Summer Travel Archives - Page 4 of 4

Tips for Visiting Nickelodeon …

September 21, 2016 By admin

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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!

Who Lives in a Pineapple Under …

August 9, 2016 By admin

I’ve got some really exciting news to share! SpongeBob SquarePants has invited my daughter and I to visit him and see his new villa at the newly opened five-star Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. We can’t wait to see him and check out The Pineapple villa.

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana Unveils Luxe Pineapple Villa

We can’t wait to visit Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana and see SpongeBob’s new villa.

This is really big news for family travelers as its Nickelodeon’s first-ever international property, built by Karisma Hotels & Resorts. The signature dwelling at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana is The Pineapple, the only such villa in the world. This 2-bedroom/3-bath playful presidential suite is a one-of-a-kind experience that allows guests to step inside SpongeBob’s world – the décor is Bikini Bottom-inspired – think pineapple exterior, porthole shaped window and swinging chairs. With 2,292 square feet of incredible indoor and outdoor living areas, including a garden, patio, signature infinity pool, and private butlers to take care of each and every need (think moonlight beach dinner!), guests will be pampered at every turn.

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana Unveils The Pineapple. (Photo credit: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana)

I’m really looking forward to the luxe accommodations and Karisma’s Gourmet Inclusive® Experience at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana while my daughter can’t wait for the Nickelodeon character and family activities. We’ll be there next week so be sure to follow along with our adventures on Instagram and Snapchat.

Rates at The Pineapple start at $3,800 per night for up to four adults and two children or two adults and six children, including the Gourmet Inclusive® Experience of all gourmet meals served a la carte, premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, 24-hour room service and full service concierge. Standard rates at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana begin at $345 per adult, per night including the Gourmet Inclusive® Experience. Additionally, up to two kids under 13 years old Stay, Eat and Play Free with a minimum 4-nights’ stay when staying in a room with two adults; the third child pays a child rate.

Reservations can be booked by calling 1 (844) SEE-NICK or by visiting www.nickresortpuntacana.com.

Ready to visit? Check out my Tips for Visiting Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana – Everything you need to know!

Note: I will be hosted during my upcoming stay at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana. All opinions are mine, as always. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Water Parks 101: What to Bring …

July 19, 2016 By admin

If you follow me on Instagram, you know my family and I love to visit water parks. Indoor water parks are fantastic in winter (or extreme heat) while outdoor water parks are perfect for a sunny day. If you’re planning a water park trip, here’s a rundown on everything you’ll want to bring.

Water Parks 101: What to bring plus Kalahari Resort giveaway! Splashdown Safari is the main attraction at Kalahari Resorts in the Poconos.

And, if you’ve never been to Kalahari Waterpark, Resorts and Conventions in the Pocono Mountains, read on to see how you can win an overnight stay at this amazing family-friendly resort and water park.

Top 10 Must-Have Items for Water Parks

Water Parks 101: Be sure to pack waterproof footwear.

1 – Waterproof Footwear – For indoor and outdoor water parks, you’ll want to wear comfy, waterproof footwear. For kids, swim socks or rubber beach shoes are great because they can wear them on the rides. Crocs, Keens, Native, flip flops, shower shoes and other waterproof shoes will work outside. I am surprised how many outdoor water parks feature very hot and/or slippery pavement so you definitely don’t want to be walking around barefoot.

Water Parks 101: Take water park photos with a water-resistant phone case.

2 – Waterproof Phone Case or Dry Bag – If you’re splitting up your family or if you feel naked without your phone, invest in a waterproof phone case, wearable pouch or dry bag. You’ll be able to take photos on rides and you’ll be able to capture your kids in the splash pads and lazy river. If you want really great underwater shots and movies, you’ll want to bring a GoPro.

Water Parks 101: Master Lock SafeSpace portable safe is perfect to store small valuables.

3 – Portable Safe – I have a Master Lock SafeSpace® Portable Personal Safe and it has become one of my favorite summer accessories. I’m a paranoid New Yorker so I hate letting anything valuable out of my sight but I also hate paying $20 for a locker especially when I’m moving around from place to place. With this portable safe, I can safely lock up my valuables, secure it to a lounge chair or table, throw a towel on top and jump in the pool. If you’ve got a lot to secure or if you’ll be gone for an extended period of time, I’d suggest a locker but if you just want to take a quick trip around the lazy river, this is an easy and affordable solution.

4 – Floats – For kids who haven’t fully mastered the art of swimming, be sure to pack a float. I recommend the Stearns Kids Puddle Jumper Life Jacket Vest (one of the few coast guard approved devices) for toddlers or a backpack type floatation device like the Water Gear Back Float 4-Color Split Back Float for older kids.

Water Parks 101: Don't forget to stay hydrated.

Water Parks 101: Bring labeled water bottles so everyone stays hydrated. I love Mabel’s Labels because they look great wash after wash.

5 – Water Bottle – Bring along a labeled water bottle for each family member so everyone stays hydrated and be sure to refill them with ice water throughout the day. My favorite leak-proof bottles include Hydro Flask, Owala, Camelbak, Contigo, and Nalgene.

6 – Skin Protection – If you’re visiting an outdoor water park, you’ll need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Kids know the drill but packing some easy-to-use sunscreen sticks will make the process less painful. Don’t forget to bring sun protection lip balms as well.

7 – Quick Dry Towels – Some water parks provide towels so be sure to find out before you go. If you need to bring your own, try a lightweight microfiber travel towel or microfiber beach towel, or easy-to-pack towel tablets.

8 – Sun Protection Clothing – For an outdoor water park, you’ll want to bring rash guards, sun hats or visors, and a cover-up. Be sure to label your clothing with waterproof labels like Mabel’s Labels.

Water Parks 101: Don’t forget the goggles.

9 – Goggles – If your kids have never been to a water park, be sure to bring along some goggles. Some kids are sensitive to the splashing water so goggles help on rides and in the splash parks.

10 – Sunglasses – Last but certainly not least, be sure to bring along UV protection sunglasses for kids and adults.

Ready to win a trip to Kalahari Waterpark, Resorts and Conventions in the Pocono Mountains? Here’s your chance.

Water parks 101: Enter to win a Kalahari Resorts Giveaway

Kalahari really stands out in the sea of waterparks with its expansive waterpark (soon to be even bigger!), signature aqua lessons (FlowRider and mermaid, oh my!), spacious accommodations, fine dining, pampering spa, family-friendly activities, and kid-centric arcade and game area. Be sure to read about our Kalahari family trip for more details.

We had the best time visiting Kalahari this spring and I’m sure you and your family will too. Enter below to win a one-night stay (including two full days at the waterpark!) at Kalahari Resorts and Waterpark in the Poconos for a family of four (up to two extra guests can be added for $25 each). The prize is valid for a Sunday-Thursday night stay and expires within one year of the issue date.

To enter please leave separate comments for each:

Leave a blog comment below telling me your favorite water park memory.
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This giveaway ends at midnight EST on Friday, August 5th.

Thanks to Kalahari Resort for sponsoring this post. This post contains some affiliate links but all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Vacation or Staycation: The …

July 12, 2016 By admin

If you’ve got a picky little fashionista in your house, read on for my picks for the Best Summer Clothes for Girls at home and on vacation.

Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Clothes for Girls.

When my daughter turned three, she started to choose her own outfits, shoes and accessories. Some matched and others didn’t but I loved seeing her creative juices flow as she would carefully coordinate each item. Over the last few years, I noticed that some items were worn over and over while others were just taken out on occasion or never at all. She’s gone through a dress phase, legging moment and gym look but the one consistent factor in her outfits is always comfort.

If you’re looking for some comfortable yet stylish (and affordable), summer clothes for girls, here are some of our favorites…

Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Clothes for Girls. Stock up on summer favorites with kidpik Basics.

Stock up on summer favorites with kidpik Basics

You know when you find something you really love and buy it in every color? Kidpik has simplified shopping with a new kidpik Basics website that sorts items by color and styles. We went to check out the colorful styles at the NYC launch party and they were so cute and stylish. Is your daughter just into purple this summer? Just click on purple and she can easily pick out her summer favorites. Did your daughter fall in love with an item in her kidpik subcription box? Here’s your chance to order more of that same item in a selection of colors. I love that the styles range from casual to dressy so you can mix and match the pieces and create several different looks. With prices starting at $6.50, you can buy an entire summer wardrobe and still have money left for a summer getaway. Win, win!

Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Clothes for Girls. Stock up on casual and cute summer dresses from H&M.

Casual and cute summer dresses from H&M

Every NYC girl I know has a few of these cotton dresses in her closet. At just $5 each, you can let your daughter choose her favorite patterns without breaking the bank or worrying about getting messy. From classic patterns to quirky designs (shop in store for the best selections), these sleeveless jersey dresses are just perfect at home and on vacation. Dress them up with strappy sandals or down with flip flops and you’re ready for any amusement park, museum visit, alfresco lunch, summer BBQ or other adventure.

Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Clothes for Girls. Sporty styles from Old Navy are great for home and away.

Sporty styles from Old Navy Active

If you haven’t already heard, kids of all ages are jumping on the “athleisure” bandwagon. These comfy gym inspired outfits are perfect choices for summer camp, yoga classes, sightseeing and beach walks. A lot of stores offer this type of clothing but I really love the affordable and colorful options from Old Navy Active. These styles are perfect for travel when kids want to be comfortable on a long plane or car ride and the matchy-matchy looks are super easy for kids to coordinate when packing on their own.

If you’re still looking for summer shoes, be sure to check out my choices for Best Summer Shoes for Kids story.

What are your favorite summer styles for girls? Tell me below in the comments.

I received some items for review purposes but all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

The Rockettes New York …

July 5, 2016 By admin

Seeing the Rockettes perform at Radio City Music Hall is one of my favorite New York City winter activities. Watching their synchronized dancing, fighting the Rock Center crowds and seeing the iconic Christmas tree just never gets old.

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – Awesome Summer Fun for Families

When my daughter saw a poster for The New York Spectacular, the Rockettes’ summer show, she immediately begged to go and I secretly cringed inside. My expectations were low but I figured it would be a fun outing to celebrate the end of the school year. I invited my mom to join us and planned a big NYC girl’s day to kick off summer.

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – Awesome Summer Fun for Families

It turns out, the New York Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes was indeed spectacular! In fact, all three of us thought it was better than the Christmas show. I was pleasantly surprised to see how family friendly the story line was but what was most impressive were the amazing sets, cool technology, fun music and the choreographed dance moves that really made New York City come alive on stage.

The show follows two kids who accidentally get lost from their parents. The kids make their way around the city’s popular sights and attractions until the family is finally reunited at the end. Its a great sightseeing tour of NYC, as they visit the Empire State Building, Wall Street, Central Park, Times Square, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Fashion Avenue and other popular sights.

The Rockettes New York Spectacular - Awesome Summer Fun for Families

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – The Met comes alive on stage.

Along the way, famous statues and artwork come alive as the kids search for clues to find their parents.

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – Alice in Wonderland statue from Central Park.

The show opens with Taylor Swifts’s “Welcome to New York” and closes with Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.” In between, the acts feature a mix of classic show tunes and modern music as well as an interactive scene that gets everyone dancing in the aisles. Some of my favorite musical scenes were the Rockettes tap dancing to “Singing in the Rain, dancing to “Money, Money,” surrounded by giant dollar signs and projections of stock-market tickers” and prancing around in a stunning red, white and black fashion show set to Madonna’s “Vogue.”

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – Singing in the Rain.

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – Money, Money.

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – The Vogue fashion show was amazing.

Kids will have no trouble following along with the story line and they will especially love seeing Central Park’s Alice in Wonderland statue come alive and watching the famed New York Public Library lions Patience and Fortitude perform a rap number. Its a little hokey but it all works.

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – Outside the New York Public Library

And of course the grand finale stole the show…

If you want to escape the heat and see NYC from the comfort of Radio City Music Hall, head over to the New York Spectacular before it ends on August, 7, 2016. There is no intermission during the 90 minute show so plan snacks and bathroom breaks accordingly.

Have you seen a Rockettes show? Tell me below in the comments.

This post is not sponsored. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Vacation or Staycation: The …

June 28, 2016 By admin

If there’s one thing my daughter outgrows more than anything else, it would be shoes. If your kids need some new summer shoes, here are my suggestions for the Best Summer Shoes for Kids at home and away….

Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Shoes for Kids. Keen Kids UNEEK shoes are fashionable yet sturdy.

UNEEK by Keen Kids

Looking for some stylish shoes for your mini fashionista? These open air sneakers are sure to please. UNEEK shoes feature a rubber base with a body of colorful interlocking cords so they support like a sneaker but feel like a sandal. I love that they are super lightweight, easy to clean and look as cute with dresses as they do with shorts. The adjustable side tab and easy to tighten cord closure make these a great pick for kids of all ages. Amusement parks, bike riding and long camp days? These are the perfect choice. Just throw them in the sink with soapy water to clean and they look brand new! They are available in little and big kid sizes as well as a grown up version which I’ve been sporting this summer (so comfy!).

Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Shoes for Kids. Stride Rite Phibians are great for water play.

Made2Play Phibian Sneaker Sandal by Stride Rite

If you’ve got kids who are always in the water (intentional or not) these Phibian sneaker sandals are a really great option for summer travels. Phibians feature a breathable sandal-like upper and an extra-grippy, non-slip bottom making them a sturdy option for active children. The velcro closure makes them easy for children of all ages and the stylish color pairings and super hero styles will definitely please young girls and boys. They go right in the washing machine or sink when dirty and they are quick to air dry making them a great option for camp or away. If your kids like to play in the rain, sprinkler park or mud or if your summer travels include a water park, these are a great choice.

Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Shoes for Kids. Salt Water Sandals are perfect for city or beach vacations.

Salt Water Sandals

For summer sightseeing trips or walks at home, these classic strappy sandals are a great option that can easily go from day to night. I love the bright colors and chunky sole options for younger kids and the strap and buckle closure which means little fingers can’t easily take these off. Of course, the flip side to that means you will be helping your kids get these on and off… I love that these sandals are waterproof and easy to clean making them a great option for beach vacations. They are also available in adult sizes so they whole family can coordinate. Yes, I have a pair of these too…

Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Shoes for Kids. Butler Overboots are perfect for rainy weather.

Butler Overboots

These adorable light-weight rubber boots easily slip over shoes making them a perfect choice for traveling. Nothing spoils a vacation more than getting caught in a rainstorm (hello wet shoes and socks!) so wearing these galoshes will keep everyone happy. They are easy for kids to put on and take off (think velcro closure and accordion-style opening) and families will save a lot of time not having to stop and switch back and forth from shoes to traditional rain boots. I especially love the bring colors that will definitely cheer up the most dreary day especially when kids are allowed to puddle jump. If your vacation forecast looks iffy, be sure to take these along.

What shoes do your kids love to wear when traveling? Tell me below in the comments.

Some of these shoes were gifted for review purposes. This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!