We are a family that looks forward to summer all winter long. For us, summer is made for cookouts, late nights, road trips, beach days, swimming, and water fun.
Over the last few summers, we have also taken a few trips and enjoyed some indoor/outdoor waterpark fun and introduced the kids to something they love……water slides!
Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin Dells newest iconic water slide, The Smoke That Thunders, is now open and ready for you to zip, zoom, twist, twirl, slide and splash all under the summer sun!
The Smoke That Thunders is one of the wildest raft rides out there! You will find yourself soaring through a dark tube, around in a circle and then experience some of the longest hang times, facing zero-g oscillations as you sweep up and across the wall, virtually defying gravity before sweeping back down.
Kalahari Resort is home to Wisconsin’s Largest Indoor Waterpark, The Arena virtual reality experience, Indoor Theme Park, Spa Kalahari and Salon and more.
Are you ready to experience The Smoke That Thunders? Book your family vacation at Kalahari Resorts today!
Almost 200,000 people visit Cheltenham to enjoy four days of racing with some of the world’s best horses and jockeys. It’s not just the experienced and gamblers who have a great time here. In fact, you can just come along to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a few drinks whilst trying to spot a celebrity.
If you’re going to this year’s Cheltenham Festival for the first time, here are a few essential do’s and don’ts to make sure you have a great and enjoyable time.
Do Make Sure You Eat a Good Breakfast:
Newbies often forget this with all of the excitement. Veterans always have a hearty breakfast before the race. The food is ridiculously expensive and not exactly the best quality. It’s also a good idea to make sure your stomach is full if you’re planning to enjoy a few drinks.
Don’t Drink too Much:
After Cheltenham, the tabloids are always full of people who were too drunk to stand or passed out on the floor. We’ve all seen them and tutted at their outrageous behaviour. But, it’s easier than you think to fall into this trap if you’re drinking one after another all day.
And always, always, always be careful when you’re on a losing streak with a stomach full of alcohol. You’re more likely to chase losses by making careless bets.
Do Learn How to Make a Bet:
Make sure you know where and how to place a bet. The etiquette on race day is different from what you would imagine. People don’t line up and are shouting back and forth. Be patient with the people who are pushing and in our eyes are being downright rude.
This is especially the case in the most prestigious race, the Gold Cup. Don’t listen to the whispers and tips on race day because they’re just rumours. Check out the Gold Cup best odds at William Hill for up-to-date info and tips.
Don’t Waste All of Your Money:
The rule here is simple. It’s your money and you’re here to have an awesome time. Betting isn’t obligatory. You don’t have to bet on every single race if you don’t want to. Just because the person in front has just placed a large one, it doesn’t mean you should too.
Do Dress for the Occasion:
Cheltenham doesn’t have a strict dress code. So, you can come to the festival wearing whatever you please. At the same time, there’s no harm in trying to make an effort to look smart or elegant.
Don’t Wear Fancy Dress:
You may think that dressing up is hilarious, but the other 199,990 people won’t. Just imagine the poor punter standing behind you whose view you’re blocking with your outfit. Be considerate.
Important Points to Remember:
The most important thing is to enjoy yourself whilst at the same time drinking and betting responsibly. Dress up and look good, but don’t go over the top. Good luck and I hope you have an amazing time at the races!
For some, the holidays can be a very stressful time. You could be stressed because you have a lot of family coming to visit, you are traveling to see family, or you don’t really have anyone to spend the holidays with.
Believe it or not, the holidays can be some of the best times to find great deals at resorts and spas and we have some great deals to share with you.
Drift Spa, the refreshing and tranquil oasis located at Island Resort & Casino in Harris, Michigan, has great holiday specials designed to alleviate holiday-season stress and provide a variety of unique and timely gift ideas for friends and family.
What is the Drift Spa?
Island Resort & Casino’s newest amenity, Drift Spa, offers guests an undisturbed and revitalizing spa experience that leads to a refreshing sense of calm and tranquility. Embracing the traditions of Native American healers, Drift Spa is dedicated to mind, body and spirit renewal. In addition to private rooms for a full range of spa treatments, Drift Spa also features an indoor, saltwater pool and fitness center, co-ed sauna, separate steam rooms and locker rooms.
Holiday Specials
Good now until December 31st, the spa offers $15 off a 50- or 75-minute customized massage. A highly therapeutic treatment, the customized massage incorporates medium and deep tissue techniques to help realign the body and restore freedom of movement.
Drift Spa recently revealed its newest treatment, HydraFacial MD. A non-invasive facial that takes just 30 minutes, it requires no downtime or discomfort and shows immediate results. The procedure can be customized for anti-aging or acne / problem skin. Introductory rates are available until December 31st.
Other holiday specials include a “perky pumpkin” facial and “spiced cider” manicure or pedicure.
Whether this is something of a dream, or a vacation you plan to take in the future, a break from the children can often be welcomed. We have to remember sometimes that we are still individuals and a couple, as well as playing the roles of mom and dad. If you get the chance to have a vacation without the kids, whether that be a weekend or something longer, it’s worth taking that opportunity. It can do wonders for your relationship. With that in mind, I thought I would share with you some of the destinations you should consider.
Las Vegas
A holiday without the kids can mean one of two things. Either you want to relax with your half and catchy up on well-deserved sleep. Or you want to enjoy the party with a few cocktails thrown in. If the party is what you want, then Las Vegas can surely provide it. The city that never sleeps. You can enjoy some time in the casinos and bars. You might want to catch a show from some of the top quality residencies that are held there. Or you may just want to enjoy the rollercoaster that sits on top of a hotel. Whatever you decide to do with your time you will have a fantastic vacation in Las Vegas.
Cancun
If you are after a more relaxed vibe during the day with a something going on at night then why not consider Cancun. Cancun holidays are fast becoming popular, and you can see why. There is many an all-inclusive hotel to unwind during the day. These tend to sit on the beach meaning you don’t need to move far for a beautiful view. Or you can take in some of the picturesque surroundings by doing a tour.
Barbados
Perhaps you just want to be in one another’s company. Then consider a trip to Barbados. A relaxing Caribbean island that will allow you to sink into a sunbed while hearing the waves softly in the background. It’s a little piece of heaven. This is the perfect spot for a little romance if this is your intended purpose.
England
If you are the couple that doesn’t sit still then why not take in the greenery and attractions of England. You could head to London and see Buckingham Palace. Or head up north where the locals are said to be some of the friendliest around. There is so much to do that the main dilemma will be what can you fit in?
Italy
Finally, you could take in the country love. Italy has many destinations that will ignite the romance in a couple. Rome being the most famous and with so many attractions to take in you won’t be bored. There is also the wonderful food to sample. Pasta and pizza galore, what is not to love? There is also Venice and Florence with all their characteristics and charm. A little bit further than some couples would like to travel but it will be well worth it.
I hope this has inspired you for your next adult only escape.
It may only be March but Alex and I have already been talking about what we want to do with the kids this summer. Since we moved into our new house, we haven’t really done any family trips aside from day trips here and there.
This summer, we thought it would be cool to take some time and travel outside of Wisconsin and visit a few places that none of us have ever been to and are in the process of planning an epic road trip.
I want to leave Green Bay and stop in Madison for a few hours and show the kids State Street. From Madison I plan to drive straight through to St. Louis to take the kids to the St. Louis Zoo and to see the St. Louis Arch. I am planning on adding in quite a few other things to take us through a few different states, visiting some different attractions and then making our way back home. I think it would be really cool to look for an available RV rental St. Louisand turn our road trip into an RV trip!
Yes, putting all 7 of us in the family minivan and driving around the midwest for a few days, visiting different places is going to be exhausting, loud and a little pricey (thankfully gas is affordable again) but in the end, I think it will be worth it.
I think this road trip is something our family really needs and it will be a lot of fun planning for it and spending some time together. I’ve even been checking out some different apps that will come in handy along the trip.
We’ve never done a road trip with all 7 of us that wasn’t a day trip and never an overnight trip (as a family) since Ellie and Joey were born. Hopefully this whole thing goes off without a hitch.
If you’ve travelled around the midwest, what are some places you recommend we visit on our trip?
