1. Start your day by donning your official Mickey Mouse ears. At the Chapeau Hat Shop on Main Street, just as you enter the Magic Kingdom, you’ll find a huge selection of hats, perfect for protecting your face from the Orlando sun. Mickey Mouse ears are a classic, and you can have your name embroidered on the spot at this adorable Victorian inspired hat shot.

2. Enjoy breakfast with your favorite Disney characters. Fuel up for a day of walking the parks with your favorite cartoon characters. At the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian Hotel), you’ll have a chance to dine with Alice in Wonderland and her friends, as well as Mary Poppins. Mickey Mouse is the Chef de Cuisine at the Contemporary Resort’s Chef Mickey’s Fun Time Buffet, with Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto joining in on the fun. Our favorite breakfast has always been the Buffet with Character at the Crystal Palace, just off Main Street in the Magic Kingdom: Winnie the Pooh and all his friends will be on hand as you indulge in a delicious brunch buffet. To reserve a table, click here.

3. Set off on an early-morning Kilamanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom. Early morning is the best time to catch the exotic animals in action on the Kilamanjaro Safari, a bumpy ride through the African savanna in an open air vehicle. Make a beeline to this attraction as soon as the park opens to guarantee your spot on the first safaris of the day.

4. Keep your eyes peeled for Hidden Mickeys! Throughout Disney World, silhouette of the Mickey Mouse’s head and ears are hidden in the designs of rides, attractions, and other architectural elements. There are entire websites devoted to discovering hidden Mickeys. Make it a contest: whoever spots the most Hidden Mickeys in a day wins a special treat. 

5. Ride a historic train around the Magic Kingdom. Tour the 1.5 mile perimeter of the Magic Kingdom with a narrated audio guide on the Walt Disney World Railroad, an open air experience that features vintage, steam-powered trains. There are three stations - Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland and Frontierland – and the train runs every 4-10 minutes.

6. Ride the Magic Kindgom classics. If you have a toddler, don’t miss Peter Pan, It’s a Small World, and the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Older kids (taller than 40-44″) will want to hop on Splash Mountain and Space Mountain. The entire family will love the all-time classic favorites Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, and the Jungle Cruise.

7. Travel around the world in Epcot. Visit 11 countries – all in one day – at Epcot’s World Showcase! While parents will enjoy browsing the many shops, keep your kids entertained at the Kidcot Fun Stops: Each country has a Kidcot Fun Stop, where kids can color, learn how to say their name in that country’s native language, pick up a free Duffy the Disney Bear cardboard cutout and receive a passport stamp.

8. Check into the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is perhaps the most spine-tingling ride in all of Walt Disney World: its many vertical drops are not for the faint of heart. Make sure you purchase the picture of your family snapped during the ride, available as soon as you check out of this creepy hotel – so you have a lasting memory of what you all look like screaming for your dear lives! 

9. Zoom around the park on the amazing monorail. The Walt Disney World Monorail runs over 14.7 miles and transports over 50 million Disney guests each year. Each train features a distinctive colored stripe. Ride the monorail from the Magic Kingdom to the Ticket and Transportation Center and you’ll splice right through Disney’s mod Contemporary Resort. 

10. Visit Beauty and the Beast in the New FantasyLand. Doubling the size of original Fantasyland from 10 to 21 acres, Disney’s new Fantasyland is home to the new Beast’s Castle. Have a quick service lunch at the Be Our Guest Restaurant in the castle, making sure to wander into the West Wing, where you’ll find a glass bell jar containing a red rose slowly shedding its petals. You’re likely to find Belle’s egotistical suitor at his namesake tavern, Gaston’s Tavern: take a sip of Le Fou Brew – apple juice, toasted marshmallows and mango foam – served in a manly stein.

11. Catch a live action show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There are so many thrilling, live-action shows at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that it will be difficult to choose a favorite. The preschool set will love the bright singing and dancing of Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, performed in the 1,500-seat outdoor Theater of the Stars along Sunset Boulevard, while older kids will enjoy the American Idol Experience, a daily competition to discover America’s next rising star. The Lights, Motors, Action! stunt show will engage every member of your family as you watch high-octane stunts that reveal incredible special effects secrets. 

12. Ride the Kali River Rapids and search for the elusive Yeti in Animal Kingdom. Hope onto a river raft and ride through the lush jungle landscape on the Kali River Rapids. Wear your swimsuit or a rain poncho! Afterwards, explore the Himalayas on a runaway train but beware! Legend has it that a mysterious guardian monster protects the Forbidden Mountain. 

13. Rocket to outer space. Board a vessel bound for Mars on Mission: Space in Epcot. As part of a  4-cadet crew you experience the monumental force of lift-off in this space shuttle simulator. Note that you can choose two levels of training: The Orange Team will experience high speed and G-forces during launch and re-entry, while the Green Team travels to Mars in a motion simulator ride that does not spin and is less likely to cause motion sickness.

14. Make a wish as you witness the amazing fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle. Join Jiminy Cricket and the Blue Fairy as they share the power of hope and dreams with the melody of famous Disney songs as a musical backdrop. Arrive well before the show and enjoy an ice cream in the Cinderella Castle forecourt or on the surrounding bridges for the best view.This biggest fireworks extravaganza in Magic Kingdom Park history will remind you that dreams really do come true if you believe in yourself!

15. Let yourself be a kid again! Kids love seeing their parents with true, happy smiles on their faces. So let loose…and have fun! Don that Goofy hat, ride the Merry-go-Round, give Mickey Mouse a hug when you see him! You’re in the happiest place on Earth with you family, and these Disney moments are the cherry on the top of the family memories cake. 

photo credit: Express Monorail via photopin cc

If you’ve been considering a trip north of the border but aren’t sure where you want to go, here’s a great list of five wonderful Canadian cities.

Montréal, Quebec

Montréal is amazing.  High fashion, European culture and world-renowned food are just a few reasons why people love this city.  While it is true that French is widely spoken in the entire province of Quebec, most tourists will find resources in English – including English-speaking people.  Like most of the country, it is very cold in the winter but the summer offers many major events including the Montreal Jazz Festival, Just For Laughs Festival and the Benson and Hedges International Fireworks Competition.  In addition to many outdoor green spaces and landmarks, Montreal is the site of the country’s only Six Flags amusement park.

Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa is the nation’s capital which, essentially, makes it Canada’s equivalent to Washington, D.C.  The Prime Minister and Parliament buildings are all located in this city which is just a short drive from Montreal.  Attracting visitors year-round, travelers may be interested in visiting any of the many local museums including the Museum of Civilization and the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

Toronto, Ontario

If you are wanting to visit Canada but still have a bit more of an American feel, Toronto is a great city.  The nation’s largest, Toronto showcases the multiculturalism of modern society which is evident in the food, neighborhoods and the people you meet on the street.  It’s a fast-paced environment and things tend to cost a little more but there really is a lot to see and do.  In the summer, travelers can visit attractions such as Canada’s Wonderland theme park and, beginning in summer 2013, Ripley’s Aquarium.

Calgary, Alberta

Alberta is currently the fastest-growing province with many Canadians moving from across the country to take advantage of the booming economy.  While the capital is Edmonton, located a few hours north, Calgary is garnering a lot more attention.  Anyone visiting in the summer should check out the Calgary Stampede, the “largest outdoor show on earth.”  For two weeks, the city celebrates their cowboy culture with daily free pancakes throughout the city, rodeos, chuckwagon races and outdoor concerts.

Vancouver, British Columbia

After hosting the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Vancouver experienced a boost in its already impressive tourism.  Touted as one of the nation’s most “laid-back” cities (despite the high cost of living), Vancouver offers incredible views of the Canadian Rockies and the Pacific Ocean, warmer weather than many parts of Canada year-round and, in addition to the food and shopping, travelers can really immerse themselves into a more natural, holistic lifestyle.

photo credit: Krazy Diamond via photopin cc

Ride a bike around the iconic Washington Monument.

Start out your visit to D.C. at the Washington Monument, the iconic grand obelisk built between 1848 and 1884 to commemorate our first president’s military leadership. Perhaps the best way to tour the monument and the mall is by ranger led bike tour. Rent your bike at one of the many Capital bikeshares located around the city. 

Step under the rotunda of our nation’s Capitol. 

Step into our historic Capitol, the magnificent building that houses our Congress, and take an informative guided tour that will take you under the rotunda, down into the crypt, and past the National Statuary Hall. Book your tour, at least a couple of months in advance, through the office of your Representative, Senator or online. 

Meet the panda bears at the National Zoo.

There are so many amazing animals to be seen at our National Zoo, but perhaps the most intriguingly adorable of all are the Giant Pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, who have been living at the zoo since 2001, thanks to an agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association. With less than 1,600 pandas living in the wild in China, this is amazing opportunity to get up close and personal with a rare and endangered species. 

Meet Kermit the Frog, see a piece of Plymouth Rock and be dazzled by Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers at the National Museum of American History. 

See the iconic objects that are part history and culture from the original Star-Spangled Banner to the desk on which Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. The National Museum of American History is quite simply a treasure trove of Americana. 

View paleontologists at work National Museum of Natural History. 

Located on the National Mall, the National Museum of Natural History features over 127 million artifacts and specimens and is the most visited of the Smithsonian museums. Visit the in-museum FossiLab, a working laboratory where you can view real-life paleontologists in action as they repair and uncover fossils. 

See the tools of the trade of the real Inspector Gadgets at the International Spy Museum. 

The International Spy Museum showcases the lives of real-life spies with its incredible collection of international espionage artifacts – from  lipstick pistols to the Enigma cipher machine. 

Catch a live performance at the Discovery Theater. 

The Smithsonian’s Discovery Theater both celebrates and brings to life American history via engaging live performances. Check out the calendar for upcoming shows and reserve tickets online at  

Watch closely as millions of dollar bills roll fresh off the printing press at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. 

Witness large, blank sheets of paper as they are almost magically transformed into bills ready to spend! Free tours at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing are offered daily and run approximately every 15 minutes. 

Fly high at the National Air and Space Museum. 

Check out the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world at the National Air and Space Museum, home to the original Wright 1903 Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis and the Apollo 11 command module. Don’t miss a space or flight themed movie at the museum’s Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater; the most daring kids should step into the flight simulators (located in gallery 103 on the first floor, west end of the National Mall Building). 

Planning a wedding can be stressful so it’s not surprising that most brides and grooms really look forward to being able to unwind on their honeymoon – and enjoy those first few days as husband and wife.  It can be hard to narrow down a great destination but, fortunately, we’ve put together a list of the current hot spots.

The Maldives

This locale is generating a lot of buzz right now.  Truly, when you think of an idyllic beach escape, you’re likely imagining this tropical paradise.  Located in the Indian Ocean, The Maldives is comprised of tiny islands that offer privacy and a peacefulness that will help melt all your stress away.  Lush and luxurious, the Maldives is an archipelago offering white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and resorts that will cater to your every need.

Jamaica

Jamaica is an excellent destination for couples seeking simplicity while craving rich culture.  As the largest English speaking island in the Caribbean, Jamaica has long been a destination for those who are seeking a slower paced, laid back escape.  Popular areas include the capital city of Kingston as well as Montego Bay where the famed Turtle Bay Resort is located.

Bali

Bali has long been considered a romantic spot but Eat, Pray, Love definitely renewed the interest of travelers.  It may not be the most economical honeymoon but savvy couples who are willing to hunt for deals will find that affordable trip packages do exist.  The small destination offers unique experiences including misty treks alongside volcanoes (you may even see a Komodo dragon!)

Fiji

Television shows and movies such as The Bachelorette, Cast Away and The Blue Lagoon have shown viewers that Fiji is a beautiful place to fall in love.  Rich with chains of volcanic islands, white-sand beaches, reefs and pristine blue waters, couples will have no trouble forgetting their everyday lives while focusing on building memories.

Hawaii

Hawaii is one of those destinations that never seems to go out of style.  One major draw for American couples is that it’s within the United States so there is no need to apply for a passport or obtain foreign currency.  While there will be that familiarity, Hawaii is most definitely world’s away from life on the mainland.  Surf, sand and sun are in abundance and for those seeking a little history, Hawaii is the only place in America that once served as the home to a royal family.  In fact, their official residence, Iolani Palace, continues to be open to the public today.

Wherever you choose to go, have fun!  The most important thing is focusing on each other and enjoying your time together on your honeymoon!

If you are fortunate enough to have the time off and plan to get away for a few days, there are some great ways that you can use this week to strengthen your relationships.  So many people look back on those stolen Spring Break moments happily later in life and, with a little planning, you can ensure that your family spends that time making memories.

Plan Ahead

Plan ahead.  Yes, this post is a little last-minute but, if you haven’t already started planning, remember this tip for next year.  This applies to flights and accommodations – but it’s also a good idea to prepare in other areas as well.  If you are visiting attractions, considering purchasing passes in advance.  Program your GPS or print out maps for easier navigation at your destination.  Check out reviews of the restaurants in the area and keep a list of the ones that look family-friendly.  Locate doctor’s offices, hospitals and pharmacies.  This small amount of preparation can go a long way in making things run smoothly so that you can focus on having fun!

Consider Travel Insurance

Depending on the policy, you may be eligible for reimbursement of all pre-paid expenses if you have to cancel or interrupt your trip for an emergency.  It may also help in situations when your flights are delayed or cancelled.  Read our detailed article about travel insurance for more information.

Sign Up for Bargains

Find discounts effortlessly by signing up for the Groupon and LivingSocial deals in the area where you will be traveling.  Entertainment Books are also a great way to save money. And check out these travel apps for when you’re on the go.

Avoid Trouble

Learn the local laws, rules and customs to avoid trouble.  Find out about speed limits, for example, if you are traveling abroad.  Encountering legal trouble is the last thing you need on a family vacation.

Choose Your Adventure

Do you want to just have a week of unplanned leisure or was there a specific trek your family has always wanted to take but never found the time?  Take a poll and see what everyone else is thinking and try to find something you all will enjoy.

Sometimes, Spring Break is an opportunity for grown-ups to take time away from their children.  Whether you are traveling as a couple or planning a girls’ getaway, there are many adult-friendly options to meet a variety of budgetary needs.  All-inclusive resorts are often a great way to have a fantastic time without breaking the bank.

Relax

We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make sure these times are perfect which, usually, has the opposite effect.  Life is always going to include some unexpected moments.  Plan as much as you can and then roll with the punches. 

Haven’t had time to think of something?  Don’t panic – we’ve got you covered!  Valentine’s Day falls on a Thursday this year which makes it perfect for transitioning into a quick, romantic weekend getaway.  Here are some ideas to get you started!

Look for Discounts

Along with keeping an eye out for special Valentine’s Day packages (Twitter can be a great tool!), consider subscribing to online coupon websites which often feature discounted hotel packages in your area.  You might get lucky and find something specifically geared to this special occasion but, more than likely, it will just be a regular accommodation deal but there are many ways in which you can customize the weekend.

Pamper Yourself

This can mean something different to every person but, whatever your style, consider finding a way to just be indulgent.  Whether it’s a couples massage in the hotel’s spa, a lavish meal or tickets to the theater, splurge a little.  So much of what we do with our partner is rushed and stressful – it can be really valuable to spend some time together that actually just feels good.

Pack a Goodie Bag

Take time to consider some items that can make your time away even more special.  Chocolates, movies, music, massage oils and more can enhance the mood.  One thing you should consider leaving behind – electronic devices.  Leave any unnecessary items including laptops and iPads behind and try to avoid having your cell phone in your hands all the time.  The whole point of getting away is so that you can reconnect and revitalize the intimacy in your relationship.

Three-Day Weekend

It may not be an option for most of us but, if you can, take Friday off so that you can spend all of Thursday night making the most of your alone time without having to worry about being somewhere the following morning.  Indulge in a little extra wine, stay up late talking or wrapped in each other’s arms. The sky’s the limit!

Get Active

Of course, what you do will depend on the weather in your area but taking a stroll, a bike ride or even hitting the slopes can be a really fun way to burn off stress (and calories).  In warmer areas, why not find a nice place to take a walk and having a picnic?  Surrounded by snow?  Build a snowman!  Whatever you choose to do, let loose and have fun!

Here are seven hotel packages that promise couples a moment of relax before the stork lands.

Historic Downtown Bed & Breakfasts - Albuquerque, NM

In the heart of historic downtown Albuquerque, the Historic Downtown Bed & Breakfasts blend old world elegance with modern amenities. Located in the Huning Highland neighborhood, founded in 1880, this charming property consists of a private carriage house and two homes, all steps away from historic homes, outstanding dining and boutique shopping.

The Babymoon Package offers a prenatal massage for both the expectant mom and dad, a one-night stay in the room of your choice, dinner at the local Artichoke Café, a bottle of sparkling cider and chocolates in room on arrival, and even a welcome gift for the new baby. Just in case, the Downtown Historic Bed & Breakfast is only blocks away from Lovelace, Presbyterian, and UNM Hospital.

Waldorf Astoria – NYC

Moms and Dads looking for the most luxurious babymoon in the heart of New York City should look no further than the famed Waldorf Astoria New York. The Babymoon package offers two night’s accommodation, a Couple’s Service in the Guerlain Spa complete with side-by-side pre-natal massage (for mom) and a relaxing massage (for dad), a duet personal training session with an instructor from Erika Bloom Pilates, and “mocktails and milkshakes” to be enjoyed before and after treatments. The hotel’s Waldorf Spa now features the “When You’re Expecting Massage,” a customized pre-natal body therapy to alleviate discomfort and stress that will relieve muscle fatigue, stimulate circulation and leave skin smooth and hydrated. A one-night Babymoon package is also available, ideal for a couple looking for a one-night staycation, or simply a shorter stay, in the Big Apple.

Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa – Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

The Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa is situated on 500 acres along a mile-long section of tropical beach adjacent to the Caribbean National Rain Forest of El Yunque and the Mameyes River. Their Romance Babymoon Package will give you a chance to reconnect with your partner with a breakfast buffet for two in the resort’s Marbella restaurant, chocolate-covered strawberries upon arrival, a VIP Benefit Card, and a late 4:00 PM check-out. Be sure to book a spa treatment or two at the luxe Mandara spa, where you’ll find a number of Caribbean style treatments, including a Coconut and Milk Ritual Wrap.

Casa Velas, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Casa Velas, a boutique hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, features a Babymoon Package for expectant couples that includes spa treatments, personalized healthy dining options and more for future parents to enjoy their last moments of peace and quiet. This adult’s only hotel promises a beautiful and intimate stay in an estate-like hotel surrounded by tropical gardens.  Once the proud ‘soon-to-be’ new parents spend a few days rejuvenating, a professional photographer will conduct a photo shoot for the family to take home an album. Also included in the Babymoon Package are a body cream set to keep mommy looking radiant, a book of baby names to help the future parents out, and a healthy meal for the flight home.

Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek – Orlando, FL

Nestled amongst Bonnet Creek’s 500 acres of stunning woodlands, the Wyndham Grand Orland Resort Bonnet Creek offers a perfect gateway to experience Orlando’s legendary attractions, theme parks, entertainment and shopping. Five gourmet dining facilities including the award-winning deep blu seafood grille mean that you’ll be able to satisfy every craving. The lagoon-style pool and adjacent pool complex are ideal for spending a day under the sun doing nothing more than relaxing. The Couples Getaway includes two 50-minute aroma-infused Swedish massages at the on-site Blue Harmony Spa, an aqua immersion in side-by-side tubs, complimentary strawberries and chocolate, and breakfast for two at the resort’s on-site Tesoro Cove restaurant.

Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, Hocking Hills, Ohio

The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, located in Ohio’s spectacular Hocking Hills region, is surrounded by stunning waterfalls, caves and rock formations, and thousands of acres of lush forests for hiking – a getaway perfect for the couple that relishes staying active and fit together. The Inn itself boasts a wonderful spa, beautiful, relaxing surroundings and an amazing CIA-trained chef.  It’s the ideal place to unwind and for a couple really connect to have quality quiet time together before baby  arrives. The Inn’s We Are Expecting package includes two nights in a cozy cottage, dinner and breakfast both mornings at the Inn’s restaurant, and a couples massage at the in-house spa.  Be sure to check out the star-filled country sky at night – and make a wish for your soon-to-arrive baby!

Download an App

It seems like there’s an app for everything these days so it’s not surprising that we have some suggestions for a few you might want to download onto your smart phone.  Kayak.com offers an app that searches airline and reservation sites, allowing users to sort flights by price, time, duration, airline, number of stops and layover airports.  The nifty app also notifies users when “buzz” fares become available, tracks flights, provides a baggage fee directory and more.  Google Maps is a must-have for navigating a new destination and OpenTable helps make sure that travelers have reservations for the great restaurants they’ve been wanting to try.

Follow Travel Tweets

There are several Twitter accounts that you can follow to stay current on the latest travel news and trends.  Unpublished airfares and travel tips can be found @Airfarewatchdog.  The guys at @NYCAviation are great with sharing breaking news and delays reported by air traffic control across the country. @WheresAndrew is managed by National Geographic contributor, Andrew Evans, who provides phenomenal insight into cultures and places around the globe.

Prepare to Pay More

Unfortunately, prices are going up again in several areas.  Airfares increased in price seven times last year and that trend isn’t expected to change.  Fees for once-included services will continue to crop up, and are now being seen in other travel related services like rental cars and hotels.  In addition to baggage fees, travelers should expect to start paying for in-flight meals, room safes, rental car GPS and more on a regular basis.

Keep an Eye on Travel Advisories

We can get so caught up in the daily grind that it can be easy to skip watching the news from around the world.  As a result, we may miss important warnings and advisories about traveling to certain locations.  The official U.S. Department of State is an excellent resource and they even offer their free Smart Traveler app to bring you the very latest updates.

Travel Insurance

Trip protection is becoming a popular trend among travelers.  Travel insurance can be a great add-on since it helps in situations when bags are lost/stolen, flights are delayed, or an emergency forces you to cancel your trip.  Additionally, some policies include medical coverage.  Some people already have insurance through their credit card company or AAA (call to verify coverage) but convenient sites including InsureMyTrip.com can make it easy to find the right policy.

How do you stay on top of travel trends and news?