From the monthly archives:

June 2010

Family trip to Mayan RivieraThe Anticipation is Killing Me

This morning, my son Wyatt and I will board a plane to Cancun.  When we arrive, we will  be swept away to the Mayan Riviera,  a stretch of paradise along the Caribbean coast of Mexico. In other words, we’re screaming with excitement around here!

The trip is being provided  by the Riviera Mayan Destination Marketing Organization  in an effort to promote tourism in the area, and the itinerary has Wyatt and I chomping at the bit to get there!

Tourism to the Riviera Maya, and all of Mexico, has been hurt in recent years by a few different things.  I’m just guessing here, but I would say the way overblown  H1N1 panic had a huge effect on Mexico.  Also, Americans now need passports to enter the country, which is a deterrent to a lot of people, and there has been some violence related to drugs on the Mexican/US border.

I’ve traveled to Mexico on three other occasions, most recently to Acapulco just a few weeks ago, and I never once felt unsafe.  I’ve stated before, in this post about Cancun with kids, that I would love to take my kids to visit, and I’m over the moon to have this chance with my history loving, adventurous, son.

If you’re on the fence about whether or not to visit Mexico, and specifically, if it’s safe to take your kids, you’ll want to hang around this week to hear about our trip and the places we’ll be visiting.  This is my idea of an ideal trip.  I love sand and surf.  I love heat.  And I’m a total history geek.

The “Not Objective” Hotel Review

We’ll be staying in digs that are way out of my price range, and wowwy, wow, wow, I am jazzed about that.  Maybe  you can afford it though (go you:),  so I’m thrilled to share it with you…I guess. 

But if you’re like me, and couldn’t afford to stay in a swanky 5 diamond, all inclusive resort, does it really matter when you’re in paradise?  Uh…no.  You could ask my college roommate, who I vacationed with in Cancun  a few years ago.  We stayed in a semi-dumpy hotel, and had a blast.  It’s the natural beauty of the area, and the history of the brilliant Mayan people that I want to bring to life for you.

So, no, the hotel review will not be presented through my discerning eye for white linens.  I am guaranteed to love it.  But for what it’s worth, I’ll let you know how close it is to all the cool places, and if the staff is is in a good mood:)

Some of the sites we’ll be visiting are:

Rio Secreto – An underground river with stalactites and stalagmites (Quick, which one hangs from the ceiling?)

Xel-Ha – Largest natural Aquarium in the world

Tulum – Mayan Ruins on the Caribbean coast.

Dolphin Discovery -  Yay! I love dolphins almost as much as I love dogs

X-plor – Loony things I’d never let my kid do at home.

It’s going to be a marathon!  And I can’t wait. Have I mentioned how much I love the word Quintana Roo?

If you find yourself   enjoying this series, please share your comments and retweet the posts.  I love you for it!

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Leaving the Country

by Debbie Ferm

Wyatt and I will be leaving on a trip to the Riviera Maya on Monday, and Fuzz knows something is up.  He doesn’t like it when I go anywhere…even to the next room.  But he knows I don’t go anywhere without that computer.

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Stop the Madness!!

This is the first summer I’ve  worked since the kids were born.  I was a stay at home mom for years, and then as a teacher, I had summers off.  I love summer with my kids whether we are just hanging out at home, or heading out on a roadtrip, but lets just say there is an, um …. adjustment period.  This means that I  have to adjust to stepping in maple syrup in the morning, and they  have to adjust to the fact that this is NOT A HOTEL!  And I am certainly not the front desk clerk.  The entire process usually lasts a week or two, but the fact that I’m working, or trying to anyway, will most likely extend that time period.

Today started off cold and rainy, as did the entire weekend.  Everyone slept in (including me),  but after waking up and milling around for an hour, we were all in a funk.  The kids were bickering, the dogs were whining , and frankly, The Young and the Restless really sucked today.

In an indoor attempt to entertain themselves, the boys took the cushions off the couch so they could “Parkour” (not sure if that’s actually a verb, but we use it as one around here).  Next, they proceeded to try to take the cushions outside into the wet, muddy world.  And looked at me like I had sprouted horns when I told them they couldn’t.  Could my children honestly not see the folly in this?  Seriously, where the hell have I gone wrong?

In a completely separate event, apple juice got spilled on a chair in the front room in one of those “I’m not touching you” challenges”.  Sigh… which leads me to a new category on this blog called:

Serenity for moms of teens and tweens

How To Travel WithOUT Teens and Tweens

This category will feature utterly frivolous girlfriend getaways, and “serenity now” wellness trips for moms.

Because people, we need them!

Stay tuned for the first installment, coming soon, very soon.

About the author:  Debbie Ferm is the founder of Travel Dither.  To get updates delivered right to your inbox, subscribe to Travel Dither now! 

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The Last Day of School, and an Epic Battle

June 10, 2010

Beauty can be very deceiving.  Take THAT winter.  Summer won. Photo Friday Plug – To see more fantabulous travel photos,visit Delicious Baby, a blog about making travel with kids Fun! About the author: Debbie Ferm is the founder of Travel Dither.  Subscribe to Travel Dither Today.

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Noah’s Ark Water Park, Wisconsin Dells

June 9, 2010

Driving south on I94 in Wisconsin, I swear to God there’s only billboards for one destination.  Anyone who has ever made that drive knows  I’m talking about Noah’s Ark Water park, a place that calls itself “America’s Largest Water Park!”  Those billboards get on my last frickin’ nerve by the time I get to the [...]

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A Horse In Missouri

June 4, 2010

Look at the perfection of this guy.  Mother Nature doesn’t do anything half way. Photo Friday thanks to Debbie Dubrow who blogs about travel with babies at Delicious Baby.

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How Checked Bag Fees Are Causing You Problems. (It’s not just the fifty bucks.)

June 2, 2010

Airline Rules Go Round and Round A few weeks ago, my son and I took a trip to Orlando.   Watching the little kids anticipating the airplane ride and Mickey Mouse always makes me smile, and since my own kids are cool teenagers now, it’s even better.  I don’t have to worry about dragging strollers and [...]

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