How to Have a Stress-Free Vacation

When you're going on vacation, you want to leave all your worries behind and focus on having a good time. Unfortunately, some situations can cause you to need a vacation from your vacation. Here are some ways you can have a stress-free trip. 

Use a Shuttle Service

One of the biggest stressors at the beginning of a vacation is finding a ride to the airport. You could do long-term parking, but that can run as much as $60 a day, depending on where you live. Save time and money by hiring an airport shuttle service Wilkes-Barre to pick your family up. The cost for the ride can be as low as $20, and you won't have to struggle with finding a parking spot and rushing to the airport to get to your flight on time. 

Another way to use a shuttle service is to rent one to take you around the area you're vacationing at. Shuttles are typically cheaper than renting a car, and you won't have to worry about getting lost when you're going to your next destination. 

Create a Schedule

When you visit a new place, there are a lot of fun new areas you want to explore and things you want to do. Write a list of what you want to do, and break everything down into days you want to do them. If you estimate that you'll stay a long time in one area, then plan for other things that day where you know they won't take a long time. For example, if you want to go theme park, you likely don't want to schedule anything else for that day, so you can ensure you have time to explore everything. However, if you want to visit an aquarium, you'll likely also have time to do an escape room later in the day. 

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Day 2 in Salzburger Lungau: Hiking Day to Rotgueldensee

Rotgueldensee is considered as one of the most notable and beautiful mountain lakes in Salzburger Lungau. It is located in Murtal (Mur Valley), within the National Part Hohe Tauern.

From our apartment, we drove about half an hour to Hintermuhr and started our hike from there. Tagging along with us is of course our french bulldog Suki. We started our hike from the parking area of the Arsenhouse, following the road going up the mountain, passing through a number of informative natural trail about the mountain and its Flora and Fauna.

The family on the way up to mountain lake, Rotgüldensee.

The hike normally takes about an hour for regular hikers, but it took us longer as we needed to take more short water breaks for our Suki due to the hot weather. It rained hard halfway through the hike and we were all wet when we reached the lower Rotgüldensee and the Rotgüldensee-Hütte. Although cloudy and gray, it was a sight to behold. The lake water was calm and silvery-gray due to the clouds hovering above. We took a rest at the cabin, where we ordered some hot beverages to help ward off the cold. 

This beautiful lake greeted us, with the foggy Großer Hafner further up.

Later, the sky cleared up, revealing the lake's beautiful almost turkish blue water. Further up, one can see the waterfalls coming from the upper Rotgüldensee and the shimmering ice-cold beauty of the Großer Hafner, a partly-glaciated mountain, up ahead.

The sky cleared up a bit revealing the cold beauty of Großer Hafner
and of course, the lower lake's turquoise water.

We wanted to take the challenge of going up to the upper Rotgüldensee but decided otherewise due to the weather condition and the fitness level of our group which includes a french bulldog, a complaining-not-quite-a-teenager daughter, and me, whose fitness level is close to null. The only fit person in our group is my husband. Hehe! :)

The hike back was quicker and more pleasant for our Suki because the temperature has cooled down. 

It was a beautiful day still, one that we will forever cherish.

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Summer Roadtrip 2019 - 1st Stop: St. Michael in Lungau, Austria

We started off our summer roadtrip one rainy Saturday. First stop of this trip: St. Michael in Lungau, Austria. St. Michael in Lungau is Salzburg's vacation paradise, surrounded with lush mountains offering a variety of hiking opportunities for families, and deep-blue idyllic mountain lakes. 

We stayed at a family run apartment in St. Martin, with a view of the mountains and just very near the Sonnenbahn.  The Sonnenbahn will take you up to 2,0000 meters above sea level, a great starting point to explore the Speiereck mountain on foot or see the mountain lakes in the area.

Good hiking shoes are needed if you want to go further but sports shoes will suffice if you just want to take a leisurely walk, see the alpine cows lazily grazing on the mountains. There is a restaurant and alpine hut called the Peterbaueralm where you can enjoy traditional Austrian food or stay the night if you somehow ended up still in the mountains and it has already gotten dark.

On our first full day in St. Michael, we went up Speiereck. It was very foggy when we got there but the skies cleared up while we were hiking. It was amazing how the mountains would clear up one moment and then with just a gust of wind be all covered up in fog the next. We brought our french bulldog with us of course and she had a lot of fun up in the mountains. Dogs need of course to always be kept on the leash since there are alpine cows in the area. The cows were very calm creatures but if they see other animals, they might see them as a threat and could then pose a danger to people.

It was a great day up, taking in the breathtaking view of the mountain, with its fresh and cool mountain air, a wonderful experience for the entire family. It was tiring but we all had a wonderful time. Another adventure awaits on the next day.

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A Family Roadtrip for the Summer of 2019

School is officially out and six weeks of "doing nothing", as the daughter likes to call it, is in! But no, it will not be six long boring weeks because there will be things other than school stuff to do. Plus, this family will be going again on a roadtrip this summer, this time for the first time with our adorable french bully Suki. Yay!!!

It has been quite a while since our last roadtrip as a family and we sure could use a vacation for a number of reasons: 

1. We need to take a break and get our minds off work, hence this much deserved holiday.

2. Our "little girl" did very well at school and this milestone has to be celebrated with the family.

3. We didn't get to spend our summer with Suki last year since we flew back to the Philippines so we are spending this summer with her. She was still happy last year though because she spent it at Pino's Hundehotel with other dogs.

So where to this year? We initially wanted to drive through France and then Spain and back but because it would be too hot in Spain in the summer, we decided to drive to central Europe, where the summer weather will hopefully be milder and more friendly to our frenchie. Thank God for Google maps, I was able to map out our route that will take us through St. Michael in Lungau, Austria, Heviz and Budapest in Hungary, Bratislava in Slovakia,  and back to Germany.

Our route has been set and our dog-friendly accommodations have already been booked weeks ago. What is left is to research on what we will be doing in each country that are foremost "dog-friendly"and family friendly too. If you know of any dog-friendly destinations or activities in these areas, be sure to drop a word or two in the comment section below! It would surely be very helpful and is much appreciated!

I will be writing another entry in the coming days so be sure to drop by every now and then. Thanks!

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Bantayan Island

Autumn is slowly creeping in but before that, let me post this beautiful photo of the Virgin Island, a nearby island just a couple of hours away from Bantayan Island in the province of Cebu, Philippines.

Clear blue waters, white sand, hot sun - the perfect combination for a perfect summer vacation. It is a very beautiful place for snorkeling too - with lots of fish or just lazing about on one of the hammocks while sipping a tumbler of fresh mango juice. There is a viewing deck further on and cliff diving on the other side of the island for the more adventurous at heart.

Nothing really beats nature's beauty. It was a brief stay but the memories we made with family and friends will forever be treasured.

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The Islands Beckon

Summer - that time of the year when we finally get to unwind and have a long vacation.

This year was unlike any other as we got to explore the islands of our home country and saw it in a different light, enjoying the sun, sea and countryside with family and friends, breathing in and basking in its beauty. From one island to the next, it will always have its own charm and beauty but one thing remains - the Philippines is a beautiful country rich in natural resources. 

Breathtaking sunrise in Pacifico, San Isidro, Siargao Philippines.

We went back to places we have been to and was surprised at how much globalization has changed the face of the island. There are crowded places teeming with tourists but there are also locations where one can enjoy the laidback pace of the island life. I hope that its natural beauty will not be compromised with commercialization otherwise it will be the end of it.

So be it for adventure, meeting new friends, enjoying extreme sports or just lazing about, there will always be a spot for anyone who will visit the islands of the Philippines.

With its 7,106 islands, there are still thousands more islands that we need to explore. And these we will definitely visit and explore in the next summers of our lives.

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There's No Place Like Home

The day that we have long been waiting for has finally come! After the Friday rush from work (which I so dread but expected), all the last minute packing, and saying goodbye to all the stress, we are now on vacation mode!

Waiting for boarding at the gate at Zürich Airport, Switzerland's largest airport.

In-flight meal from Singapore Airlines en-route to Singapore. Yum!

Transit in Singapore. We had to change from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1.

Arrived last Sunday with my sissies and bro picking us up from the airport and having a typical Filipino meal. It was also my Papa's birthday, which made our home coming even more special. Cousins, also the ones who I haven't seen for years, came to visit and celebrate with us. It is a great feeling to be back home again and tasting my Mama's home cooking meals again! And to see my nephews and nieces who have grown a lot since I last saw them.

All is well and good... and we are now exploring the different islands my home country has to offer. First on the list - Cebu and it's islands! But that folks is another story...

;)

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Exciting Ways To Spend Your Next Vacation

A vacation is something that should create lifelong memories. For some families, going to the same spot each year is the ideal vacation. But some people want a different kind of excitement each year, and that means trying new activities and going to new places to make things interesting.

An Overland Adventure

Overland trips are excursions done far off the beaten path to destinations you have probably never seen before. These are the types of adventures where you will truly see something you have never seen before, but you should always have a professional guide with you to make everything safe. You can buy overland excursion packages from tour companies that will give you an adventure you will never forget.

A Safari

Perhaps the pinnacle of vacation adventures is to go into the lowlands of the African continent for a genuine safari. While a safari can be exciting, there is a bit of danger involved. But when you use the services of a professional safari tour company, you can rest easy knowing that you will be able to enjoy all of the adventure Africa has to offer.

Cave Tours

While many thousands of miles of caves in the United States remain unexplored, there are still plenty of exciting places people can go to safely explore caves. The rock formations and other features of caves make them the kind of place people go when they want an adventure. When you go to a cave tour, you will be outfitted with the gear you will need and you will be able to have the experience of a lifetime

The idea of vacationing in the same spot each year gives some people a much needed sense of security. But every once in a while, it is good to try something exciting and different. When you are planning your next vacation, be sure to think a little outside the box and look for something that will give you a whole new set of lifelong memories.

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Missing The Mountains

It has been a while since we as a family went on a hiking trip. I miss smelling the fresh air, the grass that would gently graze our legs as we pass through narrow trails amidst green fields, the surprising and sometimes challenging ascents and descents that we encounter along the way, the breathtaking view at the summit or at our end destination, how it allows us to just empty our minds of the mundane and busy world that we left behind and just enjoy the presence of one another despite the occassional whining and complaining. :) Walking trails always gives us that sense of stillness and peace, leaving us in awe at the majesty and beauty our eyes can behold. 

Following the king's trail during a hiking trip
a couple of years ago in Schwangau, Bavaria.

However, due to circumstances beyond our control, traveling for this purpose at the time being is difficult to make. But I remain hopeful and positive that one day, all shall be well again... things will go back to normal and we could once again help ourselves to a day or two of hiking in the mountains.

The mountains beckon... and we will be there, SOON!

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Time for Summer Vacation! Tips for Having the Best Trip Ever

Summer vacation with the family can be a whole lot of fun, but planning a vacation and getting there isn’t always easy. You’ve got to deal with schedules and all sorts of things, and simply packing can be a challenge.

This year, use these tips to make sure that you have as much fun as you possibly can while you’re out of town with your family.

Dreaming of summer on the beach... Already on vacation mode! 

1. Buy Tickets Early

If you’re going to be flying this summer, you need to make sure you get your tickets in advance so you don’t pay a fortune. However, that doesn’t mean you should be buying six months before your trip.

Why not? Because when you buy tickets too far in advance the airlines have no reason to give you any sort of discount. For the best prices, look for tickets about 45 to 60 days before you’re going on your trip.

You may need to book earlier if you’re going to popular destinations like the 4th of July though, so keep that in mind.

2. Reserve Your Hotel

One of the hardest and most expensive things for families when it comes to travel is reserving the right hotel. Ideally, you want a hotel that’s as close to your destinations as possible so you don’t have to rent a car. For example, when you play at the Marriott Singer Island or another all-inclusive destination resort, you won’t have to leave to have a lot of fun.

Just make sure you book early – just about as early as when you buy your airplane tickets.

3. Pack Days Before

If you’re traveling with children you need to make packing less of a big ordeal. Every parent knows that packing with a child the night before a trip can be pretty exhausting, and chances are you won’t get much sleep.

That’s why you should start a couple of days ahead of time. Let your child pack some items on their and then check up on their work. That way they’ll learn to pack and you can work on your own luggage.

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Planning an Ideal Vacation

Many people use vacations to step away from the stress in their lives. Spending some time in a new destination can result in a feeling of peace and allow a chance to return to the real world with a refreshed attitude. Some people prefer to relax by a pool for the duration of their time away. This can be an ideal way to relax. Vacations are also an opportunity to try new adventures. Hobbies and activities are often available that offer a chance to see a new place or develop a new skill.

Explore the Outdoors

Many popular vacation destinations have breathtaking views. Be sure to take time to enjoy the scenery. Hiking is a great activity that can be a fun way to spend time enjoying the outdoors. The feeling of completing a challenging hiking trail can be rewarding, and the view from the peak of a mountain can be magnificent. Other vacation destinations may have historical buildings that offer tours or activities. There are usually plenty of sights to be seen.

Take Time to Relax

After a day full of sightseeing and adventure, be sure to take some time to relax. Consider booking a spa treatment or taking a yoga class. Spas often offer massages, steam showers, saunas and other specialty services. These services are designed to put clients at ease so that they can feel rejuvenated. A swim in the pool can also be a fun way to relax. Spending time in the fitness center and pool can be a great way to unwind without distractions.

Find Themed Activities

If the usual selections are not appealing, consider trying something unique. Many resorts also offer some type of sport activity, such as golf or ice-skating. Some resorts may also offer activities that are part of a theme. For example, New York's Mohonk Mountain House has hosted weekend events with jazz and ballroom dancing themes. These events offer an entertainment experience to enjoy a special activity. Other themes, such as dining events, are also popular.

Try to consider the goals of a vacation while planning the trip. If relaxation is the primary focus, then be sure to select a resort with spa services. Vacations that feature more activities will be better at resorts that have a wide range of offerings. A mix of relaxation and action can be the perfect solution for stepping away from stress and enjoying a break from life.

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