4 Reasons Why Cruises Are A Great Option For Your First Vacation with the Kids
While child-free vacations can serve as a much-needed reprieve from the stress of parenting, there’s still nothing like going on a family trip with your kids. As discussed in a previous blog post on ‘24 Months Being A Mom’, parenthood is a constant balancing act between tending to your personal and professional responsibilities and being able to spend quality time with your child. Traveling with your kid allows you to slow down and be present as they gain new experiences and learn more about the world around them.
While child-free vacations can serve as a much-needed reprieve from the stress of parenting, there’s still nothing like going on a family trip with your kids. As discussed in a previous blog post on ‘24 Months Being A Mom’, parenthood is a constant balancing act between tending to your personal and professional responsibilities and being able to spend quality time with your child. Traveling with your kid allows you to slow down and be present as they gain new experiences and learn more about the world around them.
It may seem like a daunting task to plan and go on a child-friendly trip, but cruises are a great option if it’s your first time. As this article will show, several cruise lines can cater to your whole family’s needs and interests — from ensuring a stress-free experience to introducing you to unfamiliar yet memorable destinations.
1. Convenient planning
One notable advantage of cruises is that they take the hassle out of planning a trip for multiple people, as you essentially book your transportation, accommodation, and itinerary all in one go. Carrying your luggage from one destination to another can also be tiring when you already have your kids in tow. But on a cruise, you get to unpack once and only have to organize your things again when the ship takes you back home. With little to no stress before and during your actual trip, you can focus on what matters most: exploring new sights and going on adventures as a family.
2. Onboard entertainment and activities
When traveling as a family, there’s always the fear that kids will get bored or throw a tantrum, especially during particularly long trips between destinations. Fortunately, family-friendly cruise lines like the Royal Caribbean offer numerous kid-friendly entertainment options. For instance, its newest ship, Wonder of the Seas, houses water slides and laser tag arenas to keep kids occupied when you’re out at sea. Meanwhile, aboard the Disney Cruise Line, kids can enjoy themed attractions and dining experiences featuring beloved characters like Mickey Mouse and The Avengers.
3. Diverse cultural immersions
Beyond fun and enjoyment, taking your kids on a trip also opens them up to the rich culture and heritage of other places. This lays a strong foundation not only for children’s knowledge and learning but also for basic life skills like communication, empathy, and relationship building. In this light, Explora Journeys complements its luxurious onboard facilities with enriching and immersive cultural activities. Focusing on multi-generational journeys, the cruise line has a curated series of Destination Experiences. Whether you’re learning about Hawaiian mythology while island-hopping or exposing yourself to ancient languages and civilization on a multi-country Mediterranean journey, your cruise can help your entire family become better and more knowledgeable citizens of the world.
4. A range of price points
Regardless of where or how long you go on vacation, paying for a family trip will be costly. Fortunately, the cruise industry is diverse enough to come with a range of price points that can fit different family budgets and demographics. If you’re willing to splurge on your first-ever vacation, the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection comes with year-round enrichment activities designed for children and the youth. The Ritz Kids program is facilitated by a full-time youth counselor who guides your children through creative art challenges and science experiments while on board. For those on a budget, Princess Cruises has a more affordable seven-day journey to Alaska, where kids can participate in science challenges, beach clubs, and virtual scavenger hunts.
Overall, cruises are a safe and convenient travel option that allows kids to enjoy the trip to the fullest while still learning something valuable about other people, places, and cultures. If you are in search of more posts that resonate with your parenting needs and overall journey, feel free to check out the rest of The UnOrthoDoc blog.
Venice, Italy
I love Italy! I haven't been to very many cities, but of the ones I've visited Venice is my favorite. I love the fact that it is small enough to explore in just a few hours and not miss a thing. You can go cafe-hopping for coffee, wine, pizza and gelato; go shopping; sit and relax in the small squares; take a ride on a water taxi or gondola and so much more.
I love Italy! I haven't been to very many cities, but of the ones I've visited Venice is my favorite. I love the fact that it is small enough to explore in just a few hours and not miss a thing. You can go cafe-hopping for coffee, wine, pizza and gelato; go shopping; sit and relax in the small squares; take a ride on a water taxi or gondola and so much more.
Venice is known as the city of canals. The city literally sits on water. There are no roads and everyone gets around by Gondola, water taxi or by foot.
St. Mark's Square is the heart of Venice. It is always extremely busy with lots of tourists and locals going to and fro. It's the perfect spot to people watch.
Piazza San Marco
St. Mark's Basilica
Busy Busy St. Marl's Square
The Campanile Di San Marco is the bell tower of Veniceand offers the best view of city. Catch the elevator to the top to check out the scenic view!
The Ponte di Rialto is Venice' most famous bridge which spans the Grand Canal. This is the magnificent view of the city from the Rialto Bride. I took many many selfies (which I will spare you), but it is especially breathtaking at sunset.
A trip to Venice would not be complete without the infamous Gondola Ride!
The world famous art of Lace Making - Here this lady demonstrates how lace is made. It is so intricate and takes many many years to complete.
Lace making
Lace Making
Beautiful Canals and allies for lots of Photo ops!
FOOD! From Pizza to Pasta to Gelato, I could not stop eating. The taste of authentic Italian cuisine is quite different from what I had been accustomed to.
If a trip to Italy is on your mind, you must have Venice on the itinerary! I took this trip back in 2015 and my memories of this place are still very vivid. If you have questions about tours and accommodations reach out via email.
Creating a Life You Don't Need a Vacation From
I came across a meme on Instagram that said "Create a Life You Don't Need a Vacation From" and it resonated with me quite deeply. It made me reflect on my own life and ask some really deep questions: Am I living in my purpose? Do I love what I do? If I didn't get paid for my work, would I still enjoy it? Am I living my best life?
I came across a meme on Instagram that said "Create a Life You Don't Need a Vacation From" and it resonated with me quite deeply. It made me reflect on my own life and ask some really deep questions: Am I living in my purpose? Do I love what I do? If I didn't get paid for my work, would I still enjoy it? Am I living my best life?
In general my answer is yes to all of the above. However, there are areas where I could certainly be doing better. It made me think of so many people who constantly wait for the weekend or wait for vacation or holiday until they can finally relax and have some fun. Don't get me wrong, I love a vacation like anyone else. But there is a difference between feeling like you need a vacation and actually just enjoy taking them. I personally try to take a small vacay almost every weekend. It makes me happy!
I don't ever want to be in a position where my adulthood includes days that I'm just trying to get through so that I can get to two weeks of vacation. I don't ever want to be in a position where I am waiting on retirement to enjoy life.
So, what exactly does it mean to create a life you don't need a vacation from? This will be personal to every individual but in general it is striking a balance between :
1. Being challenging enough to keep you stimulated, yet comfortable enough to not feel constantly stressed out.
2. Having a sense of purpose and meaning, to get you excited to wake up in the morning, but having some idle downtime to just be, without having to do.
3. Incorporating things you love to do on a daily basis, but being realistic that there would also be other things that just have to get done.
The key, I've found, is to be intentional in all that you do. You have to wake up each day with a vision backed by intention and fueled with purpose.
Love what you do and you will never work a day in your life - Anon
Some things that I have incorporated that really helped me in this area, and that might help you as well include:
1. Taking Care of Mind, Body and Spirit - Many times when we feel unhappy is because we are not nourishing an aspect of our lives. Eating healthy, exercising and getting sufficient sleep are very important. Strike a balance! Sometimes we need to turn the tv off, get off of social media and spend time with ourselves. There are a lot of things on the internet that are simply distractions from our purpose. Do not get caught up. Cultivate an attitude or gratitude for the life you have built up to this point, enjoy where you are right now.
2. Stop Complaining - I'm not always good at this and continue to make progress in this area. It is simply useless to complain. It makes you miserable and changes nothing. There is so much to be grateful for! I started keeping a gratitude journal and there is a prayer I keep in the notes app on my phone: " God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I cannot accept, and the wisdom to know the difference." If you're in a situation where you're simply not happy, take steps to remove yourself.
3. Be Intentional - Wake up each day and set your intention: I will be happy today. Today will be fantastic and I will complete all my tasks in a timely manner. No one will steal my joy today. I will work out and eat clean today. I am amazing! I am the best orthodontist and I will create some beautiful smiles today. I am going to rock these 24 hours! etc. You will be amazed at how these simple intentions will alter your mood and set the tone for the rest of your day. Be happy! and take steps to live a life you don't need a break from.
Winter Escape: Cancun, Mexico
When the seasons change, the temperature drops and it gets cold outside we all fantasize about having a vacation home somewhere tropical, right? The best antidote for when the times get super chilly is a nice getaway to somewhere warm and sunny - perhaps with sand and beach.
When the seasons change, the temperature drops and it gets cold outside we all fantasize about having a vacation home somewhere tropical, right? The best antidote for when the times get super chilly is a nice getaway to somewhere warm and sunny - perhaps with sand and beach.
I'm an island girl! and while Jamaica, my homeland will forever be the best tropical destination, Mexico comes in pretty close.
"Infinity's Edge" - Sipping margaritas in one of Breathless Resorts' infinity pools
There are a lot of fun things to do in Mexico! you can indulge in all sorts of fun excursions from Cancun, Tulum, Los Cabos to Playa del Carmen! But when I'm tired from my busy work life and just need a relaxing break an all-inclusive in Cancun is my favorite go-to.
If you're planning a trip to Mexico some time in the near future, I highly recommend the all-inclusive resorts Secrets the Vine and Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa.
Enjoy snippets of my most recent getaways below:
Enjoying the col breeze under a palm tree at Breathless Resort
Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa:
If you're looking for an adult only, luxury experience this is the spot for you! There's a section of this hotel for everyone. It's also the entertainment mecca of the all-inclusive hotels in Cancun and does not skimp on foam parties, pool parties, clubbing, dining and so much more.
Relaxing on the balcony before breakfast
Secrets The Vine
You MUST go to Secrets The Vine! This adults only resort is the definition of sophistication and elegance. Picturesque balcony views, fine dining and world class service makes this one of my favorites.
Breakfast with a View
This is the life!
Pool side with a drink and a great book. Relaxation at it's best
The pictures above do these resorts no justice at all. Do a quick google search for the resorts and plan your get away today!