Dominica

If you ever find yourself having the opportunity to visit Dominica, make sure to stop at Emerald Falls. Dominica is a popular cruise ship stop as well as the filming site site for shows like Survivor and movies like Pirates of the Caribbean. You will find Emerald Falls after walking into the rainforest for about 15 minutes. Bring some shoes or sandals to swim in as the cove is a bit rocky. It felt amazing to swim in this pond surrounded by trees and the waterfall right next to you. Also be sure to remember your waterproof camera!

Check out the following link for more information:
http://www.avirtualdominica.com/hiking.cfm

St. John, New Brunswick

Loved this city!
There aren't too many cities out there where you are made to feel right at home. We arrived in St John via cruise ship and were surprised to be greeted with gifts upon getting off the ship. I received a lovely flower and my husband received an official St John lapel pin. This tradition goes back a few years when the first cruise ship arrived due to poor weather conditions. The city wanted to make a great first impression and gathered all the flowers they could and presented passengers with them.

A nice benefit to this city was that it was very easy to get around on foot. Many of the historical sites are easily accessible and only a few blocks away from each other. A nice monument to visit would be the Three Sister Lamp There is a placard next to it explaining the story, but I can give you a summary! The three lamps are set up at the end of port. When ships were trying to pull in to the port they would know that they were within 3 miles when they could see the lights. If a ship captain could see all three lights, they knew that they were on the right track. In the case where only one or two lamps were visible, the captain would know to alter the ships course.

If you are looking for some friendly fellows to answer any question you may have about St John, I suggest stopping by the Police Museum. There are photos and old police gear on display.

For those who will be staying in town for more than the day, you should walk through large fresh food market. You can pick up everything from fresh fruit, desserts and the morning's fresh catch.
All in all, this was a very lovely, safe and clean city that I would visit again anytime.

Visit the following websites for more information:
www.saintjohn.ca
http://discoversaintjohn.com/places/three-sisters-lamp/
http://saintjohnnbpolicemuseum.webs.com/
www.stjohncitymarket.ca

Eau Claire Children's Museum

 My daughter and I recently visited the Eau Claire Children's Museum in Wisconsin.  I was relieved to find that this was a small museum and wasn't going to be to overwhelming for my daughter.  The admission was only a mere $5 per person.  Hard to find anywhere that doesn't charge less than $10 these days.  The museum is set up into fun, interactive locations.  You will find a grocery store, diner, theater, the human stomach and a post office.  I loved that it was okay for the kids to touch everything and experiment with it's functions.  The basement hosts a large water structure where kids can see the affects of moving water by putting on a smock and getting wet themselves!  I would definitely go back there when in town again.

For more information, visit: http://www.cmec.cc/ 

Wonderful Place For Kiddos

Steamers Lobster Company

You Must Stop Here!
My husband and I recently took a trip to St John, New Brunswick on Canada's east coast.  This was a wonderful, beautiful city.  Our favorite restaurant there was Steamers Lobster Company.  It was right along the waterfront in a brightly decorated building.  Their claim to fame was that they were the only restaurant in St John that served locally-brewed Moosehead Beer.  The decor was that of a typical seafood place and the staff were extremely friendly.  As a non-seafood eater I had some garlic toast while my husband dined on lobster bisque.  Since we wanted to find out for ourselves, we each had a Moosehead Beer.  The beer was delicious and the restaurant was wonderful!  I definitely recommend checking it out when in St John.

Samuel Adams Brewery

Out of the Way, but Worth It!

While in Boston, you should set aside a couple hours to tour the Samuel Adams Brewery.  It was a 20 minute train ride from downtown Boston.  The Brewery is only a couple block walk from the train station, so it will only take an addition few minutes to get there.  You'll find that you will be carded at the door, however, the tour is free so just have your ID ready.  While a bit touristy and cheesy, there is a postcard station as you enter where you can mail a free postcard to anyone in the USA.  Because I didn't know any one's address I mailed the postcard to my husband and I.  It was a fun reminder of our trip after we got home and received it.  You will go through the history of the Brewery as well as a quick lesson on the ingredients that they use.  From there you will see how the beer is fermented and brewed to reach it's desired taste.  The tour itself is quick and you only walk maybe 25 feet total.  The finale' includes sitting down and enjoying a taste test.  You will receive a souvenir glass to try up to four different varieties.  Definitely worth the trip!

Hampton Inn - Eau Claire

Very Impressed!

I have to admit that I really only booked this hotel because I had enough Hilton HHonors points to do so for two nights.  Seeing as how I would be spending most of my weekend out and about I really didn't want to waste a bunch of points or money on a hotel room that I would rarely be in.  I was immediately impressed with this hotel.  The Front Desk staff greeted me and my daughter very warmly.  Upon entering our room for the weekend, I was left an "Almond Joy" candy bar with a letter saying that it was a "joy" to have me stay with them this weekend.  Wondering what the big deal was?  I had only booked the room two hours prior.  They were able to make me feel very welcomed.  On top of that, there was a rubber duck waiting on the bath tub for my daughter.  It's the little things like that that make the stay worth while.  As far as amenities go, thier pool was nice and warm, the breakfast was wonderful and the free wifi was awesome.

The Hampton Inn Eau Claire is located at 2622 Craig Road, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, 54701.  they can be reached at 1-715-833-0003 or via thier website: http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/wisconsin/hampton-inn-eau-claire-EAUCRHX/index.html

Boston

Boston, Massacussets I was blown away and a bit unprepared for the amount of history that Boston holds. It felt as though everywhere we turned there was a major event that took place there...and by major, I mean like "and over here is where the Declaration of Independence was first read". We walked along the Freedom Trail our first day in Boston and I feel as though that was the best way to start off. This was a genious idea to guide tourist through the city. You follow along a red line that is painted and paved into the road and sidewalks. You will walk past and through the highlights of the city. The transportation system in Boston was amazing! The metro was very easy to use and to make our way around. The Charlie Card "C Card" was quite affordable and good for bus or metro use. The metro and the stations were very clean as well.

Cruising Tips

My Top 10:


1)  Upgrade to a Balcony room:  Why not?  You earned it!  There is something so nice about waking up in the morning, pulling the curtains back and watching the ship pull into port.  We like the balconies for the times when you just want to get away from the crowd or grab a dessert plate and eat it on the balcony under the stars.

2)  Take yourself to the Pier:  Many cruise lines offer a transfer service from the airport to the cruise terminal.  While this is a nice service, it is often times very expensive; ranging between $25-35 per person.  I recommend either taking a taxi or a city bus.  Obviously, use common sense.  Some cities it will be much more practical to take a taxi, but in a port like Boston, it was a 10 minute city bus ride that was free.

3)  Carry on your luggage yourself:  Most ships offer a porter service to carry your bags onto your ship for you.  The cost to this is whatever you choose to tip the Porter (typically $1/bag).  While that is nice, sometimes you won't see your bag on board until 7-8pm....kinda a drag when it's 95 degrees out and you're looking for your swim suit.  Many ports will let you carry your own bags on, which is nice because then you have everything you need right from the start.

4)  Pack some tape in your carry on:  Each ship will request that you attach a baggage tag to your luggage with your deck number and cabin number.  If you put it on right away, you run the risk of loosing the tag or having it damaged on the flight or taxi ride.  I like to pull out my little roll of scotch tape and adhere it right before walking through the cruise terminal.

5)  Take your own bags off:  Good for if you are in a hurry to get off the ship or if you have a small enough bag that you don't mind rolling it around for a bit.  We typically just wake up, bring our bag to breakfast, then get off the ship.  It sure beats waiting for your bag tag color to be called then squishing your way through a room full of people looking for their bags too.

6) Watch the Roaming Charges:  Technology has come so far since my first cruise 10 years ago.  It is great to bring your smart phone with to call and check in back home or pull up you Google Map app to get you around the Port.  But beware that many times you will be roaming just outside of the ports or while at sea.  You'd hate to get home and find an unexpectedly large phone bill waiting for you.

7)  Take advantage of the set-dinners:  Take a break, get dressed up and enjoy yourself at dinner.  The staff do an amazing job of offering wonderful meals, custom to your liking and delicious desserts.  There is always a little dance and song number to get people off their feet too.  When else can you try crocodile and shark in the same week?

8)  Research the Ports in advance:  Your first time at a port is always exciting and a little nerve-wracking.  I like to research what there is to do within walking distance of the port then decide if an excursion may be necessary.  Each cruise line offers a wide variety of excursions for you to participate in for an additional charge.  This is nice if you want to swim with dolphins, wander through the rain forest or go zip-lining...somewhere that you're better off with a guide.  Many times though there is an ample amount of things to do right at the Port - Saint Maarten and San Juan are great examples.

9)  Purchase the Soda Card:  Of course if you're not a soda (or pop) drinker, this would be just silly.  But for those of you who can't make it through the day without one, this is the most cost-effective way to do it.  Don't be surprised to pay $4.00 for each glass of soda that you order.  Many ships offer an unlimited soda card and mug that can be refilled as many times as you wish for a set price of $35-40.  Do the math and see if this is something you may need.

10)  Book a Spa Appointment on a day in Port:  Hoping to try a massage or facial while on board?  You will find that they offer their best deal and packages on days when the ship is docked in port.  Sure you may have to come back on board a little early, but if you are hoping to save some cash, this would be the day.

Chicago

The Windy City

Chicago is one of those cities that you can visit several times and you will always find something new to do.  I especially love that it is only a 45 minute flight away.  For the more adventurous traveler, I recommend looking into the Amtrak schedule.  We took a relaxing 8 hour train ride that took us right into downtown Chicago.  There is a nice mix of history and modern to keep your interests peaked.

Navy Pier

Navy Pier
In the spring and summer months you should walk down to Navy Pier.  Boat cruises along the lake are available from here as well as some fun shopping and amusement rides.  The best part of Navy Pier is the view of Chicago from the end of the pier!

Field Museum

Field Museum
For those of you interested in all things science, you must walk from Navy Pier, along Lake Michigan, to the Field Museum.  You could almost spend a whole day in there taking in all of the exhibits.  I recommend visiting the dinosaur exhibit.


Millennium Park

Cloud Gate, aka "The Bean"

Like Central Park is to New York City, I feel Millennium Park is the same to Chicago.  It's nice to get away from the skyscrapers and traffic for just an afternoon and find some green-space.  There are several art displays throughout the park that really grab your attention and make you stop and think.  My favorite is "the Bean".  This is a large, cloud-shaped statue that has a mirror-like surface.  You can get a fun view of yourself and the city behind you.

Theater District
Chicago has some amazing theaters!  Even more amazing are the productions hosted there.  I've seen "Jersey Boys" and "Wicked" while in Chicago and both were fabulous.  Get to the show a little early to walk around the theater and awe at the architecture.

Washington DC

So. Much. History.

Lincoln Memorial

I can't even begin to explain how amazing Washington D.C. is.  For the history nerd like myself, 3 days was not nearly long enough time to see everything I wanted to.  Do your research before hand and lay out a loose itinerary to follow.  All of the major landmarks are near to each other so it makes more sense to see them in order as you walk down the street as opposed to zig-zagging your way through the city.  The public transportation system was extremely easy to follow so save yourself some money and find a hotel outside of the city.  


Lincoln Memorial

President Lincoln

This Memorial was so much larger than I had ever anticipated.  Books don't do it justice.  The stairway up to President Lincoln's statue were enormous.  Take a moment to stand inside and look back over the Mall.  This is an amazing view of the city.  Park Service staff are on hand to answer any questions you may have about the Lincoln Memorial.  Don't worry; everyone else there is a tourist so no question is a dumb question.


White House

Backyard at the White House

Plan to take some time to walk around the perimeter of the White House.  It is an amazingly built building.  Imagine all of the Presidents who have lived there over the years.  Besides the White House, the lawn is beautiful.  There are amazing trees, flowers and landscaping to look at and admire.  Tours inside the White House are offered.  Get there early as tickets sell out quickly.




Washington Monument

View of Washington
Monument from Lincoln
Memorial

To me, the Washington Monument seemed to be at the center of all the action.  From here, you could walk north to the White House, west to the Lincoln Memorial, east to the Supreme Court and south to the Potomac River.  To stand in the middle of such an amazing city filled with such important history was a bit breathtaking.  Take a moment to stand and look around and take it all in.  There are very few spots in the world like it.


Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University

As a student of American Sign Language Studies I HAD to visit the famous Gallaudet University.  It was just a short train ride outside of the city.  This is a very prestigious University for Deaf individuals and those fluent in ASL.  Walking around the campus we saw several monuments of historical figures in the Deaf history such as Thomas Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc.  This was a very special part of the trip for me.

Belize

Belize City, Belize

New River 

New River

If you are feeling up for an adventure then you must take a boat ride along the New River.  There are tour groups that will pick you up from Belize City and drive you the 45 minutes north to the river.  From there you can board the river boat for a relaxing guided ride.  You will see a wonderful variety of water lilies, birds, and plants.  


                                      

Mayan Ruins

Lamanai (Submerged Crocodile)
Your river boat ride will take you to a tiny little stop called Lamanai (Mayan for Submerged Crocodile).  There is a tiny little community that will greet you as you arrive.  Here you are able to view Mayan ruins dating back hundreds of years.  While many of the actual ruins are deep in the rain forest, you are able to view a few real and replica ruins on your guided walk.

In the Rain Forest

Rain Forest
Belize is one of those places that you travel too and marvel in the beauty of the flowers and ocean around you.  Belize City is a cute city with friendly shops, restaurants and a great view of the Caribbean Sea.  You are amazingly close to the rain forest as well.  It's wonderful to feel surrounded by gigantic, exotic trees with leaves that are as big as you.  Beware that the humidity within the rain forest is unlike anything you may have felt before; so bring along a hair-binder or hat ;)




May I suggest...

Workout on the Go

Yoga Card Deck

The Yoga Deck

Let's face it, sometimes traveling can be stressful.  Maybe you missed your flight, forgot your camera, broke your shoe or it has been raining for the last 5 days straight.  I like to bring along a way to calm myself down, recenter and get back to enjoying my well earned vacation.  This deck of cards runs around $18 brand new, but you can find them on sites such as Amazon.com for much cheaper.  There are 50 cards with positions and relaxation techniques which allow you to create your own workout based on how much time and space you have available.  To take this one step further, I recommend putting together a playlist on your Ipod or MP3 player with calm, soothing music to help you escape and enjoy your yoga moves.  If Pilates is more of your style, they have that option as well!

May I Suggest...

For Your Suitcase

                                                      Packing Tip #1
Here is idea that I came across on Pintrest.com.  Really, it comes at the perfect time now that my husband and I have booked a trip for my 30th birthday and our 5 year anniversary.  There is nothing worse than packing your suitcase all neat and orderly just to open it at your destination and find everything moved around.  I especially don't like when my toothbrush ends up next to my hair brush or under a shoe...can't help but feel a little gross.This idea is simple enough and can be made quite inexpensively.

Florida

Key West, Florida

Shops in Key West

Key West is amazing city.  You will feel much more like you are in the Bahamas than the United States.  The buildings are all painted brightly in shades of blues, pinks and greens.  Keep your eyes open for the wandering roosters...they are everywhere!  Key West is a very pedestrian-friendly city, however, you will cover more territory if you rent a bike or a scooter.



                                                     Marina

Marina near Front Street

At some point during your stay, you must walk down to the marina area.  The view is wonderful.  I personally love to walk along Front Street and watch the sail boats and cruise ships.  This would also be a great place to book an excursion out into sea.  You have a variety of choices; including dolphin encounters, snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking to name a few.  While on Front Street, you should visit a unique restaurant to stop at and give your friends back home an idea what you're up to. There are 3 webcams set up in the restaurant with a live feed to their website at www.hogsbreath.com/key-west/.

Shopping in Key West

Duval Street
To pick up some jewelry or other trinkets, walk down Duval Street.  This is covered with adorable shops, souvenir stores and fun restaurants.  Just off of Duval Street, you will find the home of Ernest Hemingway.  Tour guides are available to walk you around the house and property.  It's a wonderful look back in time.

Southern-most point

Southern-Most Point
I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Key West, Florida is the southern most city in the continental United States.  Of course, with that, there is a monument marking the southern most point in the city.  It is definitely worth checking out...if anything just to say you were there!

May I Suggest...

Mexico

Acapulco, Mexico

Acapulco

Acapulco was a very energetic city.  You could hear tropical music playing from just about everywhere in downtown.  The way the sun reflected off of the ocean was amazing, you couldn't help but smile and take in the moment.  The view from Acapulco is one of the few places I could call paradise.  There are fun taxis to take you anywhere you want.

                                  

Sunset over the ocean

CiCi Acapulco Magico
Looking for a way to cool off while in Acapulco?  I suggest visiting the CiCi Acapulco Magico.  This is a fun water park perfect for any age.  If slides and splashing aren't your thing, you are in luck!  CiCi is right on the beach so you can just take your beach towel and lay out in the sand for go for a dip in the ocean.  The view was incredible!





Nado con Delfines

Nado Con Delfines

While at CiCi Acapulco Magico you need to sign up for a once in a lifetime experience.  You must swim with the dolphins!  This was interactive to the next level.  After a brief lesson about the dolphins, their habitat and routines you will enter a small practice pool.  Every swimmer will get 1 on 1 time to greet a dolphin.  Of course, there is also a souvenir photo taken of you with the dolphin.  From there your small group will enter their show pool and learn to perform tricks with the dolphins.  It was incredible!  After your swim is complete you will receive a video of your time with the dolphins.


**Side Note
As much as I love Mexico, I must advise you to check with the US State Department to ensure there are no travel warnings for this area.  Vacations are meant to be relaxing and therapeutic.  Having to worry about your safety will interfere with your ability to unwind and enjoy the city.
www.travel.state.gov

May I Suggest...

Bahamas

Nassau, Bahamas

Parliament House

The Bahamas are wonderful.  Close enough to the States that it doesn't take very long to get there, yet far enough away you feel as though you are in another world.  There is something about the ocean and the brightly colored buildings that makes me feel at peace.  Nassau is a very welcoming city.  As you walk along the streets in Nassau there are reminders of the English rule.  One of my favorite buildings to stop in front of is the Parliament House.  This is a bright pink building with a statue of Queen Victoria in front of it.  

Atlantis Resort

Atlantis
If you are spending more than one day in Nassau, I suggest you visit the Atlantis Resort.  At first glance, this hotel is massive.  There is a so much to look at and do that you could really use an entire day here.  I especially enjoyed walking through the Marine Habitat.  You follow tunnels under the hotel filled with gigantic aquariums of tropical fish and coral.

Queen's Staircase

Queen's Staircase
To get an amazing view of the island, you should walk up to the water tower and fort at the top of Bennet's Hill via the Queen's Staircase.  This is actually the highest point on the island.  The Queen's Staircase is pretty incredible.  There are 65 steps, the same number of years that Queen Victoria reigned.  These stairs were carved out of rock around 1793.  

Paradise Point

Paradise Point
From the pier in Nassau, you can board a catamaran that will take you out to Paradise Point.  This is a secluded island where you can spend the afternoon snorkeling, playing volleyball, hiking and taking in the sun.  On the north side of the island there is loads of coral to view and swim by.  At the south side you can swim with dolphins for an additional fee.  

May I Suggest...

Iceland

Reykjavik, Iceland

Entrance at Blue Lagoon

Aside from the fact that this was a chilly spot to vacation, it was beautiful!  The shops along the narrow streets were very cute and unique.  The exchange rate was one that I never quite figured out while there.  Luckily for me, all of the residents we met were very friendly and helpful.  Don't bother trying to pronounce any of the street names...or on second thought, try it after a few pints at a nearby pub.  

Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon
When else can you say that you swam in a volcano?  The Blue Lagoon was an amazing natural wonder.  It was incredible to sit in the mineral-rich thermal water or under the waterfalls.  The Lagoon was only a few feet deep, perfect depth for sitting and relaxing.  I visited the Blue Lagoon in the winter time so we were surround by a light mist and magical fog created by the thermal water.

Northern Lights

Northern Lights
Prior to visiting Iceland, I had only heard about the Northern Lights.  It wasn't until I saw it live that I realized the magic behind it.  We were out walking around at night and immediately stopped and became speechless as we were watching it.  It was as though there were lights dancing in the sky.  The brightness of the greens and reds were stunning.

Hallgrimskirkja Church

Hallgrimskirkja Church 
Reykjavik is a wonderful city to walk around and get lost in.  It was very pedestrian friendly.  We spent an entire day wandering around taking in the sights.  Towards the end of our day we walked up to the top of the hill to the Hallgrimskirkja Church.  This was an amazing shaped church that was truly visable from just about everywhere in the city.  When out of site, you can hear it's powerful bells ringing on the hour. 


May I Suggest...

St Thomas

Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas

 Charlotte Amalie


St Thomas is beyond beautiful; absolutely leaves you breathless.  Charlotte Amalie is the port where cruise ships park.  You are greeted with an amazing view of sail boats, bright blue water, and green hilly landscape. The number one thing you have to do while in Charlotte Amalie is to visit Paradise Point.  

View from Paradise Point

Paradise Point
This is a wonderful lookout point to stop for a quick visit or spend the afternoon at.  You take an aerial tram up 700 feet to Paradise Point and are greeted with a fragrant trail of exotic flowers and plants as you make your way to the lookout point.  There is outdoor seating on the patio where you feel as though you can see for miles.  There is a bar and restaurant ready to serve you as you sit and relax and take in the view.  

Snorkeling 

Shipwreck Cove Snorkeling
Another fun day trip is to sign up for a snorkeling tour at Shipwreck Cove.  We boarded a catamaran and enjoyed a scenic ride along the island.  Upon arriving to the very secluded cove you can either snorkel on your own or follow a guide who will point out ships below.  The variety of fish and plants were stunning.

                                                  


                                            
                                                  Day Trip to St John

Trunk Bay

St Thomas is located near several other islands that are only a short boat ride away.  After a short bus/taxi ride along the coast you will be greeted with the most beautiful beach in the world. Trunk Bay Beach is located within the National Park on St John.This water is crystal clear and has a white sandy beach. The snorkeling is amazing, but the best part is viewing the island from out in the ocean.  It is so peaceful and secluded you will truly feel like you are in paradise.    

May I Suggest...