Category Archives: travel ideas

Summer Fun at Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells

At the end of June, our family was fortunate to escape our everyday life here in Green Bay and head down to Wisconsin Dells and enjoy some much needed summer family fun thanks to the fine folks at the Kalahari Resorts.

A few years ago, we took the kids to Wisconsin Dells and well, that summer trip didn’t quite go as planned and things were derailed when Alex ended up in the ER with pneumonia. I am BEYOND happy to report that this time around, our trip was nothing but absolute fun and filled with some great memories and according to our 3 little people, THE BEST VACATION EVER!

From the moment we checked in to the resort, we were captivated by the beauty throughout. Of course, Ellie and I couldn’t get enough of all of the elephants everywhere since we are elephant fanatics!

This beauty greeted us upon entering the lobby to get all checked in for our stay.

Getting Checked In

What was really great about our stay at Kalahari Resorts was that even though check-in wasn’t until 4pm, we could arrive as early as 12:00pm, and pre-register and begin to enjoy the waterparks, which was great because it was a very very warm summer day!

An aerial view of a small section of the main lobby of Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells.

I don’t even have the words to describe how amazing this lobby is. To me, I didn’t feel like I was in the lobby of a hotel, I felt like I was in the middle of the mall with a guest services counter nearby. This lobby is overflowing with things for everyone to do. There are places to eat, shop, snack, grab a coffee, hit the spa, and gain access to both the indoor and outdoor waterparks.

A Room with a View

When we arrived to our room, we were blown away by not just how beautiful it was but by the view, the layout and the size. Our room was a Royal Two Room Family Suite and it featured one king bed, a separate room with two queen beds, full-size sofa sleeper, two full bathrooms, fireplace, two televisions and a large patio/balcony. Check it out for yourself.

King Size Size Bedroom in the Royal Two Room Family Suite

1 of 2 full bathrooms with soaking tubs

Room with two queen beds within the Royal Two Room Family Suite 

Full-size sofa sleeper, fireplace, 1 of 2 50 Inch Flat Screen TVs , table and chairs and a large patio/balcony. (Not pictured: 2 vanities, coffee maker, safe, refrigerator and microwave).

And last, but certainly not least, the view we had from our room was amazing!

Zambezi Outdoor Waterpark view from the balcony of our Royal Two Room Family Suite 

We were so happy with our suite. It was extremely spacious, the kids all had their own spot to sleep, Alex and I had our own bed (even if it was invade by a small boy), it was clean, there was NO FIGHTING over the bathroom, the beds were comfortable and we couldn’t have asked for a better place to spend the night.

Indoor Waterpark

We spent a good portion of our time at the resort enjoying the 125,000 square foot indoor waterpark. During our trip, there was an extreme summer heatwave and the temperature outside was well over 100° the entire time we were in town. Even with being in the water outside, we just could not stand the heat and the sun constantly beating down on us. Thankfully, the indoor waterpark had more than enough for all of us to enjoy!

For the most part, we hung out in the Leopard’s Lair, a multi-level water tree fort for all ages! You can wade in the zero depth entry pool, zip down slides of all sizes, play in water features and get soaked from the cross-firing water cannons! 

Leopard’s Lair

In addition to Leopard’s Lair, the indoor waterpark offers a wave pool with a small kiddie play area, a 920 foot lazy/torrent river for you to take a break and just relax, catch some waves on the Flowrider, all this in addition to some wicked water slides, a swim up bar, whirlpool spas and more!

We spent hours watching the kids run around, splash, play and have fun. Alex and I enjoyed chasing them in the water, splashing around, seeing the smiles on their faces and that they never got bored doing the same things over and over. To them, it never got old. 

Ellie must have gone done the same slide no less than 50 times and every time she did it, this express and excitement was the same.

When we weren’t in the water playing with the kids, Alex and I enjoyed some time just sitting, relaxing and watching them enjoy every moment of everything they were doing. We also managed to share the biggest margarita we have ever had!

Zambezi Outdoor Waterpark

As I mentioned, we did not get a chance to check out the outdoor waterpark due to the extreme summer heat and the kids not wanting to spend the day out under the sweltering summer sun once again, so we only really saw it from our room. Although we didn’t get to enjoy it, you should be aware that it is jam packed with even more slides and more splash. You will find some giant water slides like the Anaconda, Swahili Swirl, Extreme Rush, The Smoke that Thunders, Wild Wildebeest and the Zimbabwe Zipper.
 

The Smoke that Thunders

Wild Wildebeest 

Zimbabwe Zipper 

On top of these wicked slides, there is a lazy river, a kids play area complete with tree fort and whirlpool spa.

We can’t wait until our next visit, hopefully sometime next summer, to check out the outdoor waterpark with the kids since they will all be bigger and hopefully it won’t be to hot to breathe outside!

Delicious Food Right Around Every Corner

The dining choices at Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells were top notch and more than what we ever could have expected. Everything from the kids meals to the soups, the appetizers and the entrees and desserts, it was all delicious. During our stay, we enjoyed dinner at the Wisconsin Brew Pub where I had the best ever French onion soup made with my favorite New Glarus Brewing Spotted Cow Ale, gruyere cheese, and Bavarian pretzel bread.

The next morning, we had breakfast at Ivory Coast Restaurant right in the lobby of the resort. Alex had the Crab Cake Benedict and raves about it. I went with the Spinach & Artichoke Frittata, made with Spinach and artichoke dip with feta cheese on an open faced omelet and O.M.G. it was one of the most amazing things I have ever had for breakfast.

On top of these two restaurants, Kalahari Resorts also offers Double Cut contemporary steakhouse, Trapper’s Turn, Great Karoo Buffet, Java Manjaro (featuring Starbucks!), Sweet Hut Restaurant, Upper Deck Lounge & Lanes as well as the waterpark snack shacks and room service.

Shopping and Souvenirs 

We had a lot of fun checking out the Zakanaka Kids shop at let each of the kids pick out a cool souvenir to bring home. There was such a large selection of items, the kids had a really hard time deciding what they wanted but in the end, we ended up letting two of them create their own Kenya and Kya stuffed elephants complete with sound while the other picked out some cool puzzles.

Ellie with Kya

In addition to the goodies they found in the shops, the kids also had fun collecting the different Kalahari medallions and flattened pennies.

Treat Yourself

Sadly, I did not get to do the one thing that I really wanted to do during our stay because, well we were just having so much fun with everything else that I ran out of time. I had planned on taking some time to treat myself with a trip Spa Kalahari & Spa to enjoy their new Halotherapy Service.

Salt therapy, or halotherapy, uses a halogenerator to vaporize pure salt into the air so it can be breathed deep into the lungs. Halotherapy is also recommended for healthy people as it boosts the immune system to help combat the high amounts of pollutants and bacteria we all breathe every day. The negative ions produced help combat stress and depression.

As someone who suffers from asthma, allergies, frequent ear infections and dermatitis, I really wanted to give it a try to see if it helped reduce my symptoms. Hopefully I will get the chance during our next visit.

Kalahari Indoor Themepark

After checking out, we hung around the resort for a few hours to let the kids unwind and burn some energy in the 100,000 square foot Kalahari Indoor Themepark. Since we had dined at the Wisconsin Brew Pub for dinner the evening before, we had purchased $10 Action Cards for the themepark at a discount of $6 each with each entree  so the kids were ready to have some fun. Of course, we loaded their cards with some extra money to make sure they truly enjoyed themselves!

The indoor themepark was truly mind blowing. There was just so much to do and so much to take in. We could have spent an entire day there and they never would have run out of things to do.

Everything from mini golf, go-carts, a Ferris wheel, arcade games, bowling, laser tag, rock climbing walls, a carousel, a ropes course and so much more….IT IS NEVER ENDING

The last thing the kids did in the themepark, while I wrangled all their tickets for Alex to load them to their cards to redeem for prizes, was give the rock climbing wall a try. When we were planning our trip and I told them they had a rock climbing wall, they all wanted to give it a try.

This video does have sound but it is muted when you start it.

Ellie and Joey were also pretty excited to bump into Lou the Lion before heading home from our trip.

The last thing we did before leaving the resort was something to make me happy. All 5 of us crammed into a photobooth built for two to create some of the most epic family photos ever!

It sure was fun though and I will forever giggle at the results. If you look really hard you can see Alex in a few, you can tell that Alexander was not enjoying any of it, that I couldn’t stop laughing, that Ellie loved that fan in the booth blowing at us and that Joey didn’t have a clue what the heck was going on. Best vacation photos EVER!!!

Thank you for having us, Kalahari Resorts we had an AMAZING time. Everything during our stay was wonderful from check-in to check-out. The service, the food, the room, the waterparks, the theme park, the shopping, you name it. We loved it all.

According to our kids, this was the best vacation ever and they #LoveKalahari and can’t wait to come back to #AmericasLargest indoor and outdoor water park and resort. We hope to see you again next summer and stay longer and have even more fun!

Thanks for the hospitality and a truly wonderful and memorable trip for our family.

Not Just a Summer Trip

There is so much to do at Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells that you don’t have to wait until summer when it is nice and warm to visit. Take advantage of the great deals they offer the rest of the year and enjoy the indoor waterpark, themepark, spa and fabulous dining as well as all of the other great indoor attractions in and around Wisconsin Dells. Be sure to look online to find the best Kalahari Resort deals!

Planning To Get Married? Here Are the Top Honeymoon Destinations to Consider

A glorious honeymoon is essential in starting your marriage on a sound footing. Planning a wedding is never a walk in the park, and once the day comes to an end, exhaustion usually takes a toll on the couple. A honeymoon thus presents an excellent opportunity for the couple to rest, relax and start the long journey they have ahead in the right manner. But with a plethora of honeymoon destinations to choose from, most couples find it very challenging to settle on any one destination. Of course, there are lots of factors to be considered, but still, it is essential to find a decent location that will treat you to the romantic experience you so desire. Below is a look at some of what we think are the hottest honeymoon destinations in the world, and for which if you visit, you will be guaranteed of an excellent experience.

Camino Real Acapulco Diamante

This is the same destination that John and Jackie Kennedy went to for their honeymoon. Though that was decades ago, it is still one of the most popular places on earth where newlyweds love to head to for their honeymoon. The temperatures in Acapulco are pleasant throughout the year, and the presence of the beaches also makes it an excellent place to create and share romantic memories. If that is not enough for you, then you will be pleased to know that it is an affordable destination and you can make it there even if you were on a tight budget. Therefore, before you get married, get your fast passport and plan for a memorable honeymoon in Acapulco.

The Bellagio Hotel

In as much as Las Vegas is ideal for eloping, it is also a hot honeymoon destination, especially when you think about The Bellagio Hotel. This is the best place for newlyweds who want action-packed honeymoons, not just in the bedroom, but also in every other daily activity. The Bellagio Hotel has wonderful accommodation options, wonderful gardens and magnificent pools for relaxing during the honeymoon. Also included in the honeymoon package is a first-class spa where couples can get good pampering as they plan on starting their lives together. If you are in the United States, you may not need a fast passport service to get to Las Vegas, and indeed, it is one place where you will get an unforgettable honeymoon experience.

Amankila

If you need a fresh and enchanting destination to celebrate your love and start your lives together, then you will never go wrong with Bali, Indonesia. Such a destination worth giving serious thought is Amankila. Amankila means peaceful hill in the local language, and in this hidden gem, you will find more than peace during your honeymoon. The facility is situated on a hill overlooking east of Bali, and it has some of the most incredible sea views in the world. You will also find a lovely 3-tiered pool for those evening romantic dips and relaxation. Additionally, if you book the deluxe pool suite, you will have your private pool where you can have all the fun in the world as you start your new lives together.

The St. Regis Florence

If it is romance you are after for your honeymoon, then a honeymoon in any place in Italy will never disappoint. But for now, we would like to bring your attention to St. Regis, in Florence. This is one of the few honeymoon destinations in the world where you will be treated to incredible views of pure natural beauty, hearty meals and eye-catching arts amongst others. St. Regis is housed in an 18th-century palace, and its construction is such that it overlooks the Arno River. The rooms you find in this place are still fit for kings, well decorated with beautiful marbles and guaranteed to give you all the opulence and splendor you need to spend your honeymoons like a king and a queen. The hotel is also located close to the Duomo Cathedral, and this implies that a honeymoon here will offer you more than just the normal honeymoon experience. If it has been your desire to visit Florence and enjoy its amazing culture, art, and sceneries, then maybe all you need is fast passport after getting married and head down to the St. Regis for an experience you will never forget.

Caneel Bay Resort

Caneel Bay Resort is located on a 5000-acre piece of land in Virgin Islands National Park. The resort is surrounded by seven beaches, with a wide range of pampering activities ideal for every newlywed. A honeymoon here is a must for lovers who desire a unique tropical experience to start their lives together. The rooms have ocean views and patios that gives direct access to the beach. There are also lodgings and private cottages for those who need extra privacy during their first days as a husband and wife. The resort also has a wide variety of day entertainment options such as kayaking, beach relaxation, scuba diving, and yoga classes for relaxing your muscles after an intense day of activities. The food here is also great, and this will ensure that you indulge in yourself in the best meals during your honeymoon.

Bora Bora Resort and Spa

Bora Bora is not just a top honeymoon destination, but also one of the highly mentioned travel destinations in the world. The area is nestled in powder white beaches with clear lagoons. It is an inviting place for every newlywed, especially those that desire post-wedding privacy. The bungalows are perched above the water so that at all times, you will be living above the crystal-blue waters. There are lots of things newlyweds can engage in, including scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming and beach relaxation. One of the most amazing things about Bora Bora are the views, especially the sunset and sunrises over the lagoons. The experience of living on top of the water is another reason why Bora Bora is such an attractive destination for millions of people.

As you continue to plan your wedding, keep these destinations in mind for your honeymoon. Don’t forget to have your travel documents in good time, and feel free to use fast passport services if you think your passport may delay and derail your plans.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Santiago

A trip to Santiago is bound to be unforgettable because this city is fantastic. But to make the most out of your experience, you need to take in all the best sights. So, plan your itinerary to include visits to the most amazing places this magnificent city has to offer.

10 Best Places to Visit in Santiago

1.      Cerro San Cristobal

Any journey of discovery through Santiago should start with Cerro San Cristobal. This is the number one of all tourist sights in the city, and it definitely deserves its title. The panoramic view of the city that opens from this hill is spectacular. Like there are many ways to see the San Fran skyline, there are many places in Santiago that offer a great view. However, none of them compare to this iconic hill.

When you’re done being amazed by the view, be sure to take a walk through city’s biggest and one of the most beautiful parks, the Santiago Metropolitan Park. It’s located on the hill and offers many attractions, including two public pools. At the foot of the hill, you’ll find the Chilean National Zoo. It’s a part of the park complex and houses 158 species of animals from all over the world.

2.      Plaza de Armas

Plaza de Armas is another of the top tourist attractions. Free walking tours in Santiago will usually take you there as it’s the historical center of the city. The square houses the Metropolitan Cathedral, one of the most magnificent architectural monuments in the city. The Royal Court Palace and Central Post Office aren’t far behind in terms of beauty and are located there as well.

Plaza de Armas is also the place you should go to if you want to buy the works of talented Chilean artists. They sell their paintings right there and you can enjoy looking at the fruits of local talents while nursing a cup of delightful Chilean coffee.

3.      Los Dominicos Village

Shop for souvenirs at the Los Dominicos Village, the biggest Santiago crafts and artisans market. Here you can find a variety of beautiful handmade pieces that will make perfect mementos of the trip. You can also use this opportunity to learn more about the native Chilean crafts and traditions.

The ‘village’ is located at the end of a beautiful park and houses over 200 stores. Some of those are cafes where you can taste local delicacies.

4.      La Chascona

Any list of places to visit in Santiago must include La Chascona, the home of one of the most prominent figures in the history of modern Chile. The house currently serves as a museum of its owner, Pablo Neruda. He was a diplomat, a poet, and the Nobel Prize for Literature winner in 1971.

La Chascona is the home made by Neruda for his secret lover Matilde Urrita. It’s one of the most original and romantic buildings in all of Santiago.

5.      Museo de la Memoria

One of the most original of Santiago’s museums, the Museum of Memory and Human Rights is dedicated to the memories of Pinochet’s dictatorship victims. The entry is free, and you definitely should visit this place as it shows the tremendous spirit of the Chilean people, who managed to overcome this horrible period in their history and come out stronger for it.

6.      Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino

This is one of the most interesting places to visit in Santiago as this museum provides insight into the people, who inhabited this land centuries ago. The Chilean Museum of Pre-Colombian Art houses 10,000 years of history in the artifacts collected all over the South and Central America.

7.      Museo de Arte Contemporaneo

The number one among the places to visit in Santiago if you are an art-lover. The Museum of Contemporary Art has the permanent collection of 3,000 magnificent pieces, and it often houses exhibits from a variety of artists. Be sure to check its website when planning your trip as the museum often organizes interesting events.

8.      Palacio de la Moneda

The Presidential Palace is a vision of luxury and architectural beauty. When visiting it, pay attention to the amazing sculptures in the garden, which are made by Chilean artists. You can also enjoy the Changing of the Guards ceremony, much like you would in London.

9.      Parque Quinta Normal

Despite its unassuming name, the Quinta Normal Park is one of the main reasons why you should use every trick to find more opportunities to travel and visit Santiago. It’s an urban park that houses numerous museums and offers you a chance to enjoy a barbecue and traversing a lake on paddleboats.

10.  Cementerio General de Santiago

The cemetery is one of the stranger places to visit in Santiago, but this adventure will make your trip more memorable. This cemetery is the final resting place of almost all Chilean presidents. Each of their tombs is 2-3 stories high and is a unique monument to the person buried there and the mark they left on the country.

5 Kid-Friendly Attractions in Indianapolis

Indianapolis is a surprise for many people, as it’s a low-key tourist destination that sits at the crossroads of many major Midwestern highways. If you’re looking for a sweet spot for your next family vacation, you should know that Indianapolis is also home to a number of kid-friendly attractions and activities.

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Image via Flickr by navets

If you’re bringing kids to Indy, you should definitely include the Children’s Museum on your itinerary. You could spend a full day exploring all five stories of fun or make it a shorter visit and just see the exhibits that are most interesting to your kids. Your options include Playscape, an area for the preschool and toddler set; Treasures of the Earth, an area that turns school-aged kids into explorers; Dinosphere; China; and the All Aboard train area. The entire museum is hands-on and kid-friendly. Tickets start at $19.

100 Acres at Indianapolis Museum of Art

Hesitate to take your little ones to an art museum? This outdoor area adjacent to the Indianapolis Museum of Art is extremely welcoming to children. This 100-acre site blends natural beauty with art that kids can climb on, explore, and experience in their own way. Most families will want to spend about an hour or two exploring the trails and sculptures. The park is open from dawn to dusk, and admission is free.

Rhythm! Discovery Center

Are your kids into drumming? Most kids love to bang out a rhythm, and some have a natural talent for drums. The Rhythm! Discovery Center has more than 150 interactive displays that let kids enjoy all sorts of percussion experiences. Along the way, they’ll learn how different cultures approach percussion instruments, play an 8-foot drum, and learn about film sound effects. Admission is $6 for kids and $12 for adults.

Indiana State Museum

Like most state museums, this one is a popular destination for local school field trips. But it’s also a fun place to visit as a family. The museum covers traditional topics in innovative ways, helping kids deepen their understanding of classroom topics with interactive exhibits that make each topic engaging. The Foucault Pendulum and the solar system exhibits are extremely popular and very kid-friendly. Admission is $9.95 for kids and $14.95 for adults.

Indianapolis Zoo

If your kids love animals, be sure to schedule time to visit the Indy zoo. Allow time to visit the dolphin show, which is free, but you’ll need to pick up a ticket at the entrance to get a seat. Don’t miss the International Orangutan Center, which delights kids and adults alike. You can also take a gondola ride, touch a shark, or watch animal feedings. Tickets are priced between $15 and $31.

With all this kid-friendly fun, affordable lodging, and great food all over the city, your family is sure to enjoy a trip to Indianapolis. Indianapolis is a sweet Midwestern city with a host of exciting museums and attractions, but it isn’t overrun with tourists, making it a perfect family destination.

 

3 Tips for Visiting SeaTac

SeaTac, short for Seattle-Tacoma, is a town that encompasses the airport of the same name. On the north end, it starts at South 128th Street and extends all the way south to just past South 216th Street and is bordered by different cities on the east and west sides. It may not be the largest city in the Seattle area, but it is home to interesting destinations that include everything from a botanical garden to restaurants that serve fresh-caught seafood and pour local draft beer. There’s plenty to do in this area that goes beyond the airport!

Check Out the Natural Beauty of Washington State

Image via Flickr by davidwilson1949

Angle Lake is a recreational park situated on a small lake. It’s got a spray park for the family to enjoy, a boat launch and fishing pier, playground equipment, and a recreation area among other features. Got a little bit of time before heading to your next destination? Make sure to stop at the Highline SeaTac Botanical Gardens. The gardens aren’t that large, but they’re well-curated and full of beautiful plants, displays, and pathways. Plus it’s close to the airport, which makes it a great place to stop for a refresher.

Find a Place to Lay Your Head

As you would expect, SeaTac has plenty of hotels, and a majority of them are located near the airport. Prices vary from just under $100 a night to just over $200. You’ll have an easy time finding a room whether it’s at the Cedarbrook Lodge with its landscape of wetlands or the Best Western Seattle. Many of these hotels offer an airport shuttle, but not all. Make sure to double check with the website when you decide on which hotel to book. You want to make sure you can make your flight with the least amount of effort.

Grab a Bite to Eat

One of the best-rated places to eat is found in the SeaTac airport. Beecher’s Handmade Cheese has a parent storefront in Pike Place, but if you don’t have time to get over there, you can get something delicious, fresh, and hot to take with you at the airport. Got some time but don’t want fancy? Ulysses Restaurant and Lounge in nearby Tukwila is the place for you. It’s traditional diner food that’s made fresh with quality ingredients. Wash your meal down with a local draft beer for the ultimate in satisfaction. Near the airport is Mecca Mediterranean Cuisine, another diner-style place with a Middle Eastern flavor. Here, you’ll find everything from chicken and waffles to shish kebabs. Food is always served with a smile to complete your dining experience.

This is a small sampling of the things you can partake of when you’re in SeaTac, whether you’re killing time on a layover or are in town for a short trip. Find yourself an out-of-the-way diner to experience food that you can’t find elsewhere, or take a trip to a lookout spot for Mt. Ranier. You’ll find that it’s a pleasant place to visit.