds. The last thing you want half-way through your journey is to throw up everywhere!

Pain Relief

While the chances are that you’ll be able to find pain-relief meds anywhere you go, it’s still handy to have them with you. Take them with you for any sudden headaches, toothaches, or muscle pains, so you can enjoy your vacation without the interruption of pain.

Sleep Remedies

Many people find sleeping on vacation difficult. If that’s the case, then take some sleep remedies with you. You can find some over-the-counter and, if you really have trouble sleeping, you can ask your doctor to prescribe stronger ones. If you’re taking a long plane ride, then they will help you sleep through that, too.

Diarrhea Meds

Travelers’ diarrhea is fairly common, so it won’t hurt to have some meds on hand to combat diarrhea and painful stomach cramps. You should also stay alert about what you’re consuming when away – food poisoning can ruin a large chunk of a vacation!

Tums

When you’re trying new foods, you might get hit with heartburn. That burning sensation in your chest is anything but pleasant, but carrying tums will help you fight it whenever you need to.

Cough Drops

A cough is annoying at the best of times, but on holiday, the last thing you want is for a persistent cough to interrupt your relaxation. Take a pack of cough drops with you to keep it at bay.

Vitamins

It’s harder to keep track of your eating when you’re on vacation, particularly when you’re enjoying a variety of restaurants and street food. An efficient way of making sure you’re getting all the vitamins you need is to take some multi-vitamins with you. If you’re taking a vacation to a colder country, then vitamin D is especially helpful.

Taking a lot of medications on vacation may make your ‘to pack’ list long, but they won’t take up much room in your luggage. Stay healthy and safe by packing all the essential medications you need so you can focus on having a glorious time.

4 Tips When Choosing Travel Accommodation As A Family

January 6, 2021 by dadofdivas 1 Comment

Everyone knows that family travel is the gift that keeps on giving. There’s no limit on the memories you create when traveling as a family, and it gets better every year. In truth, it’s one of the few things you can do with your kids when they’re well into their teens and adult years! Of course, for many of you, that’s a long way away. Instead, we’ll focus on family travel with younger children.

Thus, we arrive at a key topic when planning your trip: where will you stay? Traveling as a family throws up more complications and concerns than traveling alone or as a couple. Therefore, the accommodation options aren’t as diverse as they once were. You have limited places that are suitable, so how do you choose where your family stays? Here are a few major things to consider.

Space

Obviously, you need to find somewhere with enough space for your whole family. Now, this can rule out a few options as they’re simply not convenient. For instance, some hotels in the area might have small rooms or cramped family rooms that just don’t work for you. What if you have a family of 5, 6, or 7?! You can’t possibly stay in the same room, meaning you’d need to pay for multiple rooms in the same hotel. This throws up other concerns, which you’ll see in the next point.

Instead, you have to turn your attention to accommodation options with enough space for your family to feel comfortable. You could consider looking at a house for rent – it will give you more than enough space to enjoy your trip over a few days. Or, you may think about staying at a campsite – again, you have lots of space here as you can rent a static caravan or bring your own tents. Look at your family, think about how much space you need, then seek out suitable options.

Money

Naturally, money is a big part of choosing where to stay. This is why hotels aren’t always the best option for large families. As mentioned above, you may need to book two rooms for your entire family. Instead of paying for one room for a few nights, you now have double the costs! It quickly makes your family holiday far more expensive than it needs to be – and it’s even worse when you consider that you won’t be in the hotel for that much of your trip!

So, work out your budget and find accommodation options that suit it better than others. This will also influence your decision if you want to rent a house or an Airbnb for your trip. Instead of renting a massive villa, you can save money by renting a small apartment.

Safety

Keeping your family safe is of the utmost importance for all parents. Once more, this is why some families don’t like staying in separate rooms in a hotel. For starters, you need to get two rooms as close to one another as you can. If this isn’t possible, your family is split up, so there’s more risk of bad things happening. It’s rare, but what if someone breaks into the room where your kids are sleeping? There are also safety concerns surrounding some Airbnb’s or campsites as there might not be any strict security measures.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to discover all the security measures before choosing your accommodation. A key safety aspect is where the place is situated – is it in a rough part of town or somewhere that’s generally deemed safe?

Trip duration

The final factor is your trip duration. Now, this is pretty critical as it influences the cost of your accommodation. If you’re going away for a weekend, you suddenly have more options than if you’re away for two weeks. Staying in a hotel for two nights is nowhere near as expensive as booking one for two weeks! As such, it could be a more suitable option if you’re on a short trip.

Likewise, some accommodation options have minimum stay times. For example, a lot of campsites or short-term rentals have a 3-night minimum. If you’re not staying for that long, these options are crossed out for you.

All in all, you need to consider all four of these points before choosing where to stay during your trip. Think about how much space your family has, consider how long you’ll be staying, then work on finding the safest options within your budget. It sounds complicated, but you soon narrow down the possibilities and find the best places to stay.

Flushing Farms Provides Fall Family Fun!

October 7, 2020 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

This past weekend my family and I had the chance to go out to Flushing Farms in Flushing, Michigan. This time of year is always a time when my family and I love to go out and enjoy the fall and this farm provides families with all of the experiences they can expect when it comes to fall family fun!

So what should you expect if you visit?

Acres of fun await you at Flushing Farms! Twist and turn your way through on of their three corn mazes, pick your own pumpkin, bounce houses, hay bales to sit on, climb on or even jump between. Go on a hay ride, visit the petting farm and more.

They even had 3 large fire pits going where you could sit while you are enjoying some cider and donuts.

As a family we had a blast and I know your family will too!

Pricing

$12.00 – visitors 13 years and older

$8.00 – visitors 3- 12 years old (children under 3 years old are free.)

They accept all major credit & debit cards online and at the Farm.

What You Get

When you purchase admission to Flushing Farms, you have access to all the fall family fun you need. The cost of admission includes:

Three Corn Mazes (from easy to expert – hours of fun!)
A Pick-your-own Pumpkin Patch (50¢/pound)
Two inflatable obstacle courses
A bounce house (for kids only)
Hippity Hop Ball Raceway
A petting zoo
Straw mounds for climbing
Hay wagon and barrel train rides (unlimited)
A complimentary glass of cider & a donut
Fun for the whole family

Upon exit, wristbands can be used as a $2 off coupon toward the purchase of a pumpkin (10 lbs or more), a gallon of cider or a dozen donuts.

Some pictures from our visit:

4 Tips for Stress-Free Travel With Kids

June 24, 2020 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Every parent knows that traveling as a family can be difficult, particularly when you have young children. However, you shouldn’t let potential challenges discourage you from going on a family vacation and enjoying trips abroad. Fortunately, there are dozens of ways to ensure that your family getaway is relaxing and enjoyable for everyone. With this in mind, here are four tips for stress-free travel with kids:

1. Get kids involved

Getting your kids involved in the planning process is a great way to get them excited about an upcoming vacation and give them a sense of ownership over the trip. It will also help to prepare your kids for what to expect when you go away, meaning they’ll be more likely to be on their best behavior. Sit down as a family and discuss travel plans, such as what destination to visit, where to stay, and what activities to do while you’re on vacation. Try to be flexible and take your kids’ thoughts and opinions into account when making your travel plans.

2. Organize your travel plans

Booking early and being organized with your travel plans is particularly important when you are traveling with kids. Making plans last minute and being spontaneous may work for solo travelers or couples, but this style of travel is not well-suited to families or those traveling with young children. Instead, make your travel arrangements in advance and book your accommodation and transport as a minimum. You should also consider booking things like tours, activities, and even restaurants before you arrive at your destination, as many of these get fully booked in popular tourist areas. If you are traveling by plane, then you can book parking and transfers online. For instance, LaGuardia airport parking offers a secure online booking form where you can reserve your parking spot of choice before traveling. Having travel plans confirmed in advance will avoid any unnecessary stress and hassle during your vacation.

3. Avoid planning too much

Vacations allow you to spend quality time with your family and plan lots of fun activities and experiences. However, you should avoid planning too much when you go away, or you risk your kids becoming tired and frustrated. For that reason, you should try to limit your itinerary to one or two activities a day. Make sure you factor in plenty of leisure time where your kids can relax and take naps. You should also remember to pack a good selection of kid-friendly activities to keep your kids entertained when you’re not doing activities. According to advice on pretravels.com, you can keep kids occupied on their own by packing electronic games, coloring books, and healthy snacks.

4. Practice travel safety

Many parents worry about their kids wandering off or going missing on vacation. You can help to alleviate feelings of anxiety by practicing family travel safety. This should involve providing your kids with your contact information including details of the place where you are staying and choosing a family meeting point in case you get split up. You could also consider giving your kids a GPS tracking device to improve their safety and security while traveling.

The Best National Parks To Visit On a Road Trip

February 10, 2020 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

The US has some of the best natural spaces in the world. These beautiful spots are designated National Parks, and there’s a total of 62 official locations to choose from. It’s no surprise that people flock to these spots time and time again, and there is no shortage of opportunities for exploring the best that nature has to offer. The diverse ecosystems in play also open up a new world of experiences and sights to uncover, including some of the country’s most famous landmarks and vast untouched landscapes.

If you’re thinking of visiting a National Park this year, renting an RV is a great option. Road trips make for the perfect getaway, and you can pack everything up and just hit the open road.

However, there are a few things to consider before you travel, including:

What time of year you will be visiting – some parks are more suitable to visit during the spring/summer months due to extreme weather conditions. However, being prepared for anything is also advisable.

Don’t forget the essentials – If you’re traveling in an RV on your road trip, you’ll have plenty of space for the essentials. If your journey takes you off camping in remote spots, just be sure to have everything you need in case of emergencies.

Get insured – Don’t forget vacation insurance while you’re away, including health cover, as accidents can happen.

So once that’s all covered, you can start planning your adventure. So where is best to go? Take a look below:

Great Smoky Mountains

As one of the country’s most popular National Parks, it’s not hard to see why people come to this fantastic location. It’s one of the most biodiverse spots in the world and has a variety of flora, fauna, and wildlife just waiting to be explored. If you want to take the kids on a history lesson, this park is ideal for learning more. It’s packed with history and was home to some of the earliest human settlements. One of the most spectacular sights is admiring the leaves as they turn during the fall season, as the colors blanket the landscape.

Zion National Park

In the west, you’ll find the beauty of Zion National Park. This scenery is ever-reaching and has a distinctive desert-like appearance, which gives us the illusion of how Mars might look. Scattered throughout this landscape, you’ll also see sparkling waters and riverways that break up the striking rock formations. It’s quite hot here in the summer, so spring and fall is an excellent time to visit. There are many campsites inside and outside of the park, so it’s an excellent opportunity to admire the beauty of the area on your road trip adventure.

Denali National Park

If you’re visiting Alaska this year, then a road trip to Denali National Park is a must-visit. This spot is said to be one of the best landscapes for admiring the state’s raw and untamed scenery. Plus, the vastness of the terrain makes it a perfect spot to enjoy total peace and tranquillity. If your family loves winter sports, this is an ideal place to take them. In the winter, the pretty snow-capped landscape is a sight to behold, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy including skiing and snowboarding.

Grand Canyon National Park

As one of the country’s most famous locations, Grand Canyon National certainly upholds its title. It is the largest canyon in existence and covers an expanse of 1.2 million acres in northern Arizona. The vastness of this landscape is breathtaking and is undoubtedly one of those bucket-list moments. You can take a trip to this spot from Las Vegas in a few hours, and there’s also the opportunity to see everything from the air on a helicopter tour if your budget allows.

Olympic National Park

Located in the northwestern states of the country, you’ll find the beauty of Olympic National Park. This park covers a diverse range of landscapes; in fact, four in total, and it has everything you need for a fantastic road trip. Traveling through it, you will see the Pacific coastline, emerald rainforest, and alpine landscapes. Plus, there are miles of trails to hike that take you straight to the heart of the park.

These are just a few of the top National Parks to visit on a road trip. Each has a unique and enchanting atmosphere that makes it a truly memorable experience for everyone. Why not start planning your vacation now, and see how many of these fantastic parks you can visit.

Dad Tips: Take Some Me-Time and Study for a Master’s to Boost Your Career

November 11, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash

When you’re feeling like burning the candle at both ends hasn’t been working and it’s time to take the foot off the gas, then deciding on some me-time is very healthy. Make sure that you’re doing it for the right reasons though.

During your sabbatical, your time is your own again. You can decide how you wish to invest it. Certainly, there are some interesting educational possibilities. Also, there are other things that you can do to rejuvenate your body or broaden your outlook to life. Taking time for yourself is meaningful because it affords you the opportunity to recharge before embarking on the next phase or stage of what life has to offer.

So, let’s look at a few ways that you can spend your me-time, productively or not.

Go on Vacation for a Month or Longer

Depending on how much time you expect to take off, the first thing on most people’s list is to go on vacation. With Americans, we’re usually restricted to just two weeks a year compared to four or more weeks of vacation in Europe or the UK. This restricts how far we can usually go and for how long too.

Instead, you’re now able to choose an inspiring destination based on desire and not a restrictive amount of time off. A country-hopping trip through Asia is now a distinct possibility. Also, a visit to South or Central America, rather than just down to Cancun for a rushed, expensive long weekend, would allow you to sample different cuisine along the way and soak up plenty of local culture.

If the kids don’t have to be in school, why not take them with you to make some cool memories?

Photo by Kelly Russo on Unsplash

Combine a Trip with New Experiences Too

Going away is your chance to unwind and then broaden your mind by trying new experiences you wouldn’t normally do in your everyday life.

Learning a few words and phrases of a new language to make your travel more enjoyable and easier is certainly a possibility. It doesn’t even need to be done in a constructive manner – picking it up intentionally from local people is effective too.

There’s the chance to volunteer in third-world countries if you feel up to it. However, don’t do it because you feel obligated; the point of the trip is to unwind in new surroundings, not to give yourself another job!

Make a List of Things to Do When Back Home

While away, when your mind returns to thoughts of home, use To-Do list app like Any.DO or another one to note ideas down before you forget them.

You might find yourself interested in local history and want to visit a museum. Alternatively, there are plenty of activities just a drive or train ride away that will make life interesting on the home front.

The list shouldn’t be just chores or the equivalent of tasks you never seem to get to that still must be done someday.

Photo by Muhammad Rizwan on Unsplash

Advancing Your Career

When you feel ready for it, studying for an online lean manufacturing degree can really boost your career potential in the manufacturing field.

Not only will you learn about just-in-time production and learn manufacturing to bring new efficiencies to a role but using Six Sigma in manufacturing with defined problem-solving methodologies will improve your ability to plan and troubleshoot too.

The course is also strong on using analytics and critical thinking to develop greater reliability and maintain quality standards within manufacturing. Having an analytical mind doesn’t hurt at all with this kind of study and subsequent work.

This type of degree course will be of particular interest to employers with differing manufacturing plants that keep having quality control issues that threaten long-term supplier contracts.

Addressing Major Projects at Home

Projects at home that will take longer than a weekend to pursue and complete typically get shoved to one-side or semi-permanently put on the back burner due to having a full-time job. When taking time away from work for an extended period and once reenergized, it’s the perfect time to reconsider some of these deferred home projects:

Kitchen Remodeling

A kitchen remodeling project usually puts most of the kitchen out of action for at least a week or more. Whether you choose to have the experts come in to strip out the old kitchen and install a completely new one or you prefer to do the work yourself, it’s certainly going to be highly disruptive.

Backyard Reimagining

The backyard area may be one that you’ve never liked since moving in. However, limited available time has stymied your ability to do anything about it (or even to consider what you wish to change).

A reimagining can include putting in a patio, a deck or landscaping the garden to break it into manageable spaces with some detailed work gone into the garden to bring it back to life. It’s really up to you to decide what you feel can be done with the space. If you’re unsure, see if you can get the interest of a landscape gardener to create some interesting plans. You can pay them for the planning even if you don’t end up going forward with their team.

Installing Hardwood Flooring Throughout the Home

Taking up the existing carpets and other floors to completely replace it is difficult to do when you’re holding down a full-time job. It’s much easier when you have time on your hands either to do the work yourself or let people in and out of the property who are completing the project on your behalf.

Not having to rush out to work means you can supervise from a distance to make sure everything is up to your expected standards too.

Other Projects

It’s important to not mix a complex or time-consuming project with a series of minor ones that can be completed on a weekend in between two workweeks. Focus your energies on what is really going to move the needle, so when you get back to work, they’re not still waiting to be completed.

By taking a balanced approach to time off work, it’s possible to pace yourself. Spreading out what you wish to change and making new advancements based on career goals is all possible when giving yourself time to recover from possible burnout first.

What to Book Before You Go on Vacation

November 9, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

You are going on an exciting trip – it could be your first one as a family, or the latest in a long line of adventures together. You’ve got everything sorted, and you’re ready to go and discover somewhere new.

Hang on, though, because you might not have arranged everything that you need to. Of course, you’ve booked the hotel and flights, but is that all you have to deal with? These might be small things that may have slipped your mind, or others you think you’ll be able to get once you arrive, but you may get a nasty surprise when the items you need aren’t available, or the service you’ve been counting on is fully booked. Here’s what you should look into before you depart.

Renting a Car

Think you can turn up at the airport and rent a car when you get there? You might be able to, but if you’re going during peak vacation time, then you could be disappointed and get a car that’s not suitable for you and your family needs – or none at all!

So your best bet is to reserve your rental car as early as you can before your getaway, so you can get a vehicle that will meet your expectations. Expert companies, such as Advantage Car Rental, will let you do so ahead of time, and give you a choice of vehicle groups to choose from. You can also pick up your rental car from the airport or, in some locations, popular city hotspots.

Pet sitter

Have you got a cat, dog, or other pet at home? If you do, you should book for your furry or feathered friends to be looked after by someone you trust. Many people arrange for pet sitters who can visit your home during your vacation to feed and care for them.

The earlier you do this, the better; this means you can have a meet-and-greet with your sitter, who can then meet your pet(s) before you leave and learn about their routines. Booking early is recommended if your pet will need to be visited at least twice a day, require an overnight stay or boarding in kennels.

Excursions

So you’ve arrived at your destination, you’ve picked up your rental car, and the cat is being cared for at home. You can now relax and enjoy your time together. Or can you?

If you’ve got certain sights you want to see and trips to go on during your time away, then you should look into whether you need to book any tickets for these events in advance. You should be okay with most places, but there’s a chance that others have restrictions on the number of people they let in at any one time if your particular attraction is popular. You can also have special arrangements made ahead of time.

For visits to Walt Disney World in Florida, for instance, you need to plan in advance. It’s recommended that items such as FastPasses, dining reservations and other unmissable experiences are booked well before travel. Some are bookable up to 180 days ahead, so make sure you look into these before you go.

How to Make the Most of a Short Vacation

October 1, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

When you really need a break from work to go on a vacation, but you just can’t fit one in, it can certainly feel like the universe is against you. There’s no need to feel down, however. Two or three days is enough to fit in exactly the break you need. You can have a fun-filled, relaxing or activity-based weekend vacation and make it feel like a two-week stay with these simple tips.

1. Plan Your Itinerary
When you have two whole weeks to plan what you’re going to do, you can easily leave it until when you get there and see what you feel like doing, but when you’ve only got two or three days, you need to be prepared from the get-go so that you don’t waste a second of your time.

If you want to visit attractions, check their opening times beforehand and plan to get there as soon as they open so that you can spend as much time there as you want to. Even more vital: choose the attractions that you want to visit ahead of time! You don’t want to be still discussing where you want to go when you’re having breakfast and need to leave soon.

2. Rent a Car
It can be a pain to rely on public transport when you have limited time. Buses often don’t turn up when they say they will, and this can put a strain on your vacation when you’ve only got so much time.

To avoid this altogether, contact E-Z Rent a Car; they will be able to provide you with a vehicle wherever you are taking a vacation, so you can do it your own way and save time on the highway.

You can also go off the beaten track when you’re driving your own car, so you can fully experience the destination of your vacation without limits.

3. Don’t Overbook It
In most destinations, there are probably many places and attractions that you want to visit and experience, but there simply won’t be enough time to see them all, even on a longer vacation. You don’t want to overbook your vacation and make it a stressful experience for you. After all, it is supposed to be about relaxing and having fun.

Instead, plan to visit a few tourist attractions and be realistic about how much time you can or will spend there. There is no fun in having a fully packed itinerary if you miss half of it and spend the visits you did make feeling tired or run down.

Short vacations make for a great burst of fun and activity and are a nice little break from the routine stress of everyday life. It’s good to keep in mind that if you do approach a weekend vacation like a two-week vacation, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. They can be just the break you need if you plan them well and treat them as what they are: short.