SolEscapes Blog: Style, Living and Travel: Vacation

Showing posts with label Vacation. Show all posts

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Must Have Products for Your Spring Break Getaway

What to Pack for Spring Break

Spring Break means... Getaway Time! After the chilly - and possibly snow-filled - months of winter, we're all ready for a vacation full of warm weather, beautiful views, and fun fun fun!

So let's pack those bags and get ready for Spring Break vacation! What should we bring? Well...

What to pack for your Spring Break Getaway

Swimsuit: This gorgeous head-turner, in aptly named Fire Red, is both stylish and sneakily figure flattering, making it a great option for swimwear for Spring Break. The draped front contours the figure while internal tummy control smooths the mid-section. It can be worn with or without straps and has full bottom coverage.

Cover-up: This smart looking cover-up dress is brilliant when it comes to sun protection. The UPF fabric protects the skin for the sun's harmful rays while looking super chic in a navy striped print. Psssst: it also does double duty as a dress - just add jewelry and fun shoes!

Sunscreen: You'll be in the sun, therefor you must wear sunscreen. COOLA sunscreen is made from super high quality ingredients and smells amazing! Broad spectrum coverage and SPF 45 protection seal the deal.

Sun Hats for spring break: The sun will be out, and you need to great, so you'll need a few! Punta Cana's colorful flowers are all about fun! The Alhambra fedora takes a classic turn with its white straw and navy band. And for a feminine mood, the Altamira by ále by Alessandra combines sweet and chic flawlessly.

Resort Jewelry: Dress up anything with the addition of stylish jewelry. These stacking bracelets are versatile, vacation friendly, and gorgeous!

Sandals: Warm weather and beach call for cute sandals. These flip-flops from Keikei's are perfect! Their shell details are the perfect balance of tropical-fun and vacation-versatility (read: they'll go with everything).

Tote Bag: The indispensable pool bag just got chic-er with this Glamourpuss NYC see-through tote bag! It's the ideal size for tossing the days necessities before you head to the pool (or beach or shopping or sight-seeing)! It would also be a great carry-on.

Clutch: You'll be out on the town at night, but don't want to carry a big purse (or pack it, for that matter). A clutch is the stylish answer. It's adorable, and roomy enough for going-out necessities (including your phone).

What's on your must-pack list for Spring Break?

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Beach of the Week: Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda

Horseshoe Bay Beach in Bermuda is the perfect Winter Escape!

With much of the US experiencing cold, snowy weather, a virtual escape is necessary! Don those imaginary swimsuits and flip-flops and let’s head to dreamy Horseshoe Bay Beach in Bermuda.

Horseshoe Bay is a crescent-shaped (well, horseshoe-shaped) stretch of glorious pink sand and crystal clear turquoise water, covering all the beach getaway vacation requirements. It boasts a couple simple restaurants, a charming, relaxed atmosphere, and plenty of warmth and relaxation. Horseshoe Bay Beach sounds like the perfect winter escape!

What’s your ideal winter getaway?

It’s Winter Getaway Season! Check off your vacation packing list at SolEscapes!

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Cruising with Family: Know the Lingo!

Add Some Fun To a Family Cruise Vacation with a Linguistic Lesson!

To round out our Cruising with Family series, we thought we'd end with a little ship-shape vocabulary lesson. After all, every good sailor knows their port from their starboard!

Nautical Lingo

Aft = back of the ship
Forward = front of the ship
Starboard = right side of the ship - if you’re facing the front.
Port = left side of the ship - if you’re facing the front. (Tip – to remember which side is left and right, “port” has four letters, just like “left”)
Bow = the very front of the ship
Stern = the very back of the ship
Ship = it is not a “boat”
Stateroom = a cabin

We hope you've enjoyed our Cruising with Family series! What's your favorite Family Cruise Vacation memory?

Want to know more about preparing for a family cruise vacation? Check out the other posts in our Cruising with Family series:

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Cruising with Family: Great Online Resources for Planning a Family Cruise Vacation

Internet Ahoy! There are many helpful resources online to help plan your family cruise vacation.

We've covered a lot of ground in our Cruising with Family series, and yet there is still so much info out there! When planning a cruise vacation with your kids, the internet is your best friend! There is an absolute deluge of information about cruising online, so take advantage of it!

Helpful Sites for Planning a Family Cruise:

Your cruise line’s web site will have a wealth of information. Find the FAQ’s; they’ll answer many questions, including those related to cruising with kids. Look for customer forums, which may have information specific to your ship, cruise, and many questions and answers about having kids on board.
Cruisecritic is a one stop shop for all things cruise related. It has articles written by experts and a large user community that contributes to forums.
Taking the Kids blog has a lot of helpful information about traveling with kids, including an entire section on cruising!
Family Cruise Advisor is just that! A blog dedicated to the topic of cruising with the family. It even includes information broken out by cruise line.
Kids on a Plane is a wonderful blog “devoted to helping parents teach kids about the world through travel, food and everyday fun”. Their Cruising section is chock full of information, especially about Disney Cruise Line.
Traveling Mom is packed with firsthand accounts written by (you guessed it) Moms. Their Cruises section is huge!
Google it! Search for your cruise line, cruise ship, and even your stateroom number. You’ll be amazed at how much information is out there!

What's your favorite online resource when planning a family cruise vacation?

Want to know more about preparing for a family cruise vacation? Check out the other posts in our Cruising with Family series:

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Cruising with Family: Older Kids and Teens

Family Cruise Vacations are wonderful for families with Teens

We've covered kids, toddlers and babies in previous posts of the Cruising with Family series, now let's look at the opposite end of the childhood spectrum: the t(w)eenagers. Family vacations can be a challenge when some family members are (ahem) less than thrilled with the idea of never-ending family togetherness. A cruise allows for a nice balance of fun, kid-centric activities with just enough of family time. Plus, the relatively safe confines of a cruise ship can be a wonderful place for an older kid or teen to experience some independence.

Preparing for a Cruise with Older Kids and Teenagers:

Well before your vacation, determine how long their leash will be and talk it through, so kids and parents all have the same expectations.
How will you stay in touch when kids are off doing their own thing? One option is to set a meeting place, and meet up at predetermined times throughout the day. Another idea is to bring a set of walkie-talkies for easy communication.
Research the kids program options for their age group; depending on your teen’s personality and interests it may – or may not – be a good fit.
The kids program may allow kids over a certain age to sign themselves in and out. Determine if this is appropriate for your child.
Establish ground rules for safety: for example, you may require that they don’t go into staterooms other than your own.
Be sure your kids are familiar with the ship’s safety procedures. Point out crew members that they could go to, if they’re lost, in trouble, or simply have a question.

What does your tween or teen enjoy doing while on a family cruise vacation?

Want to know more about preparing for a family cruise vacation? Check out the other posts in our Cruising with Family series:

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Cruising with Family: Babies (and Toddlers) on Board

Cruise Ship in Tropical Waters with Beach

Cruising is a great way for kids to get a taste of the Tropics

Our last post of the Cruising with Family series talked about packing for a cruise with kids. Let's take that a step further: if you have an infant or toddler, packing for a family cruise has the extra challenge of dealing with the “big gear”. Babies may be small, but they sure require a lot of stuff! Luckily, you don't have to tote all of it along, here are some pointers for packing for your cruise:

A Stroller on a Cruise?

Many suggest bringing a stroller for younger children, as it will come in handy for shore excursions, walking through airport and cruise terminal and even for naps on the cruise ship. An umbrella stroller may be your best bet, since it’s lightweight and compact (a large stroller may be difficult to get in and out of stateroom, and is bulkier to store). Find out if the cruise ship rents strollers by the day, this could be ideal if you’ll just need one for shore excursions.

Sleeping Arrangements On Board

Cruise ships will have several options, depending on the age of your child. For infants and toddlers, contact the cruise line beforehand to reserve a crib or pack n’ play for your stateroom. For preschoolers, find out how tall the bed is, and if it has a bed-rail. Some parents feel comfortable placing a rolled up blanket at the edge of the bed (underneath the fitted sheet) to act as a quasi-bed-rail. Some family staterooms have bunk beds, so be sure that such an arrangement is appropriate to the age of your child.

Bathing your Little One

Does your stateroom have a bathtub, or just a shower? For the tub-less, a small inflatable bathtub is useful for bathing infants and tots.

Feeding Baby on a Cruise

Baby food availability and guidelines vary by cruiseline and even by cruise ship, so do your homework. Find out if your cruise line permits baby food to brought on board, if they sell baby food on board, or if the kitchens will puree or mash food for infants. Formula and breast milk are allowed; find out if your ship will have bottle warmers available, or if you’re able to bring your own.

Basic Baby Necessities on a Cruise Vacation

Some cruise lines sell diapers and formula on board, others don’t. Find out what your ship will stock, and be sure to pack accordingly (when in doubt, pack more diapers!). Many cruise lines contract with services that will deliver diapers and other baby gear to your stateroom before you board.

Do you have a favorite trick for cruising with an infant or toddler?

Want to know more about preparing for a family cruise vacation? Check out the other posts in our Cruising with Family series:

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Cruising with Family: Packing!

Pack Smart for your Cruise Vacation with Kids!

In the first installment of our Cruising with Family series, we discussed some of the initial research you'll do when preparing for a family cruise. Now let's dive into the nitty-gritty of any vacation preparation: packing!

Packing for a cruise is, in many ways, just like packing for any other vacation (and we have some great tips for packing for vacation!). But when packing for a family cruise there are some special considerations.

Necessary Items for a Family Cruise Vacation

Any cruise will include a lot of time outdoors, so pack plenty of sun protection for the whole family. Sun hats are key, as well as a high quality broad spectrum sunscreen.
Many cruises have one or two formal dining nights. Determine how this will impact your family and if you’ll need to pack some fancy duds for your kids.
With the popularity of the ship’s pool and the potential for beachy shore excursions, be sure to update your kids’ swimwear. For cute comfort and great sun protection, a children's swim shirt or rash guard is ideal.
If your child takes medication, be sure to bring a proper amount in its original packaging (with labels). Medication and medical equipment should be hand carried on-board (not checked in luggage). Be sure to check with your cruiseline for specific regulations regarding medications.

Fitting All Your Stuff into a Cruise Ship Stateroom

Cruise ship staterooms can be small, and will feel smaller yet when filled with a family and its belongings. Pack light where it makes sense, and use suitcases that aren't exceptionally large, so you can stow them out of the way under a bed or in a closet.
Related: your cruise ship probably offers laundry service and/or has laundry facilities on-board. It can be worthwhile to take advantage of this so you can pack less clothing.
It’s probably common sense, but be aware of items that you may not bring on board. Kid-related items that aren’t typically allowed on a cruise ship include toy weapons, wheeled shoes, sporting equipment, pool toys, coolers over a certain size and certain electronics (such as gaming systems).

Kids and Cruising; Helpful Advice

Prepare for downtime. Getting to the ship may be a voyage unto itself. Plan plenty of entertainment for your kids for downtime at the airport, on the airplane and at the cruise terminal (here are some helpful ideas for entertaining kids while traveling).
Similarly, prepare for quiet time while on the ship. Many kids (and parents) will need breaks from all the activity and commotion of a cruise ship. Bring small toys and books that they can quietly enjoy while in your stateroom.
Bringing food on board is regulated, for example, opened food packages and homemade food are not permitted. If your family has particular requirements due to food allergies or a special diet, be sure you know the guidelines, contacting the cruise line for clarification.

Seasickness and Kids

As you're packing, don't forget this unsavory issue: seasickness. Motion sickness is no fun for anyone, so plan ahead. Even kids that don’t typically get carsick may have a different reaction to the motion of a ship at sea.

A popular seasickness remedy is Sea Bands; wrist bands that apply pressure to a certain point on the wrist. They do not contain any medication, are sold over the counter, and considered safe for anyone to use.
There are many other seasickness medications available, both prescription and over the counter. If you feel seasickness will be an issue for your child, be sure to discuss options with your Pediatrician.
Ginger, in all its forms, is a popular seasickness remedy. Ginger ale, gingersnap cookies, ginger candy, ginger gum, etc. are easy to find and may provide some yummy relief.

What must-have item do you include on your family cruise packing list?

Want to know more about preparing for a family cruise vacation? Check out the other posts in our Cruising with Family series:

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Cruising with Family: Planning Your Adventure

Family Cruises are the best!

A cruise vacation is such a wonderful way to travel with family. There is, quite literally, something for everyone on a cruise. Activities, food and accommodations – it’s all covered.

Preparing for a cruise – especially when the kids are coming along - can be a big task, but we’d like to help you out by offering some information to help you prepare for a family cruise with our Cruising with Family series.

For our first installment, let's talk about the planning you'll do well before you embark. Do some research about your cruise, to find out what they offer for kids, and what the restrictions are. Share your findings with your kids, so they can start to form a picture of the fun activities they’ll get to be involved in.

Planning a family cruise; what to look for:

Most cruise lines have a minimum age for infants, and this age may vary by destination (for example, voyages that have more days at sea may have a higher minimum age).
Familiarize yourself with the age guidelines for your cruise line’s kids program. Some cruise lines offer nurseries for infants, while others start at age 2 or 3.
Kids programs are broken into age groups, so find out which group(s) your children will be eligible for.
The age requirements for nighttime babysitting may differ from the daytime program, so look into that as well.
Dining options abound on any cruise, some will cater to families, others may be a better fit for adults.
Not all shore excursions are appropriate for younger children, so be sure to read the fine print when booking them.
Most cruise lines offer adult-only areas where kids under a certain age are not permitted.
Pool access may not be limited by age, but U.S. regulations prohibit children that aren’t toilet trained from using pools or spas on cruise ships. However, some ships offer splash pad facilities where tots in swim diapers are welcome.

What research did you find most helpful when planning for a cruise with kids?

Want to know more about preparing for a family cruise vacation? Check out the other posts in our Cruising with Family series:

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Gift Guide: For Beach & Resort Lovers

Someone on your list loves to take "beachy" vacations - maybe it's a tropical resort, or a beach house, even an annual cruise. Well, SolEscapes' Holiday Gift Shop has an awesome selection of gifts just for that special someone! BONUS: All of these items are 25% off (through 12/20/14) with coupon code gifts.

1| Turks & Caicos Resort Bag - The natural colored raffia with the turquoise rope accents is a dreamy combination. Add to that some great practical features, and this makes a fabulous gift.

2| San Remo Hat by Gottex - Oooh so glamorous, this is as resort-ready as they come. We love the bamboo and gold trim on this one - it's such a pretty balance of natural and shiny!

3| Calypso Multi-Strand Necklace - The chic necklace that goes with everything. Pair this with a casual daytime outfit - awesome. Add it to a white dress for dinner - simply gorgeous.

4| Travel Lux Microfiber Beach and Pool Towel - A beach trip needs a beach towel, and this beauty folds up so compactly, it's 1/4 the size of a typical beach towel. Yet when unfolded, its dimensions are oversized - larger than most beach towels!

5| Punta Cana Raffia Sun Hat - Fun, fun, fun in the sun! This hat boasts a generous 5" sun protective brim and colorful flowers that simply scream "vacation"!

6| Coco Cabana Stacking Bracelets - These fun bracelets are designed to stack, and look fabulous with each other, or along with your other bracelets. Their starfish charm and gold accents really make them pop! They come in white, gold, or turquoise.

7| Heishi Coconut Flip-Flop Sandals - Fun, colorful materials, and a comfy foam footbed make these a great choice for a vacation wardrobe. Any beach lover knows - flip-flops are a must! These come in pink or turquoise.

See the Holiday Gift Shop for these and other gift ideas! And get 25% off (through 12/20/14) with coupon code gifts.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Beach of the Week: Fraser Island, Queensland, Australia

Miles of beaches on Fraser Island

Off the coast of Queensland, Australia lies a very unique place: Fraser Island. In fact, it is so unique and beautiful that it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the largest sand island in the world, and boasts 155 miles of beaches! In addition to the gorgeous beaches, it has rainforests, pristine freshwater lakes, a shipwreck, tall cliffs and mesmerizing dunes.

Staying on Fraser Island could take many forms: be it a luxury resort, a family cabin, or a camping trip. Activities abound: fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing are popular ways to enjoy the natural beauty of this island.

Enjoying the beach is a must! For a special beach experience, try the shores of freshwater Lake McKenzie. The sand is pure white silica – striking to look at, and silky soft to walk on. The water is clear as can be and tinted in dreamy blues and greens. For a beach adventure, take a drive on 75 Mile Beach. This long (yes, 75 miles long) stretch of beach is actually a highway, and even a runway for small aircraft. The scenery is breathtaking, and wildlife sightings, including sharks and dingos, are common.

What island would you like to escape to today?

SolEscapes helps you get ready for your dream warm weather vacation!

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Beach of the Week: Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro

Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro

This week’s beach has its own soundtrack! Take a moment to find your favorite rendition of “Girl from Ipanema”. Are you in the bossa nova groove now? Great, let’s take a virtual trip to Rio, and talk about Ipanema Beach.

Ipanema Beach is as sultry and gorgeous as its namesake song. Between its fine sand, blue sea, dramatic mountain backdrop and multitude of beautiful people, Ipanema is lush with eye candy. It attracts a diverse international crowd, and boasts a relaxed, soulful ambiance. Vendors, cafes, bars, and restaurants abound, meaning a cool caipirinha is always in reach.

Have you been to Rio? What’s your favorite beach there?

Beach lovers need great sun protection, and SolEscapes has it covered!