General Travel

Discover Palm Springs!

May 22, 2019 By Marvelous Mouse Travels Leave a Comment

Thank you to Jaclyn Vercillo for this fun look at Palm Springs, California!

Palm Springs is about a 3 hour drive from Los Angeles and we love to head there for a quick retreat. California is so big, and has so many different types of destinations. My kids marvel at how each location is so different, but in the same state. Palm Springs feels like a desert oasis filled with lush palm trees while surrounded by beautiful mountains. This time the top of the mountains were covered in snow which was crazy for us! We were in 85 degree weather and our scenery was snow covered mountains!

This time we decided to stay at the Parker Palm Springs. It’s an iconic hotel, originally built as an estate, and designed by the very talented Jonathan Adler. The details and design of this hotel blew me away. It was exquisite and quirky at the same time. Many people come to visit the Parker since it’s so iconic and it has amazing restaurants. What’s great about the hotel is that only hotel guests are allowed past the lobby and restaurant area so you have the grounds all to yourself. And believe me, they are amazing! They have fire pits, hammocks, croquet fields, 2 pools, chess and ping pong, and lush gardens. They also have the most adorable lemonades stand offered only to hotel guests. They have yummy food, amazing lemonade, and adult beverages too.

There are so many great things to do in Palm Springs. Most people go to relax and soak up the sun, but it’s also known for golf and tennis. Traveling with kids we knew we would need a few adventurous items on our itinerary besides lounging by the pool. We decided to visit The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens are first day and we were very impressed. It’s beautifully maintained and they have amazing add ons like feeding the giraffes and camel rides. My kids also really enjoyed the model train exhibit and so did the adults! If you want a little more adventure you should wear your hiking gear and take one of the amazing trails there.

After the zoo we headed back to our hotel for some lounging before our dinner at the amazing French restaurant Mr. Parker’s. Heading to dinner the hotel had completely transformed into a big nightlife crowd. Palm Springs definitely has a night scene! Our dinner was fantastic and they even made my kids pizza so all were happy.

The next day we decided to hit the pool and before we took off for home we visited the Palm Springs Air Museum. To say it was incredible is an understatement. They had so much inventory from the cold war, WWI, WWII, and the Korean War. The museum was huge! Best part was that it is attached to the Palm Springs airport and you get to watch fighter jets and old bombers take off! And if you are really brave, you can take a ride in them!

Basically, Palm Springs has something for everyone. We met a lot of friends coming in for the weekend from cold places trying to escape the snow for a few days and enjoy the heat, a bachelorette party, a babymoon, family trips, couples retreat, and even single travelers just looking to relax.

We loved the Parker Palm Springs but we have visited many other hotels in Palm Springs and they all offer so many unique features that going to Palm Springs is always a new adventure!

Turn Your Red-Eye Into Some Shut Eye

May 15, 2019 By Marvelous Mouse Travels Leave a Comment

Thank you to Heath Hullihen for these great tips on flying!

Sleeping well on a plane has developed into a certain kind of art and into a healthy business with savvy travelers constantly scoping out new ways to make long flights more conducive to actual rest. Here are a few that really seem to have some payoff.

Splurge on a better seat. Sure, not everyone can afford a premium seat in first or business class, where you can take advantage of fully- or almost-fully-reclining seats and loads of leg room. But for long-distance flights, it can still be worth it to spend the extra money on an exit-row seat, a bulkhead seat, or a window seat. Flying on off-peak days, like a Tuesday evening, will also increase the likelihood that the flight will be less crowded and quieter.

Do the best you can with flight times and direct flights. While crossing many time zones always poses its own sleep challenges, do your best to pick a flight time and schedule that will sync up most naturally with your sleeping and waking times. Leaving in the evening will work better than trying to get REM at three in the afternoon.

Know your cues. Which side of the bed do you sleep on at home? Book on that side of the plane. Do you usually have a cup of tea before bed? Bring a few packets of your favorite herbal. And grab your own small travel blanket and comfy slippers while you’re at it (the airline pillow or blanket can be used for extra cushioning or lumbar support if you like). Spritz your pillow with a mild lavender essential oil. The more familiar things you can do, the more your brain will recognize the cues that it’s time for rest.

Sweet darkness, sweet silence. On most trans-oceanic flights, you’ll see the blue glow of nearly every seat-back screen flickering, no matter the time. We know that the type of light emitted by screens is proven to disrupt sleep. For any rest at all — let alone good rest — keep your screen off. Bring an eye mask or cap to block out as much light as possible. Use earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to create the quietest environment you can.

Buckle up over the blanket. When the plane hits turbulence, flight attendants are required to make sure people are safely buckled in. If they can’t see that your seat belt is fastened, they have to disturb you to check. Make it easy for them and for you — simply click the buckle over the blanket.

Rather than paying more for less in the airport, do some quick research before you leave to find the best travel pillow for you. There are dozens to choose from, and they range widely in price, portability, and visual quirkiness. Check out reviews like this one http://www.travelandleisure.com/style/travel-accessories/best-travel-pillows#therm-a-rest-compressible from the Travel + Leisure — and note how the reviewer coordinates the best pillows with each type of sleeper. Chances are, there’s a pillow out there that will support your head and neck and give you the rest you need.

What are your best tips for getting good sleep on an airplane? I’d love to hear them. And if you’re ready to plan your next (well-rested) journey, we are here to help! You can reach us today at www.MarvelousMouseTravels.com

Paradise Awaits at Beaches Turks & Caicos!

April 9, 2019 By Marvelous Mouse Travels

A big thank you to Katie Eadie for this fantastic review of her visit to Beaches Turks & Caicos!

In September of 2018, I had the opportunity to travel to Beaches Turks and Caicos with Marvelous Mouse Travels for a few days of exploring and experiencing the resort, and learning more about the Sandals/Beaches brand. Below is a review of my experience at the resort.

Beautiful is an understatement when it comes to describing the water, the beaches, and the resort. My room was beautiful and the fridge was kept stocked with beer, sodas, water, and wine. (We’re off to a good start right?) I had a room that would sleep 5. It had a king size bed in one room, and in the other, a bunk bed that also had a trundle underneath! There was a big bathroom with a huge tub, double vanity, and a shower. There was also a small sink area in the kids’ room that would make it convenient for the kids to get ready if someone else was in the bathroom. The room had a great layout and is a perfect area for a family of 5.

The staff was PHENOMENAL. They saw to every need we had, made sure that we were happy, and they seemed genuinely happy to be doing their jobs. Anytime we would pass a member of the staff, they would say hello and ask if we needed anything. It really made them stand out because they want to make sure your every need/want is met.

The food and beverages were out of this world! And they made sure you always had a drink in your hand! The general manager even came up to us one time and asked if we needed drinks, and brought some back to us. Talk about service! You can eat as many times as you want because it is ALL INCLUDED. We had agents eat 1st, 2nd, and 3rd dinners. It was all included, so why not? My favorite place we ate was Barefoot by the Sea. The beef was cooked to PERFECTION! My favorite drink was a Miami Vice. I wish I was drinking one right now.

The pools are all HUGE and so beautiful. We spent most of our pool time in the Italian pool because this was the village we stayed in for training. There is a huge swim up bar in the pool, and at every pool. So you can take a dip in the pool, and enjoy a drink. Ultimate relaxation! They even have drinks for kids at the swim up bar. One little girl I saw was drinking a milkshake! YUM!

Pirates Island Water Park was so much fun! I loved it as an adult! And they have the CUTEST swim up bar for kids. You can order ice cream there. They also have two food trucks at the water park, Mr Mac’s, and Curls and Swirls! If you’re a fan of Mac and Cheese, you definitely need to check out Mr Mac’s. The Mac and Cheese was DELICIOUS! And again, it’s all included!

We had the opportunity to see someone setting up for their wedding, and the back drop was absolutely beautiful! Can you imagine the backdrop of the beautiful blue water behind you as you say your vows to the one you love? I would highly recommend it for a destination wedding. And if you stay 3 nights or more, it’s FREE!

So, would I recommend a Beaches resort to you? 100% YES. The service alone is enough for me to sell it to you. This is a place for everyone: Wedding parties, big families, girls’ trips, guys’ trips, whatever; it is the ultimate vacation destination. I can’t wait to travel back and take my family soon.

Park Bag Essentials

March 10, 2019 By Marvelous Mouse Travels

Thank you so much to Katie Eadie for this helpful information on what to pack for a day in the parks!

Going to Walt Disney World can be so much fun, but in my opinion, it’s good to be prepared for the long day ahead! That’s why it’s important to me and my trip to have the right things in your park bag. Not everyone chooses to carry a backpack, and that’s okay, but when I go and have my kiddos, it’s important to me to keep all the essentials in a bag that they will need! And if you’re in Disney and have a cute Disney Bag, it’s even better!

If you do decide to carry a park bag, it’s important to not over pack it with things you don’t need! Here’s a list of 10 things I put in mine:

1. Ziploc Bag: I talked about this in another post, but Ziploc Bags are good for everything! Wet clothes, keeping things from getting wet, leftover snacks, etc. One thing I have always done is pack a gallon Ziploc bag with an extra pair of socks for everyone that way if your shoes and socks get wet on a Splash Mountain, you at least have a fresh new pair of DRY socks!

2. Baby Wipes: They’re good for everything! Sticky hands and faces, wiping up some ice cream someone might have spilled on a bench, even for a little refreshing cool down on a hot summer day!

3. Hand sanitizer: Because germs are EVERYWHERE! Use this!

4. Band-Aids: Accidents happen! Boo boos happen! Blisters happen! Band-Aids are your best friend! And I’m sure you can find some cute Disney ones to make the boo boo heal faster because the Band-Aid is obviously more magical if it’s Disney. ☺

5. Gum: Because Disney doesn’t sell it, so if you want it, you have to bring it!

6. Portable Charger: Good for charging your phone up to make sure you have enough battery to take pictures of EVERYTHING!

7. Chapstick and Sunscreen: That Florida Sun is HOT! Sunscreen is a must to keep your skin healthy and safe!

8. Light Jacket: For the evenings if it gets chilly.

9. Snacks: Snacks at Disney are expensive unless you’re on the dining plan, so it’s always a good idea to bring some extras just in case! We like to pack things like goldfish, trail mix, granola bars, and more easy stuff that is just grab and go!

10. Small Fan: We always find small battery operated fans at Walmart to keep in our bags for those hot afternoons! And the ones that are mist fans, are even better!

Discover Palm Springs!

Turn Your Red-Eye Into Some Shut Eye

Paradise Awaits at Beaches Turks & Caicos!

Park Bag Essentials

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