The Finale

Today I will discuss the twelfth and final place I think you should visit around the world. I recommend visiting Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

I was about 8 years old when my family took this trip and to this day it is still one of my favorite vacations. It’s a 16 hour drive from the south suburbs of Chicago. The flight would be approximately an hour and a half. My family decided to suck it up and drive.

Once you finally arrive, there is so much to do. The nice long beach was my number one priority. Take a walk down the board walk and stare in the distance. You will see ocean for as far as you can look. Nothing compares to sand between your toes and the warm sun on your skin. I would recommend going for the 30 mile long beach. If the beach scene isn’t for you, there are plenty of other activities to do for you and your family!

I will list a few attractions I recommend doing, but look here for more.

1.      Ripley's Attractions- Featuring five great attractions in the Myrtle Beach area including Ripley's Aquarium, Ripley's Haunted Adventure, Ripley's Believe It or Not, Ripley's 4-D Moving Theater and Ripley's Super Fun Zone.

2.      Splashes Oceanfront Water Park- Splash your way into fun at Myrtle Beach’s only Oceanfront Water Park. A new name for the Family Kingdom Water Park, Splashes is the perfect retreat from sun and sand. Enjoy wet and wild water flumes, exhilarating speed slides, relaxing lazy river, kiddie pools, and more.

3.      Wonderworks- an indoor amusement park for the mind, has 100 interactive exhibits for all ages. Experience 84mph hurricane force winds, lie on a bed of nails & ride a virtual roller coaster, climb an indoor ropes course, play a game of laser-tag, plus more!

New adventures are always fun. Myrtle Beach is extremely enjoyable. You will not regret going there for a family vacation. You can parasail, body board or just sit on the hotel balcony and look out at the sea. Every morning I would wake up to see the dolphins swimming. I personally came home with a new pet! My family drove the 16 hours back home with 2 new freshwater turtles! Talk about an interesting car ride… Who knows what you will come home with!

I hope you enjoyed reading my blog the last couple months about the places I think you should visit. I love vacationing and I know you will too! I highly recommend you visit all the places I have talked about at some point because they are all so different. However, it is not all about going to the most expensive places like Italy or Paris. It's about making memories with your kids that they will remember for the rest of their lives. No matter where you take them to vacation they will enjoy themselves, even if it is to a hotel two towns away from where you live. Vacationing is one of my favorite activities because each time is a new adventure and I love being able to get away from reality for a little bit to relax. Take some time off from your everyday life and see the world! You only live once; you might as well make the best of it. 

The Mile High City

Throughout this blog, I’ve been talking about places I recommend that you go visit. All the places I have talked about up till now have been warm places. Today, I want to talk about Colorado which is fun place to visit but can be a little chilly for parts of the year.

The great part about Colorado is the weather. Most of the year, you can walk outside with just a hoodie on and be comfortable. Denver is the main city that I would suggest you visit. It is known as the Mile High City because its elevation is one mile above sea level. This explains why the weather is so decent year round; the city is closer to the sun.

I recommend snowboarding or skiing if the weather is appropriate when you visit. I had never snowboarded before, so I rode the baby hills first. Now, after visiting the snowboarding in the Midwest will ever compare to the slopes in Colorado. You can rent gear if you don’t own any already at the resort where you are staying.

This website lists the top ten things to do while in Denver, but I will list 3 that I really think you should do. Feel free to check out the website and learn about the others!

Platte Valley Trolley in Confluence Park:

Do your sightseeing the old-fashioned way—hop on the Platte Valley Trolley. Known as “breezers” back in the day, the Denver Tramway Company’s open trolley cars were considered the most romantic way to see the sights of Denver in the first half of the 20th century. Today the Denver Rail Heritage Society operates a nostalgic replica that runs along two main routes from Thursday through Sunday in the summertime and Friday through Sunday in the fall. The Riverfront Ride departs REI/Confluence Park every half hour starting at noon, stopping at the Children’s Museum, the Downtown Aquarium, and Invesco Field along its southbound route and then returning nonstop to the confluence. The nostalgic hour-long Route 84 Excursion retraces a portion of the old interurban streetcar line route of the same name that ceased operation in 1950. It departs once daily at 12:30 from the confluence.

Boulder Outdoor Cinema:

Catch a Flick under the Stars -pack a picnic, grab a blanket or folding chair, kick back, and enjoy a leisurely evening of outdoor cinema. A new twist on the drive-in and a vast improvement over renting a DVD at home, this is a pleasant way to see some of your favorite old movies in a unique outdoor setting.

City Park Jazz at the Bandstand and Denver Botanic Gardens:

Groove to Live Music in the Great Outdoors- from classical to jazz to reggae to rock, Denver is alive with the sound of music all summer long. Take your pick from an outstanding lineup of summer music festivals and outdoor concerts in a wide variety of venues, from the city streets, grassy parks, and glorious gardens of Denver to the grandeur of the surrounding foothills.

There is so much to do in Denver alone. Colorado is an amazing state to visit especially if you don’t want to leave the country.

Check back next week when I talk about the twelfth and final place I think you should visit! You don’t want to miss out! 

The City of Love

Getting to Europe takes a long plane ride, but how often are you really going to visit a European country? It’s worth the trip. Sit back, enjoy the flight, and get yourself to Paris, France!

Paris is known as the city of love because of its romantic atmosphere. Lovers can walk around at night and enjoy the mesmerizing lights.

The Eiffel Tower is an icon of Paris. This is the number one attraction people want to see when visiting, I completely agree. Seeing the Eiffel tower in person is a million times better than seeing it in a movie or photograph.

There is one thing I always wanted to do when I visited Paris. Put a lock on the famous bridge. However, when I was there I learned that there are 2 different bridges. Pont des Arts is for your committed love, while Pont de l'Archevêché is for your lover. Pont de l'Archevêché is packed full of love padlocks where the other bridge is not. You put the lock on the bridge and then throw the key into the river. This was on my bucket list, and I highly suggest you do it with your loved one. It doesn’t have to be someone you’re dating, it can be your best friend if you prefer.  It is an experience that will bond you together forever.

According to the following website www.thingstodoinparis.com these are the top 10 things to do while in Paris.

1. The Palaces of Versailles is one of the largest and most opulent castles in the world. This stunning historic castle with its beautiful architecture and gardens, and deep history makes it a place you must visit on a sightseeing trip to Paris.

2. Take a relaxing trip down the River Seine onboard the Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise. A river cruise is a great way to see many of Paris’ famous landmarks and sights.

3. The Arc De Triomphe is one of the most iconic monuments in Paris and must for any visitor to Paris.

4. The Louvre Museum is home to some of the finest artwork in the world. Home to thousands of classic and modern masterpieces, the Louvre Museum is the jewel in the crown of French culture.

5. A very popular attraction in Paris is the Cathedral of Notre Dame, with a Paris Pass you can take a visit to the top of the Towers of Notre Dame for free.

6. Fancy trying some French wine? Then take a trip to O Chateau Wine Tasting where you can sample some exquisite wines from the vineyards of France.

7. The Orsay Museum exhibits work by Delacroix, Manet, Guaguin, Cézanne, Monet, Renoir, Sisley, van Gogh and many more great artists.

8. Discover Paris from the 56th observation floor of the Montparnasse Tower which offers visitors a stunning view of the city in all directions.

9. Palais Garnier has been home to Opera de Paris since the 1600’s and is also home to a small gallery which hosts exhibitions as well as a permanent exhibition of the sets of operas from its history.

10. Grevin Wax Museum features over 300 wax figures of the world’s most famous people dramatically posed in amazing scenes.

This is a place I recommend visiting, but leave the children at home. Take a getaway from your life and enjoy some quality time with your loved one. You won’t regret it!

If you think traveling to Europe is too far, check back next week and learn about somewhere closer to home.

Aloha!

What trip could possibly be worth a 9 hour plane ride? Hawaii, of course! After a long plane ride being squished in an air plane seat, imagine stepping off the plane onto an amazing island in Hawaii!

Imagine hula dancers waiting for your arrival, placing a lei around your neck. You could sit in wonderful warm weather on a beach with a drink in your hand. It is possible for this to happen to you. You just need to take some time from your crazy lives,plan a trip and say aloha to Hawaii.
Be sure to check out this website when planning your vacation for all-inclusive packages and tours.

http://www.discoverhawaiitours.com/?gclid=CKul7-7glrYCFa9aMgodVWsA5A

There are 4 main islands you can visit while vacationing:

-Oahu is where you can snorkel, take an eco-adventure tour, sail-hike or take a trip in a helicopter.

-Maui where you can whale watch, take a dinner cruise and visit volcanoes.

-The Big Island is where people go to zip-line, take a sunset cruise and take inter-island tours.

-Kauai is where the must-see cites are located. It is the oldest part of Hawaii’s islands. You can see the Waimea Canyon on this island.

Personally, I had never seen a volcano before so that was one of the top things I wanted to see while in Hawaii. It was a great experience and I recommend everyone does it. Another experience I recommend while in Hawaii is to go get a Pearl Harbor tour. Even if you are not a fan of history, this will be a day well spent.

Lots of newlyweds honeymoon to Hawaii because it is so beautiful, but who said you have to get married in order to visit? This vacation spot tends to be a little more expensive, but it’s a one-time thing! The 9 hour flight will be long but totally worth it once you arrive! Pack up your family, or even just yourself, and catch the next plane! The beautiful islands of Hawaii are waiting for you! 

Check my blog next week where I will talk about another wonderful place I recommend visiting! (:

The Windy City!

Since I am from the suburbs of Chicago, I forget that my very own city is a great place for people to visit. People fly from all over the world to visit Chicago because there is so much to do. I love my city, and I am not surprised that people who visit fall in love with it, too. There is a lot so love about the Windy City, come visit and find out!

The people who live in Chicago, or close to it, take advantage of how wonderful the city really is. I highly recommend visiting. Chicago is known as the cleaner and smaller version of New York City which I talked about in a previous blog post.

The top places to go in Chicago are:

• The Shedd Aquarium- There are about 80 exhibits which add up to 1,500 different species of  animals. Including the beluga whales, dolphins, jellyfish and otters.
• The Art Institute- The art located inside spans for 5,000 years. There are sculptures, contemporary art and modern European paintings inside.
• Adler Planetarium- Everything related to space is here. Including the Galaxy wall, and even a room to star gaze.
• Field Museum- Visitors can see history from the last 4 billion years, including “Sue” the most preserved T-Rex dinosaur and fossils.
• Museum of Science and Industry- This museum is completely hands on.
• Skydeck Chicago- Located on the side of the Willis Tower on the 103^rd floor.
• Navy Pier- Known as the city within the city because it has restaurants and shops. This is one of the top places to see in Chicago.
• Millennium Park- Which houses the famous “Bean”, which is a bean shaped mirror, and free concerts frequently.

On top of having great places to visit, we also have great sports teams and stadiums. While you visit, I recommend purchasing tickets so you can experience a Chicago game live.

Check out one of the following teams.

• Bulls at the United Center
• Blackhawks at the United Center
• Bears at Soldier Field
• White Sox at US Cellular Park
• Cubs at Wrigley Field

You cannot leave Chicago without having a slice of pizza! Chicago is known for its pizza, so make sure you try a piece before heading home. 

This past weekend the Chicago River was dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day! It only happens once a year, so be sure to check out the water while the color lasts! Come visit next year to witness the St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Even if you are not Irish, it is worth the trip to see the parade and the river being dyed. If you are Irish, then you don’t want to miss out next year so start planning your trip to Chicago!

Chicago is a great city with lots to see and do. People come from all over the world to visit, you should too! Don’t miss out on the great opportunity!

Be sure to check out my blog next week because I will be talking about a place I know you’ll want to visit! The lovely state of Hawaii!

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

ATTENTION 21 AND OLDER.

Las Vegas does allow people under 21 to visit, but where’s the fun in that? If you aren’t 21, you can’t gamble, drink, or even walk the Las Vegas Strip, which is where all the hotels, casinos and restaurants are located, without an adult by your side. Wait till you’re 21 and then go visit to have the time of your life!

No matter what hotel you decide to stay in on the strip, there is a gorgeous view from the window. Fifteen of the largest hotels in the world are located on the strip. When combined they add up to over 62,000 rooms! The strip is absolutely beautiful at night; the lights are a scene to die for. I’m a huge fan of pretty lights though.

You can’t visit Vegas and not stop in a casino and gamble. Even if you aren’t a huge gambler, its still VEGAS. Just play one slot machine, blackjack or roulette one time just to say you gambled in Vegas. Try not to get addicted and spend all your money though, because there are tons of other things to spend your money on!

My all-time favorite country artist only preforms in Vegas. If you love country music as well, visit Shania Twain at Caesars Palace. She no longer tours, and that is the only place you will ever be able to see her. Don’t like country? No problem! There are tons of other shows to see! There is a tribute to the Beatles you can go see that is supposed to be amazing!

You can purchase tickets for the Beatles shows on this website: http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/love/default.aspx

You can buy tickets for other shows in Las Vegas here:

http://www.bestofvegas.com/Shows-Tickets/?cm_mmc=Paid+Search-_-google-_-Shows+General-_-Vegas+Shows+General+-+HighV_la+vegas+showes&mkwid=sQgXJqZsP&pcrid=13911416124&pmt=b&pkw=la%20vegas%20showes&gclid=CNuC9JuP-LUCFcZFMgoddjIA3g

While in Vegas, you will be non-stop busy. There is so much to accomplish while visiting! If your children are not 21 yet, wait till they turn 21 and surprise them with a trip here! I guarantee they will love you even more for it.

You’ll have a great time you will always remember! Or maybe you won’t remember it! Just remember that whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Hop on a plane to Las Vegas and start enjoying yourself!

Haven’t visited Vegas before? Take a trip it will be worth it. Let me know where you have been that you enjoyed for my blog next week!

The Waterpark Capital of the World

Imagine it is a very hot summer. You want to get away for a long weekend to relax and cool off, but where do you go? Wisconsin Dells! It is a short 3 ½ hours from Joliet and totally worth taking a drive.

Visiting the Dells is a great idea for the family. My family visits all the time and we still find new and fun activities. The summer is the best time to visit, because there are indoor and outdoor waterparks. There are so many options of places to stay but I highly recommend Great Wolf Lodge. There are three adjoining indoor waterparks and an outdoor waterpark. They also have a lazy river and multiple kiddie pools. When you book a room in this specific lodge, they include 4 waterpark passes that are valid the whole time you stay.

Take a look at this video to view just a few indoor waterparks http://www.flickr.com/photos/wisconsin-dells/5494567764/

While staying in the Dells there is a lot to do. My all-time favorite thing to do when I visit is go-cart. I love driving fast and having my hair blow crazy in the wind. A child must be 4 feet 8 inches tall to drive, however, if a child is not that tall they can be accompanied by an adult in a double seat go-cart.

There is one activity that can only be done in the Dells, and that would be taking an Original Duck Tour. These tours are given on vehicles that drive on land but also become a boat when they hit water. They were originally used in World War II. They travel through 8 ½ miles of breathtaking nature showing you the natural beauty that the Wisconsin Dells has. This was an amazing time, and it was unlike anything I’ve ever done before.

This is the perfect place to visit because it is not too far from home and there is so much to do and see! No matter the age of your children they will enjoy themselves! It is a vacation I would still enjoy going on today.

Have you visited somewhere amazing and want to share? Please do! I’d love to hear about your experiences and favorite places to visit!