Our First Family RV Trip - Road Trip From Toronto to the Bruce Peninsula and Manitoulin Island

With COVID putting a halt to big travel plans this summer, many have turned to staying local. And what is more local than renting an RV and hitting the open road to explore your own backyard? Check out our first family RV trip, where we explored the Northern Bruce Peninsula, Manitoulin Island and Earl Rowe Provincial Park in southern Ontario. 

Earlier this summer, we decided to switch things up and rented an RV. While my parents have had a pull trailer for a number of years, and its become the new norm for our family camping adventures, renting an RV (you know, one that you drive) was a first for my husband, two daughters and I. 

We love tent camping. But travelling in an RV opened up a whole new world to us. We were able to go at our own pace, be on our own schedule, while enjoying the comforts of home that you may not experience tent camping.

Read on to learn where our first family RV adventure took us.

We picked up the RV from Canadream, located in Brampton, ON - one of the only major RV rental centres in the Greater Toronto Area. It may be out of the way for most, but luckily it was right by Highway 410, the highway we would take to get us to the northern Bruce Peninsula.

As renting an RV was a new experience to us, we did learn a lot. BUT, I will keep that for another post.

After we were loaded into our RV, we hit the road, or Highway 410, and drove north. Our first destination was my family’s cottage on the Lake Huron side of northern Bruce Peninsula. We didn’t get a chance to visit last summer - I really couldn’t tell you why - so we were long overdue. With social distancing in effect, we had the entire place to ourselves for two nights. 

This place has a special spot in my heart. My mom’s parents built it in the 70s, and I have been visiting since I was 3 weeks old. That’s almost 35 years. So to be able to share it with our girls, who are the 5th generation to visit, is extremely special. Luckily, they love it just as much as I do.

Some rain and grey weather did not stop the girls from swimming in the lake. Either did the record water level - the highest we’ve seen in many, many years. The lake front at the cottage is not sandy, but rocky. So to access it, many many years ago, my Poppa built stairs into the rock. Sadly, the water level has caused a lot of his hard work to wash away. Water shoes and steady feet are now required to navigate the slippery rocks. 

We had the best couple of days, relaxing, swimming and waking up to the sound of the waves on the shore. But, come Tuesday morning, it was time to pack up early and hit Highway 6, driving 20(ish) more minute north to the end of the road at Tobermory.

Usually a trip to the cottage involves an afternoon in Tobermory - lunch at The Fish & Chips Place, ice cream at The Sweet Shop, beers at Tobermory Brewing Company, checking out the boats. If we’re lucky, maybe we even take the glass bottom boat to Flower Pot Island, or dive the wrecks in Fathom Five National Marine Park. But, not this time. This trip, we were boarding the MS Chi-Cheemaun and heading across Georgian Bay to Manitoulin Island. Something I haven’t done in at least two decades, and a first for Steve and the girls. 

The 1.5 hour ferry ride took us from Tobermory to South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island. The weather was perfect, and we enjoyed sitting out on the top deck, taking in the beauty of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay surrounding us on either side.

I should also mention, despite COVID, we felt extremely safe the entire trip to and from on the ferry. Owen Sound Transportation Company (the company that runs the MS Chi-Cheemaun) has numerous protocols in place for the health and safety of their crew and passengers. Prior to lining your vehicle up to board, they screen everyone in the vehicle with the typical COVID screening questions and ask to see masks for every person. Once you board, you are required to where your mask for the entire trip, something that I thought would be a lot more difficult to enforce during the 1.5 hours with a 2 and 4 year old. Social distancing is in effect inside the ship, from limited seating and directional signage to washroom capacity and no access to the gift shop or cafeteria. There are also a lot of staff on hand, continuously sanitizing the cabin. If you’re planning a trip, I recommend you visit their website to see all COVID safety protocols in place.

From South Baymouth we drove to Gore Bay, on the north west part of the island, to grab some beers from Split Rail Brewing Co and have lunch along the beautiful harbour. This place was something out of a postcard, and we easily could have stayed there for longer. But, out next stop called so it was back in the RV. We had every intention to stop for a swim at the very popular Bridal Veil Falls, but when we got there we discovered the stair access was closed for safety reasons AND, even if we chose to walk in, it was a little too busy for our comfort. So, we kept driving to our destination on the island - Batman’s Cottages and Campground, where we would spend the night. 

I’m normally one for lots of trees and privacy when camping, but for one night, this was the perfect spot. We had a site directly across the street from the beach access, which is where we hung out for the rest of the day. The waters of Georgian Bay were cold, as they always are, but that didn’t stop the girls from going in. Before we tucked in for our first night in the RV, we walked around and explored the rest of the campground, checking out the other sites (it’s fun to see other people’s camping setups), the second beach (which is basically non-existent due to high water levels) and fed the ducks. Marshmallows were roasted around the fire, and we called it a night. It had been a long day.

After a successful night in the RV, we had an early start the next morning, heading back to South Baymouth to catch the return ferry to Tobermory.

Knowing we had to return the RV early on Friday morning, we decided to make the most of the last two nights and book a campsite closer to home. Earl Rowe Provincial Park, located in Alliston, ON, fit the bill. From what we could see, it was an hour from the drop off location and had a beach for the girls. 

Well when we we got there, turns out, the beach was closed because of high bacteria levels. (Cue dramatic sigh.) The big fail on our part was that we were really banking on spending the day at the beach, so we didn’t really have any back up plans. Luckily, we were able to fill the time with walks to explore the park (scavenger hunts and ‘I Spy’ have become recent favourites), playing on the slide and swings, ice cream at the park store and inventing our own games that involved pool noodles, buckets and pinecones. 

When it comes to COVID, we felt pretty safe at Earl Rowe. The park was not busy at all, which gave it a peaceful quiet feeling. Something that is definitely welcomed once you’ve been to places like the Pinery and Algonquin at their peak busiest. Showers were closed, but the play structure was open, making sure to go at times when there weren’t any other kids playing. 

*Side note: I have heard from others that Earl Rowe may have been the exception to a quiet Ontario Park, as others such as Pinery, Algonquin, Awenda, Sandbanks and Bon Echo have been just as busy as they normally are during the summer, with very limited social distancing happening. 

After two successful nights camping at Earl Rowe (seriously, RV or not, there’ just something about sleeping in ‘the wilderness’), it was time to head back to Canadream to drop off the RV, pick up our car and head home.

Drop off was very easy, but again, I’ll save those details for another post. 

In all, it was a very successful 5 days exploring southern Ontario in our RV. I could definitely get used to this way of travel. The only question is, where to next?!

There are so many perks to “living the RV life” on vacation. From planning your own schedule, being able to bring the pets, bringing all of the comforts of home and beyond, I can definitely see why people prefer it.

Long story short, it was an amazing trip and we are already planning another one for next summer. This time, it will be a bit longer and a bit further, hopefully exploring a region of Canada we’ve never seen before.

Have you travelled in an RV before? Share your favourite RV destinations. I’d love to hear!

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A Family Trip to Great Wolf Lodge, Niagara Falls

Looking for the perfect family adventure in southern Ontario? Whether it’s minus twenty or pouring rain outside, it’s always warm and sunny at Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Read on to learn why Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect indoor vacation destination for families in southern Ontario.

Last month, we escaped the big city and spent a night at Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls, Ontario. 

With a water lover at home, we had talked about a visit for about a year. We went back and forth for some time, hesitant to book not knowing if it would be too old for our almost 3 year old. We were a bit afraid that it would be a waste of money, and that there would be nothing there for her to do.

Boy, were we wrong.

After receiving a gift certificate for Christmas, we were given the push we needed to book a stay. And, after talking with friends that had also visited with young children, we realized it would be the perfect time to take the girls.

And, we’re so glad that we did.

Located along the Niagara Gorge, just five kilometres from Niagara Falls, Great Wolf Lodge is one of North America’s largest indoor waterpark resorts, and the perfect family-friendly indoor vacation destination.

We arrived at 4:00pm, check in time. Walking in, I was in awe - the grand lobby was filled with kids in their bathing suits running around and parents trailing after them. With a massive fireplace, antler chandeliers and a fishing cabin-theme, I knew we were no longer in the big city. With two little ones in tow, vacations are no longer what they used to be. Stepping foot in the lobby for the first time, I instantly realized what we were in for - from here on out, it’s all about the girls. 

Let’s get straight to the point. The highlight of Great Wolf Lodge?

That would be the humongous 103,000 square foot indoor waterpark, featuring 2.5 million litres of water, 13 water slides, 6 pools and a four-storey tree house water fort. The best way to describe it? Wow. Just wow.

The waterpark is an ideal escape for everyone, offering an environment that provides for family bonding time as well as safe, supervised, yet independent kid-friendly fun. It is open from 9:00am to 8:00pm daily, and on the day of arrival, guests have access starting at 1:00pm (3 hours prior to check in).

We were a bit worried Morley would be restricted to the wave pool and lazy river, so we were happy to see that there really is something for everyone at the waterpark, from toddlers all the way to adults. (See also FAQ below regarding appropriate age.)

Upon walking in, children are measured and given a different coloured wristband depending on their height. The colour corresponds to which slides they can go on. We spent the majority of our time in Chipmunk Cove - a shallow water area with a fountain forest - and on the kiddie slides (located in the same area), perfectly sized water slides with gentle slopes and tiny dips and turns. It was so fun to watch Morley break out of her shell and go down the slides all by herself. We also explored Fort Mackenzie, a multi-level water fort tree house and took a dip in Rainbow Lake (the wave pool) and Crystal River (the lazy river).

While we brought our own, we were happy to see that life jackets are available for use. They have a few different sizes and can be found first come, first serve at the entrance to the waterpark.

After some time spent in the pool and watching Morley brave the kiddie slides, it was time to head back to the room to warm up and fill our bellies. Instead of enjoying one of the many sit-down restaurants, we opted for room service, ordering a pizza to the room from Northwoods Pizza. (See also FAQ below regarding food.)

One thing that I appreciated about the resort was that there was never a need to carry a wallet or purse. A good thing when you’re around 2.5 million litres of water! Instead, it’s all in the RFID waterproof wristband, which acts as your room key, credit card for purchases in all retail shops, bars and restaurants and for all services, and even identification, say if you get separated from your children.

After a quick bite, it was back to the lobby for nightly story time - a chance for the kiddos to put on their pjs, grab their favourite stuffy and sit down to hear the forest friends and a very lively staff member read a few favourite storybooks.

Throughout the day, the lobby is fun (and dry) source of entertainment for the kids. Aside from story time, there are performances featuring animated friends of the forest who come to life and sing, dance parties, character meet and greets and more.

In total, the resort has 406 guest rooms made up of 10 different configurations, all designed with the rustic charm of a Northwoods cabin. We opted to stay in a Family Fireplace Suite which included two queen-sized beds, a full-size sleeper sofa in the semi-private living space and a fireplace. If we are to visit again when the girls are a bit older, we would definitely book a KidKamp Suite which features a tent-themed sleeping area with bunk beds.

The majority of the resort’s suites open onto a large deck or patio (perfect for a summer visit) and also include a semi-private living area, full-size bath, one or more TVs, in-room safe, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, hair dryer, free WIFI and more. Pack and play cribs are also available upon request.

After a much needed sleep and a quick bite to eat, we put our bathing suits back on and headed down to the watermark one more time before saying goodbye to our forest friends and making the 1.5 hour drive back to Toronto. It’s safe to day, both girls slept the entire way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions, as asked by YOU the readers on social media. (If you have any more, feel free to include them in the comments below and I will answer and update the post. Remember, if you have the question, chances are someone else is wondering the same thing, so don’t hesitate to ask!)

What age is appropriate?

This is a BIG one, and one of the reasons we almost didn’t book a stay.

At just shy of 3 years, our oldest had a blast! For that age, I recommend only one night. They can take part in all of the free activities (story time, character meet and greets, etc.) while still enjoying the waterpark for a good length of time.  Between the wave pool, lazy river and kiddy area (with four slides), there was enough for Morley to do that she didn’t even notice the bigger slides. 

In order to ride the kiddy slides in Chipmunk Cove, I strongly recommend they be comfortable and confident enough in the water as they have to ride the slides by themselves (parents can wait at the bottom). 

Our 6 month old also loved sitting in the water watching all of the kids in the pool. She had a grin from ear to ear as she splashed and watched her sister.

As kids get older, the pricier the trip gets (like anywhere, I guess). For kids 6 years plus, I recommend 2 nights. They can ride more slides in the waterpark (ability to ride goes by height) and take part in more of the paid activities at the resort (arcade, MagiQuest, etc.).

Is it clean?

With the volume of people they see, I was surprised how clean the resort was, both in and out of the waterpark. 

The water is obviously heavily chlorinated, and you will be smelling it for days after your visit. For example, I took a few showers to get the smell out of my hair and two washing cycles to get the smell out of our clothes. That being said, I would rather it be heavily chlorinated than not enough chlorine.

For the amount of chlorine, you would expect the decor to look “aged”. This is what I experienced at a previous indoor waterpark I had visited. However, there didn’t seem to be any wear and tear to the decor and structures, which means it is well cleaned and maintained. 

Isn’t it expensive?

Yes, it does come with a bit larger of a price tag than other hotels, but remember that with the room cost, you are also receiving admission to the waterpark on both days. 

There are ways to make your visit more cost effective. When choosing when to visit, select an off-peak time of the year, such as a week day, have your kids ask for gift certificates as gifts (like we received for Christmas), avoid areas with paid programming and services (as much as possible, I know easier said than done with kids) and even take advantage of the fridge and microwave in the room and bring your own food. (See also FAQ below regarding food.)

Be sure check out the “Special Offers” section on their website to learn more ways to save. 

How is the food?

Before visiting, I asked friends this same question. Their advice was that it is expensive and that we should bring our own food in terms of snack, lunch and breakfast. And so, we did. I loaded our cooler bag and to be honest, we didn’t end up eating half of it. A few reasons why - we were only there one night (total 22 hours) and we are a small family with young kids. 

For dinner, we ordered a pizza (and two beers) delivered to the room. A large Hawaiian was $22.99 and beers were $7.99 each, which we thought was comparable to if we went out to a restaurant. For our two adults and one child eating, this was a reasonable cost. However, if you have a larger family, or kids that eat more, I could see it being more expensive.

If you are going to bring your own food, there is a mini fridge and microwave located in the room. Keep in mind, outside food is not allowed in the waterpark. There are two restaurants in the waterpark area to order from.

By the way, the pizza was delicious.

Have you been to Great Wolf Lodge? Where is your favourite family-friendly vacation destination? I’d love to hear!

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Make the Most Out of Your Winter Family Vacation

*This post is sponsored by Bayer®. To make sure Bayer® products are right for you, always read and follow the label. 

I don't know about you, but this time of the year makes me dream of white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and Pina Coladas. There's some serious wander-lusting going on over here, and sadly, the warmth of the pool at Morley's swimming lessons just isn’t cutting it.

Traveling with your children is an unforgettable experience, no matter where you go. It is the chance to introduce your children to new cultures and environments, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. 

A well-deserved break from school for the kiddos is the perfect time for a family vacation, but make sure you’re prepared before you rush out the door this winter. Don’t waste a minute of your precious family time on common (and avoidable) vacation fails. 

>> You may also like: Traveling to Cuba with Young Children 

Whether you’re hitting the slopes or a water slide, make the most of your time off with these simple winter family vacation tips. 

Prepare yourself for the entire journey.

When heading on vacation, most are looking forward to the destination itself. But remember, before you can lay on that white sandy beach, you must first get there (and sadly, when it’s all over, you must also get home). Whether you are road tripping or flying, don’t forget about the way there and the way back. If you have young children, remember to pack lots of activities, snacks, changes of clothes and other necessities to limit the number of potential meltdowns so you can get there and start enjoying your well-deserved break.

>> You may also like: Traveling with a Toddler: Busy Bags & Best Free Apps for Toddlers

Tag that bag.

There’s nothing worse than arriving to your destination in one piece only to find out your bags have not. You can’t prevent luggage from getting lost or damaged, but you can make the return process much easier. Make sure you purchase luggage tags with a durable covering to protect your information. Look for a strong clasp that can withstand being tossed around from plane to carousel. And if you’re locking your luggage, be sure to use a TSA-approved lock only.

In case of lost luggage, remember to always pack an extra pair of clothes (i.e. sandals, bathing suit, etc.) in your carryon, just in case. The same goes with extra diapers and an extra change of clothes, or two, for your little ones.

If you are travelling with a car seat or stroller, and checking either at the luggage drop or gate-side, take photos of the items beforehand. That way, if there is any damage to the item, these photos can easily be sent to the airline for comparison and compensation. As I can speak from recent experience, it is not a good feeling to put your carseat (and trust) in the airline’s hands, only to have it come our damaged on the other end.

Don’t underestimate the sun.  

Whether you’re in the snow, sand or water, UV rays reach the Earth year-round and surfaces like these can reflect 85 per cent of the sun's rays back at you! To protect your face, try using Coppertone ClearlySheer Lotion for Face (SF50). ClearlySheer sunscreens deliver trusted broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection in a light, refreshing formula that barely leaves a trace on the skin. Water resistant for up to 80 minutes, it absorbs quickly, feels clean and light and won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. This lightweight sunscreen formula feels clean and light, and is also great to use daily under makeup!

If your kids love the water, but are not big fans of standing still for sunscreen, try Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Continuous Spray. This hypo-allergenic sunscreen provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection at the touch of a button, no pumping required. The easy, full coverage application will keep your children protected from harmful UV rays while making sunscreen time fun.

Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses for all family members, including the little ones.

Restore your body’s rhythm.

One of the best parts of vacationing is indulging in delicious foods, but travel might have your digestive tract feeling no bueno! Almost 40 percent of people experience vacation constipation as gut bacteria reacts and adjusts to the change in setting. Bathroom trouble can put a damper on your otherwise relaxing time off. Be prepared and bring along some pre-measured, single-dose RestoraLAX NeatPAX for convenient occasional constipation relief.  RestoraLAX dissolves easily in any non-alcoholic beverage with no taste and no grit.  It helps restore your body’s natural rhythm by working with water to hydrate and soften stools.

What are some of your vacation preparation tricks that ensure your family getaway its nothing short of amazing?  I’d love to hear!

*This post is sponsored by Bayer®. To make sure Bayer® products are right for you, always read and follow the label. 

Tips for Traveling While Pregnant

As summer comes to an end, the travel planning wheels in my head have already started turning with new ideas and destinations for the year that lies ahead. 

We have Alaska coming up in the fall, with thoughts of a joint Iceland/Scotland venture in the near distant future. I'm also currently dreaming of these luxury homes in Italy. Oh, Italy. How I would love to go back.

Our family trip to Italy two summers ago was one for the memory books, and one that will be hard to top. For many reasons.

We ate, we drank, we laughed, we relaxed, we took in the sights. And, I did it all pregnant. (Ok, minus the drinking part.)

You may not know it by looking at my vacation photos, but I was hot, I was uncomfortable, I was irritable, I will slightly nauseous, and man, oh man, was I tired. A “total trooper”, as my mom called it.

Despite being in my first trimester on my family’s vacation to Rome, Napoli and the Amalfi Coast, and despite not being able to drink all the wine, enjoy all of the cappuccino and devour all of the meat and cheese, being pregnant did not affect my experience or the amazing memories made.

Tips for Traveling to Europe While Pregnant

Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you need to pause your travels. Here are some things to consider when traveling while pregnant.

Before You Go:

Talk to your doctor.

First and foremost, be sure to talk to your doctor before booking your vacation. Zikka, malaria and other viruses with fancy names are all things to consider. Your doctor will know if you require vaccinations based on the country you're visiting, what medications you can and cannot take while pregnant, what foods to avoid and what to do in case you run into issues.

Check your health insurance.

Ensure your health insurance plan covers out of country medical, in case you need take a trip to the clinic. If not, purchase an additional package so that you are covered. 

Select your seat.

Flights to Europe are long, and plane seats are uncomfortable. If the budget allows, upgrade your seats to one with more leg room, or opt for an aisle seat which will make it easy for you to get up and down to the bathroom and to stretch throughout the flight.

Pack light.

You’re already going to be tired, so the last thing you want is to lugging a heavy carryon and suitcase around the airport and to and from your destination. Make a packing list and check it twice. Chances are you won’t need all of that stuff anyways. It’s always helpful to lean on your travel buddy to assist when needed. 

Get some rest.

When flying from North America to Europe, flights are typically overnight. And if you’re anything like me, that doesn’t mean I’m able to sleep. Despite the pregnancy fatigue. Make sure you get plenty of rest in the days leading up to your trip. 

Travel Day:

Drink lots of water.

Not consuming enough water while flying often leads to nasty side effects such as cramping, swelling, fatigue and jet lag. Prepare ahead by consuming plenty of water before you board (with a pit stop at the washrooms). Bring your own reusable water bottle and fill it before you board the flight. That way, you don’t need to rely on the flight attendants for a small glass of water whenever you need a drink.

Bring snacks.

Being hungry on a plane is the last thing a pregnant woman needs, so load up on snacks before going to the airport. Protein bars and dried fruits and nuts are good options. Also prepare for nausea. Since I could not take my old reliable Gravol or Dramamine, candied ginger was helpful for me. 

Give yourself lots of time.

Some cities (such as those we experienced along the Amalfi Coast) have many, many stairs. Take your time. You don't need to set a personal best. Everyone in your party will understand if you're a bit slower, or need to stop more often. Giving yourself time also includes sneaking in a few extra bathroom breaks. 

Request a pat down.

The TSA says that body scanners, which use imaging technology with low levels of radiation are safe for pregnant women. However, if you are hesitant, instead ask for a pat down from a female guard when going through security. 

Remember to stretch your legs.

Flights to Europe are long ones and plane seats are not comfortable. So, don’t forget to get up every once in a while to stretch your legs, whether a trip to the bathroom or just a quick stretch in the aisle.

During the Trip:

Wear comfortable shoes, and clothes.

The best way to see Europe is via your own two feet. Which means you need good walking shoes. 

Don’t over schedule yourself. 

Wake up when you want and go to bed early. Limit yourself to one activity per day to minimize the amount of stress on your body. Don’t be a hero. If you can’t fit everything on you ‘must see list’ into your trip, Europe will always be there. Planning in activities in advance of your trip will help with this. Your body will thank you. 

Stick to bottled water.

You may think it is silly avoid tap water in certain countries. But these counties may also have different standards and regulations when it comes to drinking water than we do in North America. Bottled still and sparkling water are the safer bet.

Avoid certain foods. 

When you spoke with your doctor about your travel plans, they should have alerted you to what you can and cannot eat. Alcohol, unpasteurized cheese and cured meats may be tempting, but are best to avoid (especially alcohol). When eating out, ensure you know how to communicate your pregnancy with the wait staff.

Listen to your body. 

The most important thing to do while traveling pregnant is to listen to your body. You know it best. Rest when you need to rest, eat when you need to eat and drink water when you are thirsty. Go with your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, take a break or visit a local clinic. 

Have fun!

Did I miss anything? Do you have any tips for traveling while pregnant? I'd love to hear!

*To & Fro was provided compensation in exchange for this post. All opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for your continued support!

5 Essentials to Pack for a Mystery Vacation

Our 'mystery family vacay' is just around the corner, and the packing has officially begun! While my parents have given clues along the way in terms of what to bring, I am still finding it very challenging not to overpack. Do you suffer from overpacking too?
Obviously there are many things that are essential to any successful vacation - passport, flight confirmation, credit card, travel/health insurance documents, etc., but there are some items that I find just as important, and that go straight into my carry-on...

1.. a comfortable camera bag Not knowing the activities we will be partaking in, but knowing a camera  is a must, it is key to bring a camera bag that is easy to carry, comfortable, and can hold all of the essentials. Bonus points if it doubles as a carry on. My go-to is the Lowepro passport sling.  Don't forget your camera and charger!
2.. reusable water bottle Did you know that water is one of the most expensive commodities in the world? Not only that, one-time use plastic water bottles are really bad for the environment. When travelling, I prefer to bring my own water bottle to refill. You can fill it yourself once you pass security at the airport, and most cities have public drinking fountains for a convenient refill.
3.. snacks I am a snacker, constantly picking at food throughout the day instead of eating big meals. I am somewhat adventurous when trying new foods, but when the destination is unknown, I also prefer to bring a few of my favourite snacks (think trail mix, candies), just in case. But don't go overboard on the snacks - they still have to fit in your suitcase!
4.. good book Whether you're taking a long flight, or lounging on the beach, a good book, or two, is key! [side note: has anyone read the 'new' book by Harper Lee? I heard it's really good!]
5.. sunglasses Whether you are headed to a sunny destination, or even a snowy one, sunglasses are a must to reduce glare and UV damage to your eyes. All the better to see the sights with my dear.

What items are essential when you pack for vacation?

A Lake Huron Breeze & #VacayEveryDay

Living in a big city can be exhausting, especially for this nature lover. At the end of each work week, I am in desperate need of a vacation. But like all realistic people, I don’t have the time, or funds, to hop on a plane to some far off destination every time I need to unwind. Instead, I escape the concrete jungle by hopping in the car and taking the 3 hour journey west to my parents’ Lake Huron home. It may not be the tropical beach or mountain trail that I often crave, but being on Lake Huron is like being on a vacation every day. 

Last weekend we made the ever so familiar journey down the highway to celebrate family - a special lady’s 80th birthday, big moves and first homes, the warming weather, and just being together.  It was the perfect vacation away. All the things that make me one happy girl - good company, good food, and good drinks thanks to the new Palm Breeze sparkling alcohol spritz. The delicious tropical flavours of Ruby Red Citrus and Pineapple Mandarin Orange helped me forget the hustle and bustle of the work week ahead, and instead enjoy the moment, surrounded by family, with beautiful scenery, the fresh breeze off the lake and the sun shining down. I could get used to that.

Now your very own #VacayEveryDay is only s sip away. Palm Breeze is a flavoured malt beverage, which means it’s an alcoholic drink made with a malt base, kind of like beer. It is the perfect beverage for sipping on girls' night, during outdoor activities, while soaking up the sun, or like me, for spending time with family. Now available anywhere liquor is sold in the US.

If you live in San Diego, DC, Dallas or Austin, Palm Breeze invites you to enjoy a fun girl's night with Blo Bar. Free food, drinks and pampering with your best girlfriends, all courtesy of Palm Breeze. [Click on your city to RSVP.]

Have you tried Palm Breeze? I’d love to know what you think!

How do you make every day a vacation?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.