When is The Best Time to Take a Cruise to Alaska

Not going to lie, a cruise to Alaska wasn't really that high on my list of things I wanted to do in terms of travel experiences. Mostly because I'm always cold and I didn't want to trade my summer months, the only time I know it will be warm in my home area, for unpredictable gloomy weather, something we generally get nine months out of the year! But I was pleasantly surprised and definitely converted after taking a cruise to Alaska from my home port in Seattle. Alaska has some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes, majestic glaciers, and untouched beauty, not to mention abundant wildlife. I can see why a cruise to Alaska is usually high on people's bucket list! That being said, most people have very high expectations for these types of trips, and they want them to be perfect, so I can see why choosing the best time to embark on an Alaskan cruise can be a bit daunting. We are going to dig into a few different factors and look at some pros and cons so you can make an informed decision that will be best for you and your family! Are you ready?

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Three Must Visit Islands Around Seattle

The Seattle area is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking islands, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and adventure. Whether you're seeking a serene escape, outdoor exploration, or a cultural getaway, the islands of Camano, Vashon, and Whidbey all have their own distinct charms. They are each my favorite and all for very different reasons! I'm sure that you will see why and you'll be drawn to do your own exploration and discovery as well! Take some notes, and start jotting down all the reasons to explore a few of my favorite islands around Seattle!

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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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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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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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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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Exploring Bothell, Washington: A Charming Retreat at Anderson School Hotel

I'm going to let you in on a secret hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest that offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and urban amenities. Whether you're seeking a relaxing getaway, an adventure-packed vacation or a tucked away town that's close to Seattle, but isn't in the heart of it, Bothell has something to offer for everyone. In this blog post, I'll introduce you to the delightful Anderson School Hotel. You aren't going to want to miss visiting this historic junior high school turned hotel property! I'll even share some tips to help you make your trip to Bothell unforgettable.

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How to Plan a Cheap Staycation That Feels Expensive

Have you ever found yourself desperately in need of a vacation, but you can’t actually travel? Our family loves traveling and exploring the world as a family. But sometimes, traveling away from home just isn’t in your budgeting cards. If it feels like everyone is headed out of town, but you can't leave your backyard, I've got some tips so that you can help plan a cheap staycation that feels expensive and can give you that break that you need!

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Everything You Need to Know Before You Go to Juneau, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska is a popular port if you are taking a cruise to Alaska, but it's also a great place to plan a stand-alone trip too as well. There are plenty of shore excursions to take so that you can explore this Southeast Alaska gem. This Alaska town, like many others, was born because of gold and after a whole treasure trove was found and a rush occurred, Juneau became the state capital. It's fairly easy to get to. From Seattle, it's only a two-hour flight. So come explore Juneau, Alaska and see what you should plan while you are there!

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10 Best Destinations to Visit This Summer

Planning a summer vacation is so inviting! With so many possible destinations on the horizon and a year of being cooped up, you are finally ready to head out there and start traveling again. If you are looking for a great destination to visit this summer, here are ten of the best destinations to visit this summer.

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10 Best Beach Locations to Travel to if You Live on the West Coast

**This post was written before COVID-19. I've pushed back the scheduling of it for months. Be aware that different states have different travel requirements in place right now. 
Growing up in the Midwest, I didn't realize how good I had it. It was an easy flight to most Caribbean beaches. Living on the west coast for the past few decades, I've realized how much more difficult it is to get to the Caribbean to enjoy the beautiful pristine white sand beaches and turquoise water. That doesn't mean we have to trade-in our hopes of having a beach vacation. Live on the west coast? Read on for the perfect beach escape!

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15 Unbelievable Places You Should Add to your Future Travel Bucket List {After COVID}

Paris, Amsterdam, and London are incredible destinations, with their unique culture, picturesque streets, and iconic landmarks. But that’s where everyone’s going once we’re able to travel again, right? So if you want to avoid overcrowded parks and long lines of tourists, then make sure to add these incredible places to your post-corona travel bucket. 

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National Parks That are Open Right Now!

Although the summer travel season is right on your doorstep, the pandemic is making vacationing a little bit more interesting! There are over 60 parks adopting different types of security measurements and gradually reopening, but everything can change at a moment’s notice. {Does that not seem like the trend of 2020???}

For now, these are the national parks where you can take a social distancing hike or get a whiff of fresh air. Make sure to see the latest updates on official sites and follow CDC recommendations. 

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10 Reasons to Stay in a VRBO Rental on Your Next Trip

Hotels have gotten expensive over the years, and I’ve found that many times, they are not worth the price! In a hotel, you are usually stuck with a single uncomfortable bed that was easily three digits, if not more, for your stay! If you travel with your family, no one is happy because everyone is on top of each other with no privacy or break from each other. This separation is the key to a happy family vacation with pre-teens and teens if you were wondering. Not only that, in the current state of the world, having space for your family that allows you a change of scenery from your four walls, a home rental from VRBO will also allow you the ability to get away in a safe way. If you are looking for a new way to stay, try giving a VRBO Rental a try on your next trip! It will change the way you travel. Here are ten reasons why you should stay in a VRBO Rental.

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Everything You Need to Know About Visiting the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is one of the largest destination events for the greater Seattle area during the spring. Mother Nature decides when the tulips bloom, but you'll likely find rows of colorful flowers in bloom during the month of April. During the tulip festival, millions of flowers come to life creating a magnificent display of color. I've got everything you need to know if you want to visit the Skagit Valley during the Tulip Festival.

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Doing Good in Downtown Seattle

This time of year gets extra busy, so why not set aside 24 hours for a couples getaway? It's also the time of giving, so why not make the most of both and book an evening at the Charter Hotel Seattle, Curio Collection by Hilton and give back to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center with the Hilton Legacy Package.  I love being downtown and I love giving back, and we have all been affected by cancer in some way, so why not support this amazing partnership and enjoy your time in Seattle being pampered AND doing good.

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10 Things that Make Beaches Resorts Different from Other All-Inclusive Resorts

I don't like watching the same movie more than once and I don't normally like going to the same resort for vacation multiple times, but there are times I make an exception {Bueller? Bueller?}. I just returned from my second visit to Beaches Resort in Turks and Caicos where I was invited to attend the annual conference Social Media on the Sand. The resort is located on one of the most beautiful stretches of beach {don't take my word for it, Grace Bay is voted best beach in the world year after year} and being one of the largest Beaches resorts with more than 93 acres, 21 restaurants and 10 pools to explore, there is a chance you could vacation here multiple times and never grow weary of it! 
In fact, we met several couples and families who had vacationed at this Beaches Resort dozens of times and they just kept coming back because they said it felt like family. That said, even with 18 visits under one particular guest's belt, there were a few things even they didn't know about Beaches Resort. I'm guessing, even if you've been to dozens of all-inclusive resorts and stayed at a Beaches property, there is probably something you didn't know on this list. So keep reading and let me see if I can stump you with these 10 things that make Beaches Resorts different.

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5 Popular Disney Money Saving Tips that Can Backfire

Taking a trip to Disney can quickly become a costly endeavor. While it can be expensive, there are also so many ways to maximize your Disney dollar and help you save money on your trip! However, there are a few money-saving tips that can quickly backfire and end up costing you more money! Here are five popular Disney money-saving tips that can backfire.

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5 Reasons To Visit Squamish, BC

I must confess, I've driven through Squamish more than a handful of times and have used it as nothing more than a bathroom stop on our way up to Whistler to ski. I had no idea that it had such an amazing amount of outdoor activities to participate in, local gourmet food to enjoy and some of the most beautiful rugged landscape I've ever seen. I set out to explore on a mother/son trip with my 14-year-old son Owen and I must say, we had no idea this little bathroom stop had so much adventure in store for us! Squamish, BC is a hidden gem that gets overshadowed by Whistler, but there is no shortage of sparkle from this quaint former logging town. Here are my top 5 reasons why you should make time to explore Squamish, BC.

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Squamish, British Columbia

You know those towns you drive through on the way to another destination and promise yourself you'll be back to visit one day? Well, that was Squamish, British Columbia. I honestly didn't even know the name, just knew that it was home to the Britannia Mine Museum, a large National Historic site that you can't miss as you drive through town. I had the opportunity to explore Squamish, BC on a quick 48 hour trip with my teenage son. We had so much fun, that the other people in our family got jealous and are begging us to plan a trip they can join us on. I'm sure after reading this, you're going to want to start planning too. So here you go, the ultimate travel guide to Squamish, BC. 

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