Globetrotting Mommy

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Tips for Visiting Nickelodeon …

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What’s a great spot for a family vacation? Everyone asks me that question and today I’m sharing my new favorite answer…

My 6-year old daughter and I just returned from the brand new Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana where young Nickelodeon fans and luxe resort loving parents can kick back and enjoy a five-star Caribbean beach vacation wrapped up in an easy to plan, all-inclusive experience. With gorgeous beaches and pools, plush accommodations, entertainment for all, five-star culinary experiences, pampering amenities and water park fun, Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana is sure to please parents and kids alike. Here’s what you need to know…

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Tips for Visiting Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana

Tips for Visiting Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana

  • BRING SMALL BILLS – Staying at an all-inclusive resort is the key to a relaxing family getaway for me as I can say “yes” to kiddie-coladas without calculating costs. Gratuities are included in the pricing but tips are always appreciated so be sure to stock up on small bills for drivers, housekeepers, bellhops and airport personnel. Tip: The Dominican Republic requires a $10 tourist card for each traveler (paid at the airport) so be sure to have cash on hand.
Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana features 208 incredible suites.

Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana features 208 incredible suites.

  • SUITES ARE SWEET – From Pad Suites and Flats to Swim-Up Suites and SpongeBob’s signature villa, The Pineapple, the resort’s 208 suites are really amazing with spacious bathrooms (think double sinks and a free standing tub), complimentary WIFI, free phone calls and a fully stocked (all-inclusive) mini-bar. For pool loving families, the Swim-Up Suites are not to be missed. Tip: Bring pool floats, kickboards and swimmies.
  • SUN PROTECTION IS A MUST – The Caribbean sun is super strong so be sure to bring along plenty of sunscreen, hats, rashguards and sunglasses for all. Beach cabanas can be reserved a day in advance and there are plenty of umbrellas around the lounge chairs at the beachfront infinity pool and Aqua Nick area. Tip: Lounge chairs at the infinity pool fill quickly so get there early if you can.
The Nickelodeon character breakfasts are a must for kids.

The Nickelodeon character breakfasts are a must for kids.

  • BOOK THE CHARACTER BREAKFAST IN ADVANCE – If you’re visiting with kids (and I bet you will be), you will not want to miss this fun filled breakfast at Zest. This was our favorite meal and a great way to mix, mingle and dance with my daughter’s favorite Nickelodeon characters like SpongeBob, Dora and Paw Patrol. Tip: There are two versions each week so be sure to book the one with your kid’s favorite characters.
  • BRING SOME TOYS AND SIPPY CUPS – For young kids, bring along some age appropriate toys and activities as these items are very pricey on site. Also, drinks are served to children in real glasses which is a plus for me but if you’re nervous about that, pack some sippy cups. Tip: The airport is approximately 45 minutes away so keep some toys handy for the ride.
Be sure to order dessert at Spacewalker.

Be sure to order dessert at Spacewalker.

  • SET YOUR DINNER SCHEDULE IN ADVANCE – Many of the dinner restaurants require advance reservations so set these up at Spacewalker, Wok Wok and Verdello, the most wanted family friendly reservations. Tip: Be sure to order dessert at Spacewalker and have your camera ready when it arrives.
Sugarcane's breakfast offerings are sure to please kids and adults alike.

Sugarcane’s breakfast offerings are sure to please kids and adults alike.

  • MAKE THE MOST OF KARISMA’S GOURMET INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE – From over-the-top breakfast selections, poolside dining, casual fare and 24-hour room service to themed restaurants, bars, lounges and adults only dining, make sure to sample the dozens of dining options. Tip: Don’t miss the Machete Burger at BRGRS.PH if you’ve got a hungry crew.
The Just Kiddin' ball pit at Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana is so fun.

The Just Kiddin’ ball pit at Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana is so fun.

  • CHECK OUT AQUA NICK AND JUST KIDDIN’ – Aqua Nick was by far my daughter’s favorite spot with its lazy river, pools, splash center, slides, water cannons, slimings and gigantic nose shower. The colorful Just Kiddin’ kids club was a close second with its giant toy collection, crafts area, video game zone and big orange slide that ends in a huge ball pit. Tip: You can’t arrive at Just Kiddin’ in wet bathing suits so dry off first and bring a change of clothes.
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Vassa Spa features five al fresco treatment areas.

  • STEAL SOME ADULT TIME – While the kids are enjoying all the fabulous kiddie offerings, parents can sneak away for some pampering at the 14,000 square foot Vassa Spa, one of the most beautiful spas I’ve ever seen. Tip: Book one of the outdoor massage services and be sure to leave time to enjoy the pools and sauna.
The Caribephoto team at Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana is great at capturing vacation memories on film. (Photo credit: Caribephoto)

The Caribephoto team at Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana is great at capturing vacation memories on film. (Photo credit: Caribephoto)

  • SMILE FOR SOME AWESOME PHOTOS – The resort has so many gorgeous backdrops you will definitely want to capture the family on film. My favorite spots include the beachfront infinity pool, slime time, Aqua Nick and the beach. Vacations are a great time for professional photos and the Caribephoto team took some really great photos of my daughter so be sure to check them out to arrange a family photo shoot or just look for their photographers around the resort. Tip: Bring a GoPro or waterproof phone case to capture all the fun Aqua Nick moments.

For more details, read my Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana review on TravelMamas.

What’s your favorite thing about the new Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana? Tell me below in the comments.

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Thank you to Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana for hosting my stay. All opinions are mine, as always. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Spotlight on Florida: A Day in …

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Thanks to this winter’s Polar Vortex, I got an to enjoy an extended Florida getaway with my mom and daughter. After four (yes four!) flight cancellations, we decided to just stay put and went to spend some time with our cousins in Palm City.

We set out to explore one day and landed in the Treasure Coast town of Downtown Stuart which was so cute I wanted to share our adventures with you.  Stuart is celebrating their Centennial this May with a week of Celebrate Stuart activities so if you’ll be nearby, check it out.

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

Here are my top 10 family friendly things to do in Historic Downtown Stuart:

1) Ride the trolly.  As you walk around, you’ll soon notice a trolly running up and down the streets with a friendly driver who asks if you need a ride.  Jump on and enjoy a free tour.  They will drop you off wherever you want and pick you up again when you’re ready.  Our driver even gave us coupons for ice cream!

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

2) Shop till you drop.  Moms, kids and grandparents will find a lot of shopping opportunities.  Some of my favorites were Go Fish, Caramba! and Gumbo Limbo Coastal Chic.

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

3) Have lunch at The Pelican Cafe where you can sit alfresco at the “beach” and enjoy water views while your toes wiggle in the sand.  They give kids beach toys to play with which is a great distraction allowing adults to enjoy a few moments of peace and quiet.  The Almost Famous Fish Tacos were delicious.

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

4) Walk around, take in the architecture and watch the laid back locals.  You’ll detox immediately.

5) Stop for ice cream at Kilwin’s Chocolates and Ice Cream where you can enjoy homemade chocolates, hand-paddled fudges and original recipe ice cream.  I highly recommend the toasted coconut ice cream.  Yummm.

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

6) Go for mommy and me pedicures at Tootsies.  This super-cute shoe store offers manicures and pedicures, something I’d never seen before.

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

7) Take in a show at The Lyric Theater which has ben offering concerts, plays, movies and dance performances since 1926.

8) Visit the Stuart Heritage Museum where you’ll find preserved artifacts, maps, clothing and furniture.  It’s open daily and admission is free.

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

9) Go for an afternoon or sunset sail with A Daze Charters. They’ll let you take the helm if you’re interested or you can just chill with a drink and light hors d’oeuvres.

10) Take a stroll on the scenic boardwalk and take some photographs.  It’s a great backdrop.

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

Bon voyage!

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide …

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Mother’s day is coming up (May 11 in the United States) so don’t wait till the last minute to get your mom (or wife) a great Mother’s Day present.  Of course the best gifts are handmade so have your kiddo make a card or necklace to go along with one of these picks from my Mother’s Day Gift Guide.

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

For the spa loving mom:

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

Teleflora and SpaFinder Wellness have teamed up to offer beautiful mother’s day floral gift combos that include a SpaFinder gift card ($25, $50 or $100) so mom can choose from an array of spa services, beauty treatments or other premier wellness offerings available at any SpaFinder partner location worldwide.  Such a perfect choice for the mom who loves flowers and pampering spa treatments.

For the mom who loves pictures:

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

I know they’re time consuming to make but there are few gifts moms enjoy more than a custom-made photo book.  Grab your computer and design your own keepsake photo book of your last family vacation or photos of you and your mom. I guarantee she’ll love it.  Shutterfly has a great selection of travel themed styles including more than 30 designs.

For the mom who loves to travel with her daughter:

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

I just finished reading We’ll Always Have Paris: A Mother/Daughter Memoir, a great memoir about a mom who travels around Europe each summer with her daughter.   If you’ve ever taken a getaway with your mom, you’ll both love reading this book. Read Jennifer Coburn’s guest post here.

For the jewelry loving mom:

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

These little mother and daughter necklaces are so adorable.  There are also cute mother and son necklace and key chain combos because boys like presents too.

For the mom who loves to explore the world:

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

These Cavallini Vintage Maps Postcards feature 18 assorted vintage map postcards packaged in a cute tin.

For the mom who loves her kitchen:

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

This Bloom Flower Utensil Set is super cute and useful.

For the mom who adores bath time:
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Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

From the majestic pine covered cliffs of the En-Vau Calanque to a swim in the azure sea below, few afternoons can rival a day spent in the Calanques. Hook mom up with this Calanques Marine Sur La Route Soap and a glass of perfectly chilled white from Chateau de Fontcreuse and she’ll be in heaven.  Just make sure to leave her alone for an hour or two.

 

For the mom who dreams of a Paris getaway:

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

Why not surprise your mom with tickets for a Parisian spring getaway! Not in the cards this year, these adorable Paris themed cookies may be the next best thing to springtime in Paris.

For the Jet Setter mom:

Jonathan Adler and Tumi have teamed up to offer an array of fun and stylish luggage.  I think any jet setting mom would love this Super Leger International Wheeled Satchel.

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

Bon voyage!

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Globetrotting Mommy: Top 10 …

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What’s the first thing an avid traveler thinks about after seeing the big positive sign on the home pregnancy test?  You guessed it. Where in the world should we babymoon?  The last travel fling before the baby arrives, known as babymoons are growing in popularity as more and more couples take advantage of their last moments of solitude to connect with each other on a pampering getaway.

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Globetrotting Mommy: Top 10 tips for an Unforgettable Babymoon

Here are my top 10 tips for an unforgettable babymoon:

1) Timing is crucial and you’ll definitely want to travel during the second trimester when your energy levels are higher and you’re not too encumbered by a growing belly.

2) Spend time choosing a location that works for your budget and physical restrictions.  You probably won’t want to travel more than five hours and if you can fly direct, you’ll be a lot happier.  If you’re carrying multiples or high-risk, you’ll probably want to stay closer to home. Be sure to stay away from areas suffering health epidemics and be sure the water supply is clean.

3) Discuss all travel plans with your doctor and definitely listen to your body.  I originally had sights of cruising through Greece but my OB put the kibosh on that due to germs on a closed ship and food contamination fears.  Also check to see if you’ll need any immunizations and confirm that you’ll be near a hospital with quality medical care.

4) Stay hydrated but don’t drink carbonated beverages on the plane as they will make you more bloated.  Be sure to get up and walk around every hour and wear your seatbelt under your belly.

5) Don’t over plan with an ambitious itinerary — you may actually want to choose a location with few sights and attractions so you won’t be tempted to overexert yourself.  If you need to nap or go to bed at 7:30 pm, nobody will mind.

6) If you can, upgrade your accommodations and splurge on meals and spa treatments.  Now is definitely the time to pamper yourselves and pre-natal massages are really a necessity.

7) Take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellation and emergency transport if needed.  Bring copies of your OB records, prescriptions and any special conditions you might have.

8) Bring super comfortable shoes and clothes.  You’ll probably be doing more walking than you do at home so you’ll want to be comfortable.  Think loose flowy sundresses and sarongs if you’re going on a babymoon someplace warm.

9) Squeeze in a little exercise with activities like a walk on the beach or a stroll around town.  Take advantage of pre-natal yoga classes and other low key offerings.

10) You may feel gigantic but don’t be shy about taking lots of pictures especially if you’re visiting a scenic location. And most importantly, relax and have fun!

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