Our Travels Archives - Page 17 of 24

Tired of Beaches? Visit these Stunning Waterfalls in Goa

September 27, 2017 by Melissa

People dream up the exceptional and vast beaches when someone remarks Goa. But Goa is surely more than these amazing sea and beaches. It is also adorned with the diverse landscape as it is stationed in Sahyadri hills. Book cheap hotels in Goa and relish this amazing place!

In Goa, there are several big and small mountains, from where springs, streams, and alluring waterfalls crop up. There are not too many waterfalls, but surely all of them are worth stopping in Goa. Enveloped by rocks, sanctuaries, and greenery, these waterfalls provide another face to Goa, building it an all-rounder in case of touristy.

Below mentioned are the most spectacular and most beloved waterfalls in Goa that will eventually make you gawk and swoon with astonishment.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Dudhsagar, located on the border of Karnataka-Goa is surely the finest and the most alluring waterfall in Goa. Dudhsagar interprets to ‘sea of milk’ and from a height of around 130m the water that plunges mirrors just that. It exclusively derives from the River Mandovi. It appears as if a huge bucket of milk has been splashed from above. It is exclusively the fifth biggest waterfall in the country, and the surrounding greenery makes it all the more appealing and attractive.

Hivre Falls

Stationed on a hilly area in the village of Hivre, which is approximately 14 km away from the city of Valpoi, Hivre falls provides a magical view, unseen amidst incredible adorableness. It eventually takes a high trek to experience the waterfalls and is a famous trekking spot as well. The ideal time to trip Hivre falls is during the months of monsoon, i.e., around June to September.

Harvalem Waterfalls

The Havalem Waterfalls is located at a stretch of around 2 km from the town of Sanquelim in North Goa. It is an imposing fall as it splashes from the elevated mountains and exclusively falls from an altitude of 50 m. Harvalem waterfalls is also a famous destination for a picnic as it is enveloped by an incredible landscape. The famous and revered Rudreshwar temple is also close to making the destination all the more attractive.

Sada Falls

Reaching up to the Sada falls is an interesting practice in itself. You will ultimately have to go across a stream to visit the foundation. Station in the ghats of Chorla, Sada falls lie at a stretch of approximately 8 km from a small town in the region. When you walk across the streams breathing in the refreshing and fresh air, you will listen the spouting sound of the water and as your end your walk, you will acknowledge the water falling from a height amid two mountains, an exceptional view.

Kuskem Waterfalls

Stationed in Canacona district in South Goa, Kuskem waterfalls is located near the village of Kuskem, exclusively after which it is named. The water falls from a peak through rocky hills, and as it closes the basement, it becomes transparent and clear water. The ideal time to reach there is either during monsoons, or just after that, as while summers, not much of the Kuskem waterfalls is visible as it dries away.

TambdiSurla Falls

Any trip to TambdiSurla falls is ultimately quite fun and courageous as it is through the wildlife Sanctuary of Bhagwan Mahavir. The waterfalls exclusively from a peak of the hills and eventually makes its way. It is an amazing experience to consider the spouting waters flowing in peace between lush bushes and green trees. Another amazing spot of the place is an antique Shiva temple regarded as having been constructed in the 15th century.

Netravali Falls

You will have to exclusively trek through waters to visit Netravali falls. It is exclusively within the Madei wildlife sanctuary, and it is stretch approximately 215 sq km at Sanguem Taluka. The entire region was enveloped under the sanctuary to secure it and to hoard the Western Ghats. There is a hill point from where everyone can relish a proper view of the beautiful falls as well as the ambience.

So what are you waiting for, pack your backpacks!

6 Tips for Moving to a New City

August 29, 2017 by Melissa

Moving to a new city? Whether you are someone who thrives on change or dreads it, there are bound to be some challenges. That’s why it’s best to be prepared, both physically and mentally. First and foremost, make absolutely sure this is what you want to do. Once you’ve set your mind to the task and have (hopefully!) lined up a new job or transfer, it’s time to get prepared. Read on for six tips on moving to a new city.

Try Not to Buy or Rent Sight Unseen

Sometimes this can’t be avoided. In those cases, do your very best to research online and use the guidance of real estate agents or friends who live in the area. If at all possible, carve out a week or at least a weekend and spend some time in your destination city. While there, take time to check out rentals or home listings with a real estate agent. Knowing what you’re buying or renting will undoubtedly lessen the anxiety often associated with a move to a new city.

Prepare, Prepare, and Prepare Some More for the Actual Move

Nothing can spoil the way you feel about your new city like a botched move. Do your due diligence on moving companies, stick to a budget, purchase plenty of moving supplies, and get packing. Whether you enlist the help of friends on your moving day or hire a professional company, make sure you’ve got as much boxed up as possible. You can find reliable Mayflower movers in Jacksonville, FL and most cities around the US who can help you finish the job, but you’ll save a lot by having everything ready to be picked up and loaded onto the truck.

Become a Tourist

Once you’re there, explore! If you’re already excited about the move, this will be a no-brainer. But even if you made the move due to your or your spouse’s job relocation, force yourself to do all the touristy things available.Take the time try out museums, restaurants, and theaters recommended by friends, co-workers, or online city guides. If you were reluctant to make the move, taking the time to do this could change your entire outlook, and you might even meet some new friends along the way!

Nail Down the Necessities

Before you begin making friends, figure out what you need to know about your new city. Where will you grocery shop? Do you live in a metropolitan area where you will be walking to the grocery store? If so, how will that work? If you have no car, study the public transportation system and, most importantly, figure out your way to and from work. Figure out the location for things like your local bank, dry cleaners, and even the closest movie theater.

Sign Up For All The Things

If you’re looking to meet people, you have to be an active participant. Join a sport or social league. Sign up for MeetUp.com in an area that interests you. Talk to people at the grocery store. As everyone knows from the online dating scene, we are often too busy these days to let everything happen organically. We have to take charge of our lives, and that includes making friends. Ideally you’ll meet someone who has been in your new city for a while, so he or she can help you learn the ins and outs and the hidden gems in your new hometown.

Saying Goodbye to Your Old Home

Leaving your current home can be tough on your emotions, but there are a few ways you can make the transition a bit easier. Make a bucket list of all the things you want to do before leaving your current city; hit up your favorite restaurants, spend a day in your favorite park, and schedule goodbye dinners with friends and family. Bring some mementos of your old home; grab a city-specific coffee cup from your local Starbucks, buy a crew neck t-shirt from The Home T (just because you’re moving doesn’t mean you can’t rep your pride for your home state), or purchase a pint glass from your favorite local brewery.

Moving can be stressful, but with some preparation and a positive attitude, it can also be one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do. Set your mind to making it the best move possible and everything will follow suit.

Guide to the Ultimate Family Road Trip

June 30, 2017 by Melissa

There is nothing quite like the open road. You can see the country in a whole new way, experience excitement, and stumble upon some of the most unexpected fun you could imagine. The trouble is, there are so many choices, it can be hard to choose the right trip for you and your family. And then there’s the planning.

Let’s take a look at how to plan the trip and where to go.

Planning

The planning stage is critical. Before we get into destinations, consider what you should do to plan the trip right.

Map it Out: Sure, you have a GPS mapping app like Route4Me on your smartphone to guide you along the way, and it may be updated with real-time traffic and construction delays. But what will you do if you run into too much traffic? Map out your route and bring maps along in case you need to find a detour around problems.

Hang Loose: When you are planning, don’t get set into stone. The best part of taking a road trip is enjoying the open road and whatever adventures you stumble across. Give your route flexibility to enjoy the ride as much as the destination.

Budget, Budget, Budget!: Did we mention budget? While taking to the road can be cheaper, remember the hidden expense. There are gas and food and lodging. Set a realistic budget.

Choose Your Ride: While it may be tempting to drive your car, it isn’t your only option. Have you considered buying an RV? It’s a hotel on wheels, and you can stock your own fridge, make your own meals, and enjoy entertainment. It doesn’t have to cost a lot either. You can get an RV loan with great rates.

Destinations

It’s about where you’re going just as much as how you get there. Find out what five destinations you should take your kids, or consider one of these options.

Route 66, Illinois to California: By far the most famous and iconic driver in America. Because of interstate construction, the route isn’t quite the same as it used to be, but you can still find some of the classic stops along the way.

Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana: Did you know that most of the rivers running through the center of the US lead back to the Mississippi River? But it isn’t just the waters that are amazing. From eagles to the bayou, there is so much to see and love about this natural raging wonder. There are also a number of great cities to stop in along the route. It’s recommended to start in the north and work your way south for the best effect.

Pacific Coast Highway, San Luis Obispo to Monterey, Calif.: Route 1 runs all along the California coast, but experts on the route claim the center of the state is where the best scenery is. You can visit art stands and wineries, and so much more. If the driver wants a good view of the route, it’s best to drive south to north. Along the way, make sure you visit Hearst Castle.

Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina: Running along the length of the Appalachian Mountains, this scenic drive offers beautiful natural foliage and unique southern style. The speed limits are slower and strictly enforced, but you won’t want to drive any faster for fear of missing something.

If you’re looking for more ideas, take a long at this extensive bucket list of road trips in the US. And as always, enjoy the drive.

Cat in the Hat for President on Board the Carnival Pride

September 11, 2016 by Melissa

About a month after returning from a cruise on the Carnival Sunshine (more on that later) our family was invited to visit the Carnival Pride in Baltimore, MD for a day of fun, food, friends and fanfare.

We were invited to help Cat in the Hat win the Presidential Race along with Thing 1 and Thing 2 as his running mates. In case you haven’t noticed it’s an election year. You and your family may have noticed some commercials on television.

Along with his recent presidential announcement, The Cat in the Hat released a new book, One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote. Perfect timing don’t you think? This book is meant to teach children why we vote, how we vote and who can vote. Of course this is done with the whimsy and fun that other Dr. Seuss books brings to childhood literature. Carnival Cruise Lines wants kids to know they have a voice and it should be heard loud and clear. Maybe this is why Carnival is called the Fun Ship. The kids get exactly what they want and end up having an amazing vacation.

Kid Friendly Cruising with Carnival is easy with all the amenities on board to keep kids occupied for days.

Camp Carnival, Circle C & Club O2
Seuss at Sea
Sweet Spot
Waterworks
Hasbro the Game Show
SportsSquare
Dive in Movies
Mini Golf
and so much more on and off the boat

After a loud parade led by Schwartz, an amazing brunch of Green Eggs and Ham, Froot Loop French Toast, some photo ops and chatting with old and new friends we were given the freedom to roam the boat and see how it measures up to the other ships we’ve already seen.

The Carnival Pride has recently gone through a renovation to include fan favorite dining/drinking options such as Guy Burger Joint, Red Frog Pub, Alchemy Bar, BlueIguana Cantina and more.

What I found was a very romantic feel as soon we got above the belly of the boat. I’m not sure what was new but I fell in love with the lighting, the bold furnishings and all the hallways. Those gave a secret, tucked away feeling.

Overall we’ve decided that the Carnival Pride is the next ship we’re boarding for a cruise. We already love cruising and with the amenities added in recent years we know we’ll have a wonderful time.

Follow us on Instagram to see more of this day and our recent cruise through the Caribbean, Melinda on Instagram and Rob on Instagram.

Morey’s Pier & Beachfront Water Parks open Easter Weekend

February 29, 2016 by Melissa

It’s no surprise The Wildwoods, NJ was Named the best seaside amusement park in the world by Amusement Today. For as long as I can remember The Wildwoods have been a summer destination for our family and so many of my friends. A visit last year after a many year hiatus reinvigorated the love we had for the amusements up and down the boardwalk. The name synonymous with the Wildwoods is Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks. They’ve been a staple to the shore since 1969 and still going strong.

The 2016 season starts with the grand opening of Mariner’s Pier on Saturday, March 26 and annual Easter celebration on Sunday, March 27.
Families are invited to hop over to the pier starting at noon on Easter Sunday for special activities including pictures with the Easter Bunny from 12:00pm to 3:00pm at the Parents Pavilion located behind the Carousel. Children 12 years of age and younger can pick an Easter egg for a chance to win an assortment of fun prizes, ranging from stuffed animals and Curley’s Fries buckets, to one-day pier passes and water park passes. Two lucky participants will win the grand prize of a Morey’s Piers 2016 Wild Pass.

Morey Hotels & Resorts’ “Bunny Hop Doo-Wop” package available on March 26, 2016 offers travelers an Easter weekend at the shore that includes:

One night accommodations at The Starlux or Blue Palms Resort
15 percent off at the following food outlets: Jumbo’s, Taco Joint, La Bakerie, Mama’s Kitchen, Waffle and Ice Cream and Fritz’s
One game voucher valid for three free games at any game kiosk on Mariner’s Pier

A standard king room starts at $95 per night at Blue Palms Resort; double rooms at the Boardwalk Bungalow at the Blue Palms Resort start at $109 per night. A standard room at The Starlux starts at $118 per night. Rooms are subject to availability; price does not include hotel tax. To book the “Bunny Hop Doo-Wop” package, visit http://www.moreyspiers.com/easter and use the code EASTER.

Guests can take advantage of savings by visiting http://www.moreyspiers.com/springsale and get more information on the Wild Pass member program visit http://www.moreyspiers.com/wpm.

Apple Picking and Fall Festivals in Delaware Valley

September 10, 2015 by Melissa

It’s a special time of year for my family. Yes it’s back to school. Yes it’s almost fall. But most of all it’s APPLE PICKING and Fall Festival season.

Each year, as a family, we pick apples. We pick very specific apples too, Honey Crisp. If you haven’t had a Honey Crisp apple you are missing the most delicious apple in the world. Their window of opportunity for picking is short and some people like to blame us for their short supply.

There have been years when we’ve brought home 40lbs of apples. It sounds like a lot but with 5 people picking at the same time the bags fill up very quickly.

So each year as Labor Day approaches I scour the local orchards to see when the picking begins and make sure we’re there on opening day.

This year, just like the last 4-5 years we were at Milburn Orchards at 10am. We hoped on the tractor and got a ride right into the apple orchard to have our way with their dwarf trees. It’s one of our favorite things to do.

There are so many great orchards in the area. These orchards are the the epitome of pure family fun. There are baked goods to eat, fresh cider to drink, hay bales to climb and animals to feed. Each location has different amenities and features but you’ll never be disappointed. Whether you’re looking for Pick Your Own fruit and pumpkins or build your own scarecrows or hayrides through haunted woods you’ll find so much in the area.

Milburn Orchards
1495 Appleton Rd
Elkton, MD 21921
Family owned and operated for over 100 years this farm practices modern but environmentally friendly farming. With dozens of varieties of pick your own fruits available there is something tasty to choose from Spring to Fall.

Filasky’s Produce
1343 Bunker Hill Rd,
Middletown, DE 19709
Not just any produce stand. If they can’t grow it they’ll share the local love by providing other local farms goods including ice cream from Woodside Creamery in Hockessin, Delaware.

Berry Good Farm
7637 Lancaster Pike
Hockessin, DE 19707
This place does one thing but they do it very very right. Being very young doesn’t stop Berry Good Farm from producing some of the juiciest and sweetest blackberries in the area that started by just an idea and has blossomed into a thriving and sustainable passion.

Fifer Orchards
1919 Allabands Mill Rd
Camden Wyoming, DE 19934
4th generation Fifer’s continue to grow a very diverse mix of high quality fresh fruits and vegetables including: asparagus, strawberries, tomatoes, blueberries, apples, peaches, nectarines, plums, heirloom varieties, apples, pumpkins and more.

Highland Orchards
1000 Marshallton-Thorndale Road
West Chester, PA 19380
With over 200 acres of growing crops, there’s always something going on the farm. Highland Orchards offer all of their crops already picked for you in their Farm Market or you can Pick Your Own out in the field.

Arasapha Farms
1835 Middletown Road
Glen Mills, PA
Family friendly from a true family farm. Arasapha Farms is home the the Ultimate Harvest Festival with pedal car racing, pumpkin golf, petting zoo and of course a maze for the the adventure types.

Linvilla Orchards
137 W. Knowlton Road
Media, PA 19063
This is where our family had their first orchard experience. With so much to do almost anytime of year Linvilla Orchards is definnitely a staple for the Delaware County area with experiences that include fishing, swimming, Christmas tree cutting, corn mazes and the wonderful Pumpkinland.

Fruitwood Orchards Honey Farm
419 Elk Rd.
Monroeville, NJ 08343
Not just a fruit farm of nectarines, pears, apples and cherries this family owned business raises pollinating bees to help other farmers across the country. Oh they sell their honey too, fresh straight from the bees.

Pick one or two, visit and let me know how much fun you have.

Wildwood and Morey’s Piers #GoWild this Summer

July 22, 2015 by Melissa

Our kind of vacation is a beach vacation. I like the lounging on the sand, watching the waves crash just inches from my toes, immersing myself in a good book and soaking up the sun. My kids also love the beach but there comes a point where they want adventure.

Rides, cotton candy,pizza and water parks is exactly what they crave. The Jersey Shore gives our family everything we want. For Father’s Day weekend we were able to do everything we wanted, no rules, no barriers.

Wildwood, NJ has always held a special place in my heart. It’s the only memory I have a family vacation as a child. The look and feel of the boardwalk is the same, the salty smell driving down Rio Grande Avenue is always familiar.

To be honest I’ve been creating memories with my own family at a different beach. Wildwood wasn’t the same place as it was when I was young. The level of visitors changes, the atmosphere wasn’t as family friendly as it used to be. This beach resort town changed. We visited time to time over the years and the kids LOVED the water parks.

This past Father’s Day Weekend I was able to give my family the mini vacation they needed to see out of Wildwood, NJ. Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks were everything they promised to be.

Wildwood #MoreysPiers & BeachFront Water Parks #GoWild #FamilyTravel #JerseyShore #SummerVacation

Morey’s Piers offers 3 different locations packed full of fun for every member of your family.

Surfside Pier on a Sunday morning was the best part of the weekend. It was literally a ghost town. The skies were cloudy and the winds were blowing so I’m sure that kept everyone tucked in their beds. We didn’t let that stop us. We packed up and headed out to get there early; so early that we were the only patrons for about an hour. It never filled up so the kids had run of the entire water park for HOURS.

Our nights we full of funnel cake, seafood dinners and some of the best pizza in the world. Maybe it’s the salt air or the fact that there isn’t a worry in the world but everything taste better down the shore.

I’ll admit, we may have had a little too much fun.

Special thanks to the Morey’s family for the invitation and allowing me to show the kids that Wildwood is BACK!

Stay tuned to hear more about our great weekend away.

A Visit to NFL Offices with Verizon Wireless #VZWBuzz

March 30, 2015 by Melissa

Who would’ve thought that I would one day be a guest in the NFL Headquarters and also enjoy myself.

Even though I’ve watched football most of my life I’ve only been a fan for the last 12 years.You can thank my son for that one. His name comes from hearing a players name while reading a baby name book and instantly turning to Rob saying “That’s it”. My son is named after former Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander. I’ve been a Seattle fan ever since.

Back in November after being invited to be a part of the #VZWBuzz team I was also invited to hang out in NYC with some of the other team members. I’m always excited to meet other bloggers, influencers and of course great thinkers like Monica Vila, co-founder of Online Mom Media. Monica is recognized as an expert in marketing to women — the most powerful demographic in consumer spending in the US.

Working with this team has opened my eyes to so much. I’ve learned that little device in my hand can do much more than I ever imagined. Back to NFL Headquarters. I always wondered what my husband was looking at on his phone during football games. I knew he was checking scores but I didn’t know he was getting instant replays, following trades and watching live video feeds from other games.

We also learned of other initiatives from the NFL that bring together the fans and community.

#PassitForward is a way players can directly interact with fans by completing random acts of kindness. See here how the New Orleans Saints take simple gestures to change someone’s day and motivate them to pay it forward again

On the heels of some devastating footage of domestic violence within the NFL community, Commissioner Roger Goodell has worked hard to learn as much as they can about these issues and how best to address them. With it came a moving and strategic platform called #NoMore as a push to end and bring awareness to Domestic and Sexual Assault. With the start of public address announcements condemning the use of violence came new policy and regulations about such misconduct within the NFL.

MADD and the National Football League joined forces in 2010 to collaborate on player and employee programs, game day initiatives, community relations and awareness programs to promote MADD’s efforts to prevent drunk driving. As a first step in this partnership, MADD representatives presented to incoming NFL players at the 2010 NFL Rookie Symposium.

NFL PLAY 60 is the National Football League’s campaign to encourage kids to be active for 60 minutes a day in order to help reverse the trend of childhood obesity. It’s time to put the electronics down, put the snacks away and get outside.

Verizon is more than just a communications company. The NFL is more than just football. Together they bring people together, create awareness for causes all over the world and show you new ways to play smart in this thing we call life.

Family Friendly Washington DC with Embassy Suites

December 2, 2014 by Melissa

Being parents of 3 kids makes it hard to squeeze in a getaway. Rob and I are lucky enough to get some date nights here and there but when it comes to spending a romantic weekend those plans are far and few between. So when the Embassy Suites reached out and invited us for a 2-night stay we jumped at the chance to get away without going far. Washington, DC is less than 2 hours away so it was a great choice.

Arriving in DC isn’t always the most pleasant event. The traffic even on a Saturday morning can be a nightmare. Luckily DC is a place where you can park your car for days at a time and never have a need for it. This is what we did.

Rob and I walked all weekend with just a couple Metro rides to get back and forth to Arlington National Cemetery. The rest of the weekend we walked to the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Ford’s Theater and through Federal Triangle.

I took about 400 photos in just the 2 days we were there. I loved all the architecture and grand statues, the manicured lawns and historic buildings.

Washington DC is not your typical getaway. It’s not a relaxing oasis were you sit back and sip drinks on the deck and watch the children play. DC is a tourists destination. If you want to research history, enjoy food of every ethnic flavor, explore museums and marvel at remarkable landmarks and monuments then this is where to go. With over 20 Smithsonian museums, all free, this is definitely an add to the family vacation list. Nestled on the beautiful Potomac River this federal district of land was created to house our federal government. This gives the entire area rich history that dates back over 200 years.

Washington DC welcomes families with open arms and the Embassy Suites is exactly where you should lay your head to rest.

Embassy Suites offers spacious 2 room suites that easily sleep up to 6 people making it truly family friendly. With a mini fridge, microwave, sink and updated television channels down time is comfortable for everyone.

With the included FREE full breakfast with choices like waffles, made to order omelets, pastries, juice, fruit and cereal eating breakfast out each day is an expense families won’t have to worry about that added expense. A family friendly happy hour is available each night that includes snacks and complimentary drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

With over 200 locations available in the US, Canada and Latin America making a reservation is easy. Find out for yourself how Embassy Suites is making families happy each night by putting them first, finally.

Macy’s Holiday Window Display Unveil Philadelphia

November 18, 2014 by Melissa

It’s time for our family to get into the Christmas Holiday spirit. We’re planning to spend our Saturday with Macy’s in Center City Philadelphia as they debut their holiday window display. We’ll head in-store for a variety of family friendly activities, events, celebrity spottings and of course a visit from Santa himself.

Since the early 1870s, Macy’s has been stunning visitors with its festive holiday window displays and exciting family friendly events. Center City Philadelphia was the first store to ever feature holiday windows created for the pure fun and joy of the season and the tradition that still lives on today.

Available at every Macy’s store is the Believe, Write a Letter to Santa campaign. Have your child their letter to Santa and help make wishes come true. Macy’s will count all the letters received and donate $1 for each to Make-A-Wish(R), up to a total of $1,000,000.

Find out other ways your local stores are celebrating the season and don’t miss the fun. Be sure to make new memories with your family and hopefully start new traditions.

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