Tips for Tuesdays: Try Something New

Today's Tip: Many of us travel to expand our sense of self. What better way to do that than to try something new while you're traveling? Try coming back knowing that you did something you weren't willing to try before. It will will give you a sense of accomplishment and make the trip memorable. Maybe it's zip-lining, scuba diving or even riding a camel. Get out there and try it!

Try something new on your next trip!

Tips for Tuesdays: Family Fun

Today's Tip: Before you travel, give each child an inexpensive camera. Tell them to take photos during your vacation and that prizes will be awarded in different categories, such as best family photo, best nature scene, and best portrait. Kids are wonderfully creative at capturing things you might not have even noticed along the journey! 

 

Some Amazing Castles in Ireland

So, recently I've been working on a fantastic project for a guy who is hoping to surprise his wife and daughter with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Ireland. His daughter is "in the height of her princess phase" and staying in a castle is going to be a dream-come-true for her! They're also going to celebrate his wife's birthday, hence the big surprise. It's been so fun to plan with this client. His enthusiasm and love for his family are so energizing. I've loved getting to scheme with him! So far, we've settled on two different castles in the west of Ireland. Check these out...

Adare Manor, Adare, County Limerick: http://www.adaremanor.com/

"Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort is a self-contained vacation destination steeped in the mythical history of an ancient Irish Manor. Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort in Limerick, Ireland is a modern playground in ancient surroundings. Housed in an impressive 18th-century Gothic style Manor House rich in history and beauty, the hotel is an architectural masterpiece of towers, turrets, and stonework amidst carefully sculptured gardens and ancient ruins. Perched along the River Maigue, this once private and opulent manor has been lovingly transformed into a premier luxury resort that maintains the mystery and intrigue of times gone by. Stroll through hallways of original stone and wood; gaze upwards into soaring ceilings, and live like a king (or queen) in this castle-like setting. Whether dining in the romantic and sophisticated Oakroom Restaurant after enjoying a pre-dinner drink on the garden patio, being pampered in the Manor's spa treatment rooms, or teeing off at the Robert Trent Jones Sr. championship golf course, the Adare Manor caters to all tastes and desires, from casual to extravagant."

Ashford Castle, Cong, County Mayo: http://www.ashford.ie/

"Ancient history meets a modern luxury hotel. Located on the shores of Lough Corrib, the Ashford Castle is a haven of comfort and elegance for travellers.The Ashford Castle is a visual feast. A luxury hotel with the charm and dignity of its original architecture, it astonishes visitors at every turn. Waterford chandeliers and rococo gilt mirrors around one bend. A carved Dante looking benignly down from a side wall. All surrounded by water, gardens, and forests - a setting that hasn't changed for hundreds of years. Guests are provided with exquisite rooms and suites, each individually designed with antiques, marble fittings, and sumptuous fabrics and furnishings. Follow the centuries-old tradition and enjoy a candlelit dinner in the privacy and comfort of your room. Or dine on a seven-course meal in the George "V" dining room. (A family favorite is traditional Sunday lunch, where the Sunday joint is carved from the trolley at your table.) For an equally traditional Irish experience, quaff a beer in the Dungeon Bar, or step back in time and learn the art of falconry in the beauty of the countryside."

The other thing that's amazing about these properties is that they cater to kids. The Ashford Castle offers kid-size bathrobes, slippers and a teddy bear to make them feel more at home. Adare Manor offers kid-friendly activities like picnics in the garden and even hot air balloon rides!

This is certainly going to be an amazing trip. I feel so blessed that I get to be a part of the planning process!

Tips for Tuesdays: Building Anticipation for your Kids

Today's Tip: Before the trip, make up bedtime stories around the sights you'll be visiting. Or, check out these fantastic children's books by Miroslav Sasek. His "This Is..." series includes illustrated books on New York, Paris, San Fransisco, London, Washington D.C., Ireland, Rome, Hong Kong, Greece, Britain, Texas, Edinburgh, Austraila, Venice, Israel, and Munich. The kids will be more excited to see things they've spent nights dreaming about.

Tips for Tuesdays: Taking Kids to the Museum

Today's Tip: When going to a museum with children, first go to the gift shop and buy postcards of some of the artwork. Give five to ten of them to each child and make a game of finding the art.

Photo Friday: The Beginning

I've always believed that travel is one of the most transformative experiences a person can have. It helps us to relax and recharge. It delights our senses and inspires us. It allows us to lose ourselves or find ourselves. 

So, in the spirit of transformation, I would like to introduce the concept of "Photo Friday." Each week, I will share a personal photo from some of my travels and explain how the experience changed my life.

My love of travel started at a young age. I was lucky because my parents had an adventurous spirit and were generous in sharing international experiences with my sister and me. I credit them with instilling an innate curiosity about the world. They planted the seed for my global appreciation by turning the world into a classroom. I learned about religious tolerance in Istanbul, history in Williamsburg, caring for animals at a Dude Ranch in Montana and the power of the ocean on a sailboat in Tahiti. It is because of my parents' encouragement and support that I was able to visit almost 50 countries in my young life. To me, there is no greater gift.

Enjoying one of my favorite places on a sailboat in the Aegean Sea. Age 7.