5 Things a Local Would Take You To On Your First Visit to Tacoma, Washington

Welcome to Tacoma, Washington! It's a city with a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest and my home for the last few decades! I love it here! There's something for everyone from the nature lover to the history buff to the art enthusiast with plenty of adventure in between! Most people think of Seattle when they come to our area, and I really think that visitors are missing out on an incredible city by not making the time to come to this lesser-known area. If you were coming to visit Tacoma for the first time, here are the 5 things I'd take you to do!

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The Pros and Cons of Going on Safari to East Africa During the Rainy Season

Going to Africa is a bucket list trip for many! You could read on and on about when you should go to Africa, but sometimes your schedule {like ours!} dictates when you are actually available to travel. Most travelers choose to visit during the dry season, which is usually the end of June to the end of October. After we booked our trip and before we traveled I got sucked into blog post after blog post and article after article telling me why November was a horrible time to visit Africa! I got nervous and started tempering my expectations. After taking a three-week-long trip to East Africa in November, where we went on safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, trekked gorillas in Uganda, went to Ngorongoro Crater, and made our way through Serengeti National Park before ending our trip with relaxation in Zanzibar, I started a running list of the pros and cons of visiting East Africa on safari in November. The pros list was surprisingly longer than I anticipated and this was the post I was hoping to read before our trip. Since I didn't find an honest report {outside of the ones that said don't book the trip!}, I am sharing our experience here in the hope that it will help you too!

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Exploring San Diego Pacific Beach Area

Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of Southern California lies the coastal gem we know and love as San Diego. It's a city known for it's vibrant culture, stunning beaches and year-round sunshine. It has many beachfront neighborhoods, but Pacific Beach stands out from the rest as a haven for surfers, sunbathers, and young {and young at heart} folks! You'll find an iconic boardwalk, breathtaking sunset, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Pacific Beach is the perfect place to explore when you visit San Diego on that quintessential California beach getaway!

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Make the Most of a Day in Great Stirrup Cay and Spend $0!

Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. I've cruised a few times before, but this was my first time experiencing a cruise line's private island port. I am not going to lie, I didn't have high expectations for our visit. One of the things I like about cruising is that you can have a multitude of experiences from different cruise ports, especially cultural experiences. A cruise ship island is devoid of those cultural experiences. If you strip that all away, you just have a beach. And I do like the beach. But do I like a beach where 4500 people trade a boat for the sand for the day? I wasn't so sure! In the end, Great Stirrup Cay actually surprised me the most. But there were some things we did that set us up to enjoy the island even more and I'm sharing all my secrets with you so that you can enjoy them too. And it won't cost you any more money! 

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Exploring San Diego Mission Bay Area

San Diego has a lot to offer visitors with its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant culture, and endless recreational opportunities. There are lots of hidden gems just waiting to be explored and one of them is the Mission Bay Marina area. It's the perfect haven for relaxation and adventure. It's surrounded by 27 miles of meandering shoreline and is bordered by several beach communities, giving you the best of everything! The area tends to draw a mellower, more laid-back crowd and offers a coastal paradise that perfectly blends comfort and exploration! If you are trying to find a home base for your visit to San Diego, look no further! The Mission Bay area is the perfect spot!

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Pros and Cons of Cruise Ship Private Island Ports

The allure of cruising lies not only in the opportunity to explore exotic destinations but also in the opportunity to wake up in a new place every single day ready for a new experience. More and more cruise lines are offering the unique experience of exploring secluded paradises in the form of a beach island, usually nestled away from the hustle and bustle of typical tourist hotspots. They promise a day of relaxation, adventure, and exclusive amenities on cruise line-owned private islands. However, like any destination, there are both pros and cons to stopping at these private islands, and understanding them will help you make the most educated decision the next time you are considering a cruise with a private island port of call. I recently stopped on our Caribbean cruise in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas and this is what I took away from our first cruise line-owned private island experience.

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5 Things I'm Glad I Packed for a Caribbean Cruise

Ahoy mateys! If you are like me, the mere mention of a cruise to the Caribbean gets you excited for sun-soaked shores, crystal-clear waters, and the rhythmic sway of the ocean. I thrive on new experiences and exploring new places, plus the thrill of the open sea and the possibilities ahead always make cruise travel exciting for me. I recently embarked on a memorable spring break cruise with one of my college kiddos to the Caribbean that left me with a treasure trove of memories and a newfound appreciation for the art of packing just the right thing to make your life that much more enjoyable! It is essential to be well-prepared and I'm excited to share this top five list of items that made my cruise experience not only unforgettable but also seamlessly enjoyable. If a cruise is in your future, take note!

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The Perfect Itinerary for 48 Hours in Olympic National Park

Tucked in the northwestern corner of Washington State, Olympic National Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking diverse landscapes, unique ecosystems, and breathtaking views! This pristine wilderness encompasses nearly one million acres of untamed beauty, showcasing everything from lush rainforests and alpine peaks to rugged coastline. The Olympics really do have it all! In only 48 hours, you really can hit the highlights. This is the ultimate guide to help you make the most of your short but unforgettable journey through Olympic National Park.

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The Best Excursions on a Cruise to Alaska

A cruise to Alaska is at the top of a lot of people's bucket lists. And for good reason! It's not called the Last Frontier for nothing! Alaska beckons adventurers with its breathtaking landscapes, pristine wilderness, and abundant wildlife. One of the best ways to explore this rugged beauty is by embarking on a cruise to Alaska. There's something magical about sailing through icy fjords, witnessing towering glaciers, and encountering majestic marine life all from the comfort of your cruise ship and without ever leaving the United States! If Alaska is on your list, I'm here to help you dive into the must-visit ports of call: Juneau, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, and Sitka. 

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10 of the Hardest Things About Becoming an Empty Nester

When you have a house full of young kids constantly vying for your attention, it feels like you'll never have a moment to yourself ever again. You are never alone in your own home. You're always keeping track of multiple schedules and don't get me started on the never-ending grocery runs and last-minute errands you are making because someone just has to have something {poster board at 10 pm anyone?}. But then it all sneaks up on you. The house is empty. The kids are gone, and you are sitting in that empty nest you never thought would clear out. We had kids young, so many of our peers still have kids at home and look at our empty nest with longing. I'm not sure I could tell you how many times I've been asked what it's like or how we are doing as empty nesters. I often can't put it into words if I'm honest. Usually, I just say it's quiet. Sometimes I say that the house stays clean a lot longer. But really, if I had a captive audience that really wanted to know, these are the 10 hardest things I've found about becoming an empty nester.

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Planning a Hot Air Balloon Safari in the Serengeti: Everything You Need to Know

Going on safari was always a dream of mine! I had the chance to go on one for the first time in the Masai Mara after a vision trip with an NGO. It was quick! Just three short days and two nights. We took full advantage of our time on safari, and when we woke up for an early morning sunrise game drive, I noticed a sky full of hot air balloons departing. It was magical! I knew because of our limited schedule that we wouldn't have time for a hot air balloon safari then, so I dreamed of one day returning and knew that when I did, I'd make sure it was a priority. It took me ten years to get back on Safari, but when we did, I made sure that we made the time to plan a hot air balloon safari in the Serengeti. Here is everything you need to know if this experience is on your bucket list too!

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Planning a Hot Air Balloon Safari in the Serengeti

 

The Serengeti has vast plains that are teeming with wildlife. It's a mesmerizing destination that will captivate the heart of any adventure seeker and nature enthusiast! Traditional safaris are a popular choice for exploring this iconic region, but a hot-air balloon safari provides a totally new perspective! Waking up before sunrise and watching the sky light up while silently drifting over the beautiful Serengeti landscape is something you'll never forget. 

 

Having a birds-eye view, quite literally, while watching the wildlife below, is something you are going to want to add to the bucket list! I promise you, it will not disappoint! Here's everything you need to know to plan and prepare for a hot air balloon safari in the Serengeti!

 

Choosing the Right Time for a Hot Air Balloon Safari

 

The Serengeti has distinct seasons. There is a dry season from June to October. The dry season actually draws animals out and makes it easier to view wildlife because there is less hiding. Most people consider this the best time to go on safari and view animals. Some people want to view the Great Migration. If this is on your bucket list, it's best to try to plan for January to March when the wildebeest and zebras calve in the southern Serengeti. 

 

 

We actually went in November, which is considered the short rainy season. What we found about going in the rainy season is that there was a cloud cover that took away the bright sunrises and sunsets you often see that are quintessential Africa. We rarely had rain, but when we did it was short. Everything in the area was very green. All this green does mean that the animals have everything that they need and can often scatter further away from the main paths requiring a little more effort to actually see animals. But that doesn't mean that there was a shortage of animal sightings!

 

We also found that going in the rainy season means that it is the low season. Fewer people are visiting {yeah!}, but that also means that there are fewer hot air balloon opportunities. In fact, the company that we selected goes from having a dozen hot air balloons launching daily to only having two or three. That also means that they only have one launch location as opposed to the two that they normally have. Because of this, it required a morning wake-up call at 2:30 am, a departure at 3, and a bumpy two-hour drive before we made it to launch. Our tour operator didn't notice this {or thought maybe we wouldn't care?}. It's one thing I wish we had done differently staying closer to the main areas so we didn't have as long of a drive to get to the launch site. But all things considered, it ended up working out just fine, just meant an early morning and more driving.

 

Hot Air Balloon Cancelations

 

Safety is everyone's number one concern. As the mom of a pilot, I fully understand how much havoc weather can wreak on your plans. We spoke with some fellow passengers, who were scheduled for a hot air balloon safari the day prior and it was canceled due to strong winds. They still had to wake up early, they still had to arrive at the launch site and they still had to wait to see if they could launch. They were placed on the next day's schedule, but if you have a jam-packed agenda, weather and cancellations may make rescheduling difficult. If your flight is canceled because of the weather, make sure that you will be fully refunded or are offered priority rescheduling.

 

Selecting a Hot Air Balloon Operator

 

We left this in the hands of our tour operator. Planning a trip to Africa was the first time we felt like we really couldn't adequately plan our own trip. There were far too many moving parts. To make a successful trip, you are going to want to find a tour operator that you trust. They will know the reputable operators to use. We actually booked through Miracle Experience and I'd highly recommend them. 

 

Book Your Hot Air Balloon Experience in Advance

 

Hot air balloon safaris have hit an all-time peak. They are a very popular attraction, especially in the Serengeti and availability can be limited, especially during peak season. To secure your spot and avoid any disappointment, you should book your safari as far in advance as possible. 

 

Preparing for a Hot Air Balloon Safari

 

Once your safari is booked, there likely won't be much to think about until the day before your trip. You're guide will likely discuss a meeting point and plan a pickup time. Our hot air balloon guide actually stayed at our resort the night before. We met him the evening prior, signed all of our release forms and he answered any and all of our questions. 

 

Most operators provide transportation from lodges and camps to the launch site. They will arrange pick-up times with your driver guide once you are finished with your balloon safari. 

 

Hot air balloon safaris typically only take place early in the morning when the winds are calm and the wildlife is most active. Be prepared for an early morning wake-up call! I was surprised that once we were in the air, I wasn't cold at all, but I did dress warmly because it can get chilly in the early morning hours as you wait for launch. You will want to wear comfortable clothing and it's required to wear closed-toe shoes. If you have long hair, you will be asked to tie it back. If you are bald {like my husband}, you might be more comfortable with a hat, otherwise, the heat from the burner might make your head hot! You will also want to pack a good zoom lens for your camera and bring binoculars if you have them.

 

Experiencing a Hot Air Balloon Safari

 

Once you arrive at the launch site, your driver will point you in the direction of the bathrooms. These are the nicest outdoor toilets I've ever used in my life! They also have a bar with warm drinks. Since our drive was so long, we arrived right as they were gathering all the guests to head to their respective hot air balloons for launch instruction. 

 

You'll be matched with a pilot and that pilot will gather the people in his balloon for a safety briefing. They take this safety briefing very seriously and require all eyes on them and phones down and away. 

 

The Serengeti Start

 

The one thing that is unique to a hot air balloon ride in the Serengeti is what they call a Serengeti start. They actually start the balloon on its side and the passengers climb in on their backs in a seated position with your arms grabbing a safety bar. As the balloon inflates, a truck pulls the basket upright and then the balloon launches. Once the balloon is in the air, you can stand up in the basket. There are four basket compartments and four people can fit in each compartment for a total of 16 on your flight plus the pilot. 

 

Once You're in the Air

 

I think the one thing that surprised us about our ride in the hot air balloon was that it was so smooth. I occasionally get motion sickness and it wasn't an issue. It was the smoothest ride I've ever been on!

 

Your pilot will point out animals as you fly, but the route is always changing since you fly with the winds. The balloon often soared fairly low {often just above the tree tops} and if you were able to spot an animal group with enough foresight, the pilot attempted to steer closer and lower to get a better view. But if you know anything about steering a hot air balloon, you'll know that it can be a challenge since you are at the mercy of the winds!

 

The perspective is so different from the air and provides a completely unique experience! We flew over a tree with some eagles nesting at the top. We could watch the eagles watch us as we flew by! We saw a family of elephants and while the baby was curious, the mama wasn't quite so keen on us getting in her air space! The giraffes also ran quickly at the sound of the burner. On safari, the animals are so used to the trucks they hardly notice you, but in the hot air balloon, they just aren't as comfortable.

 

Most balloon experiences last about an hour, sometimes a little bit more if your pilot is looking for an adequate landing spot. Your balloon is followed by a chase crew that also has a radio. They will meet you on the ground. The pilot will explain their landing procedure and you may bump and jump just a bit on landing but you are seated in the same position that you launched from, so it was really quite smooth. 

 

Celebrating with Champagne

 

There's a long history of champagne and hot air balloons. The pilot went into a whole thing about how the inventor of the hot air balloon used to carry champagne as a way to make peace with the farmer's fields he would land in. Champagne continues to be a hot air ballooning tradition and on most hot air balloon safaris a traditional champagne breakfast or toast will await you upon landing. 

 

After we landed our balloon company actually transported us to a different location for a full breakfast experience. There was a lavish spread in the bush with an amazing breakfast. It was an incredible way to start the day! 

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A sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti was just as magical as I expected it to be. I'm sure I'll never do anything like it again! It's definitely one to add to your travel bucket list.

 

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Everything You Need to Know to Prepare for a Gorilla Trekking Bucket List Trip in Africa

Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to observe and interact with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. As an animal lover, who likes nothing more than seeing animals in the wild, this was an item on the bucket list I couldn't wait to experience. I had traveled to Africa twice before and in preparation for my third trip, I knew I wanted to add gorilla trekking to my experience. I was not disappointed! Travelers can take part in the unique adventure in three different African countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Each destination offers its own set of attractions and challenges, and I'll do my best to help educate you so that you can choose the one that works best with your preferences and travel goals. I'll also share a few things I wish I had known and some things that really worked well for us on our gorilla trekking experience. If you've got gorilla trekking on your bucket list too, or if you've never even considered it, keep reading!

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What to Do if Your Hotel has Bed Bugs

Never in a million years did I think I'd run into this problem, but we did. On night one of a three-week-long trip to Africa in a luxury hotel no less! We had our first encounter with bed bugs...that I know of. I guess I was just blissfully unaware for the whole of my life. Heck, even after squishing the pesky bug, we didn't even know that it was a bed bug until we used Google images to identify it solely out of curiosity. My body itched for days and now I'll never travel the same way again. Now that I know, here is what I'm doing differently. Here are some tips for traveling, signs to look for, and what to do if you do come across a bed bug infestation!

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This is Everything You Need to Know About Working Out at Home From Someone Who Cut the Gym Membership 8 years Ago!

Have you ever kept a New Year's resolution? I've kept one that I can think of in my whole entire life and I know I've made far more than that! But I feel really good about the one that I kept, so I'm calling that long-term success! I was one of those people who flooded the gyms in January with a resolution to create new healthy habits. I had never really worked out before. I wasn't super athletic and I didn't do any sports outside of rec gymnastics for a handful of years at the Y when I was in elementary school. I was often last picked for any PE group and despite finishing in the top every year when I ran the mile for the presidential physical fitness challenge, no one really saw any athletic potential in me. So I just figured it wasn't important. Until I started getting older and I kept hearing how your body changes with age and I knew I needed to probably do something. So I joined a gym. Of course, I switched as soon as my free six-week trial was over and I tried another gym! But through it all, I remained consistent.
I gained confidence in what my body could do, and I genuinely felt better and stronger. I loved group fitness classes and I had a routine. That was until we moved. We didn't move far, but it didn't make sense to continue to drive out of my way for 25 minutes just to work out, so I switched gyms. The new gym was close to home, but it lacked those group fitness classes I really liked. I tried a multitude of things from specialty gym facilities to online programs, before I finally found something that worked for me; working out at home. I cut my gym membership eight years ago and I haven't looked back!
Here is everything you need to know about working out from home! I've got the good, the bad, and the ugly! Are you ready for it?

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Rediscovering Yourself-Wellness Tips for Empty Nesting Women

Becoming an empty nester is a significant life transition that brings many emotions. While it may feel bittersweet to see your children leave the nest, it also presents an opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth. If this is a transition that's not far off for you or if it's one you've found yourself in recently like I have, we'll explore various wellness tips and practices to help empty-nesting women navigate this new chapter with grace and find their identity beyond parenthood. I feel like once the kids moved out, I finally had no more excuses to not use the energy I used on their health and well-being and use it on my own. Here are some things I did that might help you too!

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How to Teach Budgeting to Teens in the Age of Consumerism

Admittedly, this is the most boring title for a post ever, but after raising three kids through junior high and high school, I'm telling you, this is something that will come up in parenting and it's best to have a plan. We are constantly bombarded with messages everyday tempting us to buy things we don't need. But we are adults. Teens are walking the halls of school or hanging out at sports events or scrolling social media and they are REALLY getting bombarded. They get messages that they can only be cool if they have this new pair of shoes {that cost $125}, or to look their best, they need the super special lip balm that costs $25 {and they will promptly lose it in under a week}. They see viral and trending videos with quick and easy ways to purchase BUT only for a limited time or it will run out and you will suddenly be the uncoolest uncool person in your whole school. 
As parents, how do we raise budget-minded kids in a world full of consumerism? I'm going to lay out a few practical tips that we did while we were raising our kids and hopefully, you'll get an idea or two so that you can help created budget-minded teens in a world full of consumerism.

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How to Score the Best Discounts After the Holidays

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration and gift-giving and it feels like it goes by so quickly and then comes right back again just as fast! As the festivities start to wind down, savvy shoppers can take advantage of those after-holiday sales. While most think of taking advantage of holiday sales around Christmas, there are other holidays with seasonal items too, and these tips work for those as well, so think outside of the box! You can score some pretty incredible deals, get discounts and bargains that will allow you to save more and spend less. You might even be able to give more generously because you are able to get such a great deal! Whether you're a seasoned bargain hunter or new to the game, this guide will help equip you with the tips I've been using for decades so that you can navigate and make the most of those after-holiday sales.

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