Weather forecasts tell us that this week leading into the first two weeks of May would be the hottest this summer. I know summer has come late this year and it made sure we will not miss it when he leaves. The heat has been terrible these days and it can only get worse. It makes me dream and want to go to the beach pronto!

We have not made any plans to go to the beach yet, as we have been busy with kids’ summer classes and last week’s Lent activities. We are too tired this week to go anywhere and then the first week of May will be my daughter’s 5th birthday (and Mother’s Day) so it’s going to be a jampacked month again. Hopefully we can squeeze in a swimming trip to the beach before classes start for the kids.

The kids, especially my daughter, have been asking when we would be going back to Disneyland every other week. It usually happens just right after she wakes up, I don’t know why. She usually comes to me, bed hair and all and says, “Ma, I tell you something. I want to go to Disneyland eh.”

We have only been to Disneyland Hongkong, and it is a dream to go to Disneyland California and even Disneyworld in Florida someday. I have been to Disneyland in Anaheim, California when I was 16 and I barely remember the attractions. I know it will be a new and more magical experience when I am with the kids now.

When we arrived from Disneyland HK, I was obsessed with all things Disney – signing up in Disneyland Addicts forums, googling traveling tips (I was more concerned about the how-to’s of the trip instead of how I can raise the funds to actually go there). It seems based from threads on the forums it is advisable to stay for at least a week when you go to Disneyworld and that you stay within the resort.

If given the choice, I would prefer to stay in villas in Florida though. Sure, hotels are very convenient – we have room service, maybe a pool and gym in the hotel, ATMs in the lobby and everything else can be dialled in through the hotel’s operator. But holiday cottages are a different thing and experience altogether! Owners of villas for rent in Florida are very friendly and take care of your requests very well. We definitely would not be going to Florida just for Disneyworld. There are more must-see places as well – St.Augustine, Sarasota, Winter Heaven, Ft.Myers, Key West, Miami/South beach and Ocala.

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I cannot imagine moving houses with kids in tow. I know how stressful it is, especially if you’re doing it alone and have no relatives or family to help you. Imagine my surprise when a friend told us he is finally moving cross-country to be closer to family. He has been living with his family in the East Coast, specifically New York, for the past 10 years with no nearby relatives because of work. Now that he has been offered to relocate to the West Coast, along with a promotion, he grabbed the chance. It would mean he will finally be closer to relatives and family.

Unfortunately, before he gets to celebrate, his family of four, which includes a toddler, would need to deal with packing boxes, selling their home and moving cross country! They have been thinking whether they can just travel by land or it would still end up being cheaper if they hire a moving truck and all of them fly. He has thought of letting his wife and kids travel by air and he would be doing the travel by land so he can drive their SUV too, but ended up trashing the idea since it would be more expensive for them.

American Auto Transport, a New York Auto Transport moving company, saves the day for them! They offer door-to-door auto transport, which means they pick up your vehicle at your designated and preferred place and deliver it to your assigned location. Actually, if you think about, hiring the Massachusetts Auto Transport would end up being cheaper, especially how high oil prices are these days. If you calculate the costs of gas, food, sleeping accommodations, and the time spent planning and actually making a long distance move, you will see that transporting your car with American Auto Transport is less costly and far more efficient.

You can always get a free quote on their web site, and track the shipment and delivery by calling 1.888.655.8840 or using the tracking form on their web site.

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School is out for the kids in two weeks and from there, it is going to be officially summer in our household! The weather has not been cooperating lately, since we are experiencing rain almost everyday since the month started. But we are keeping our hopes up that we will be able to experience summer with our favorite combination – sun, sand and sea! Ever since we went to the beach last year during summer, the kids have been waiting and wanting to go back. They actually have been asking where we will go to this year and I am still drawing up a blank.

If money and time were not options though, I would love for us to experience summer in a different country. I would love for them to experience a different culture. Letting them experience the rich culture of the Mediterranean would be a dream come true. I would want them to be in a country with a similar climate like ours so it would not be such a shock to their bodies. Cyprus is on top of my list! Cyprus is located in the in the South of Turkey on in the Mediterranean Sea. Cyprus is a land that boasts of a rich and varied cultural heritage. Old customs and modern ideas mesh together well in this country. Combined with a splendid view and breathtaking picturesque landscape of the country, it can make one of the greatest vacations we can ever take as a family.

Based from what I have learned, renting villa Rentals is the preferred way of tourist accommodations. There are a lot of Cyprus Villas from you to choose from when you book online at OwnersDirect.co.uk. There are literally thousands of Cyprus properties available all over the Island along the coast and in the picturesque villages too. With many of these luxurious properties having several bedrooms and bathrooms they are ideal for large groups or families. Oftentimes, villas come with their own swimming pool and balcony.

As for now, traveling to Cyprus remains to be a dream – but it won’t stop me from trying to learn all about this beautiful country!

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While most mommy friends are planning and booking flights to Disneyland, Hongkong for Christmas this year (thanks to airline deals where affordable family vacations are a reality!), my single friends are planning Caribbean vacations – nothing beats the beach, they say. Sand, sun and surf. And what better place to spend it than the Caribbean?

Those Caribbean resorts like the Breezes Resorts have family all inclusive vacations which would be perfect for my family, and of course there are packages for the newlyweds or honeymooners and for the groups of friends who decide to go on an adventure and have fun.

I am sure that the beaches along the Caribbean will be packed with vacationing tourists by summer so it is better to go on vacation now while half of the world is covered in snow. I am not one to go for a cold Christmas since I live in a tropical country. So a Christmas spent along the beach sounds mighty appealing, specifically going on a Caribbean vacation!!

If you have extra money this season, why not choose to travel instead of enjoying the holidays at home? There are all inclusive vacation packages that would certainly cater to everyone’s interests.

Have you ever gone on a Caribbean cruise? As far as I can remember, when somebody talks about where to go after getting married, or where to go for their honeymoon, the Caribbean always comes up as among the top choices. It is comprised of many islands and their beaches are rated first-class. Their main attractions ARE their beaches, which are touted as the world’s best.

Actually, if I could have my way, I would probably booking one right now!

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If you are looking for a retreat at an all-American family beach on the shores of South Carolina, then the myrtle beach rentals should be your destination. A usual myrtle beach rental condo has minimum of 5 nights stay during the summer season while otherwise it can be a 3 night package. They usually check-in at 3 p.m. and check-out at 10 a.m. They provide all the luxuries normally associated with a rental such as fully furnished and decorated rooms, kitchens being totally equipped and additional luxuries like a jacuzzi. Most families love to go to Myrtle beach because of the following reasons:

1) The weather is mild year round, especially when compared to Florida. 2) It is very easy to find deep discounts on lodging and golf packages in Myrtle Beach, especially from September – April, when the weather is still spectacular most of those months.
3) Myrtle Beach is a golfer’s paradise, with over 100 courses to choose from, some designed by well-known designers and golf professionals.
4) There’s something for everyone in Myrtle Beach – romantic getaways for couples or even great spots for beach or plantation weddings; tons of family activities, shopping; and a diverse selection of shows.

If you are looking for rentals to stay in, CondoWorldResorts.com connects you to the best offers and deals from the leading vacation rental companies along the Carolina’s Coast, all in one user-friendly site, allowing you the ability to easily compare and select the best vacation condo rentals.

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When you are in South Carolina, a popular beach is known widely as Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach is a town on the Atlantic Coast of South Carolina, east of Charleston and north of Georgetown. Myrtle Beach has grown into a major tourist destination and is considered to be the number one beach in the East Coast, with its vast view on the Atlantic Ocean. It is a great place for family vacations, weddings, honeymoons, little and quick getaways, name it, you can do it there.

It also features some of the best golf courses in the world, as well as wide stretches of open beach frequented by the public all summer long. Myrtle Beach Golf is actually a favored activity among families. Myrtle Beach Golf Packages are varied in all resorts and hotels – you can get the best package for you at YourGolfPackage.com.

Here are some Myrtle Beach Golf packages for you to consider:

 

• 4.5 Star Gems from $217 per person
  Best Deal 3 Nights 3 Rounds $199 per person
  Sea Trail Masters (3 Nights 3 rounds from $204 per person)
  St. James "Stay and Play" from $271 per person

The key here is to look around and shop for the best package first before booking!

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There’s a reason why most people dream of taking a cruise as the ultimate vacation. You’ll pack more fun and adventure into a week on a cruise ship then you could just about anywhere else. Of course if relaxing in the sun is your ideal vacation pastime, then imagine the comfort of a luxurious cruise deck with a cheerful hospitality staff standing by to serve you. Some folks have the idea that taking a cruise vacation is out of their budget range. Luckily, there is a new wave of special cruise offers being put forth that can allow you to finally plan for your ultimate vacation.

Many cruise packages are full board which means all your meals are included into one low price. When you add up a weeks stay at a resort hotel plus all the meals, you’ll see what an incredible bargain a cruise vacation can be. And we’re not just talking one restaurant on the ship. Depending on the cruise line, there can be literally dozens of dining options available to you around the clock.

Of course when you’re not partaking in some of the scrumptious meals you’ll want to immerse yourself in some of the great activities that are offered on a cruise ship. These new fleet of vessels have come a long way since the “Love Boat.” Along with built in swimming pools, there are rock climbing walls, onboard surfing, skating rinks, mini-golf and complete fitness centers. And that’s just during the day! At night you can enjoy all the action of a casino, Broadway quality shows, dancing and even a night at the movies.

Cruise lines travel in three basic zones: the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and the Pacific. With the cruise offers being made today, there’s no reason why you can’t travel to each of those destinations year after year!

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My friend who now lives near the air base is looking forward to the annual hot air balloon show that takes place towards the end of the year. It’s a spectacular event that even foreign and local tourists anticipate yearly. This reminds me of the Sedona hot air balloon ride by Sky High Balloon Adventures. They offer a once-in-a-lifetime flight which is memorable and breathtaking by skilled pilots on FAA certified beautiful balloons equipped with gears essential for your safety and comfort. You can even witness the exciting balloon inflation and launching procedures upon your arrival. Enjoy a Sedona balloon ride and soar through the breathtaking views and unforgettable scenery as you float with the wind. You can even have an opportunity to enjoy the famous “Splash ‘n Dash” where your balloon descends momentarily for a gentle ride on water. Upon landing, chase crew awaits you and you will be treated with a commemorative picnic. Your pilot will even share with you the history of ballooning and you will be presented with a commemorative certificate of your flight. Moreover, Sky High Balloon Adventures’ seasoned and award-winning pilots will even relate their experiences of competitive ballooning. Truly, a Sedona balloon ride is an experience of a lifetime which can be enjoyed by the young ones and those who are young at heart.

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