Virtual Vacations: Resort Activities and Tours

After some time relaxing by the beach or resort pool, many of our clients enjoy experiencing the unique excursions that are found in beach resort areas.

Snorkeling

 

 

Visiting Tulum

Zip Lining

Swimming with Dolphins in the wild

Our youngest clients often enjoy the activities provided by the Kids Club found at many of the family resorts. Please click this link for some fun activities for your kiddos to do during your virtual beach getaway.

 

One of the best things about traveling, besides seeing some place new, is the opportunity to experience different cultures. If you have ever visited one of the La Colección family of resorts which includes the Fiesta Americana Resorts and Live Aqua Resorts you may have been treated to one of their world-famous works of art made with colorful rice. Here's how they make it:

 

 Another great aspect of travel is to learn about and experience the native wildlife. On beaches around the world, different species of sea turtles lay their eggs and when the eggs hatch the baby sea turtles make their way to the ocean. I got a chance to participate at Le Blanc Cancun:

Check out this turtle release from the Grand Moon Palace Resort in Cancun, Mexico. 

 

Hilton La Romana All Inclusive Resort Tour

Hilton La Romana had a major renovation in 2019. It used to be Dreams La Romana. The renovation adding an adults only section and updating the whole resort. This all inclusive resort has an adults only section and a family section. The adults only section is large enough you could treat it like a separate resort. It's located about an hour from the Punta Cana airport. The water park was not complete at the time of my visit, but it will have a water park similar to the one at Hyatt Cap Cana. La Romana tends to get less seaweed than other areas of the Punta Cana.

A big thank you to Hilton La Romana for the resort tour. 

Take a peek: 

Turning your backyard or basement into a beach

Turning your Backyard or Basement into a beach


We compiled a list of fun items that could bring the beach into your home.

(These links are affiliate links. I'll earn a small commission if you purchase these items via these links.)

The Sand

Create a Sand Castle Building Set for Kids - Luckily, it also work with dirt.  

The Games

 

Virtual Vacation: Let's Go to the Beach

From Katy, our travel concierge: 

I don’t know about you, but I am ready for summer. Our weather here in Missouri has been a roller coaster as of late. We have seen daytime highs hit 90 degrees only to see a daytime high of 45 degrees just a few days later. I am ready for summer and warm weather. This got me thinking… how about a virtual trip to the beach this week?

We’ll provide the recipes, the beach, and even the Zoom backgrounds.

Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana

Hyatt Zilara is an adults only all inclusive resort located 15 minutes from the Punta Cana airport. It opened in 2019. It's right next door to Hyatt Ziva - the family resort and has full exchange privileges. 

What sets this resort apart is great ocean views from the swim up pool and great dining. I recommend upgrading to the Club Level to gain access to a special pool, beach area, and a la carte breakfast.

A huge thank you to Playa resorts for choosing me for a sponsored stay here.

Filmed: January 2020

Take a peek: 

Virtual Vacation: Castle Tours

This week we are going to hop across the pond from the US and check out some amazing castle tours in Europe.

We included links to some fun games, puzzles, and toys. I do earn a small commission if you purchase the item through that link.

Why not start with one of the most famous castles of all, Windsor Castle the weekend home of Queen Elizabeth and the site of several royal weddings including Prince Harry to Megan Markle?  After you complete the virtual tours, you can buy this official souvenir so it's like you were really there.

 

Virtual tours are also available of Buckingham Palace the Queen’s London residence and the administrative headquarters of the monarchy. I visited there in 2016. I also recommend an in person trip to the Royal Mews aka the Royal Stables.  Tip - If you wear an Indianapolis Colts shirt, they will think you are HUGE fan of horses:

If you want your own version of the Buckingham Palace at home, Lego can help you out:

Resort Tour: Hilton All Inclusive Playa del Carmen

Hilton Playa del Carmen is an adults only resort in the heart of Playa del Carmen. It's a large resort with several options for pools and restaurants. The resort was recently renovated when it changed to the Hilton. This is a great option for couples or groups of friends who enjoy the fun of an active adults only resort and the great energy from being in an urban location.  But if you like to relax,  a quiet pool is available. The rooms are large with great amenities.

Filmed: February 2020

Take a peek:

Travel Themed Games: Disney Edition

This week, we are sharing travel themed games related the theme parks and Disney World.

Click here for our Travel Themed Games for our National Parks and the United States.

A reminder these are affiliate links so I will receive a small commission if you buy these games through this link.

If your kids are more hands on, these building blocks have four sets to recreate popular amusement park rides:

 

Or if you are a Lego Diehard:

Virtual Vacations: Theme Park Rides

This week for our Virtual Vacations series we are going to check out some virtual theme park tours and virtual rides at some of our favorite parks including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios in Orlando, and Katy’s childhood favorite, Hersheypark in Hershey, PA.

The Visit Orlando official website offers virtual tours of the Walt Disney World Resort, Sea World, Universal Studios, and Legoland.

There is also a YouTube Channel called Virtual Disney World and it is dedicated to virtual experiences of mostly Disney theme park rides although you can also find some Universal Studios rides as well on the channel. You can click and drag to pan the camera in any direction or move your mobile device/ tablet to look around as the video plays. I will say this that the experience is much better for outdoor rides than the indoor ones. Take a look at Slinky Dog:

 

Did you know that in Hershey, Pennsylvania you can take a chocolate making tour and that there is an adjacent amusement park? 

BodyHoliday St Lucia All Inclusive Resort Tour

BodyHoliday St Lucia is an all inclusive wellness resort for ages 16 and up. It is located about 30 minutes north of Castries and about 80 minutes from UVF airport. This is the resort for you if you love being active on vacation or just relaxing. You can fill your days with the included activities, spa treatments or just enjoy the great service at your lounge chair. 

Thank you to BodyHoliday St Lucia for hosting me for a day to explore the resort. 

Take a peek: 

Travel Themed Games: United States

Each week, we are highlighting virtual tours and games that bring travel into your home.

Click here for links for some great virtual tours of the United States National Parks.


These are affiliate links. I make a small commission if you buy by clicking on these links.

Trekking the National Parks - The Board Game

This game is for 2 - 5 players. It's recommended for ages 10 and up. Games take between 30 - 69 minutes.

Ticket to Ride First Journey

You may have heard of or played Ticket to Ride. Ticket to Ride First Journey is designed for a younger player with a faster paced game.  Two to four players can play. It's recommended for ages 6 - 15 years old.

Forbidden Desert

This game is recommended for 2 to 5 players ages 10 and up. It's a cooperative strategy games that takes about 45 minutes to play.

United States Bingo

 

 

 

 

Learn US Geography as you play bingo. The game has 6 bingo cards and is recommended for ages 5 and up.

 

 

DestiNation USA

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

This is a fun, easy to play game for ages 5 and up. 

Virtual Vacations: The National Parks of the USA

During this time of staying at home for the COVID-19 Pandemic we thought we would bring you some virtual vacations you can take with your family from the comfort of your couch. To kick off this series we thought we would start with our National Parks.

When I started looking at virtual options it quickly became clear what my top choice was, The Hidden Worlds of our National Parks from Google Arts and Culture. 

Parks in this series include Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, and Kenai Fjords National Park. This series offers 360 degree views of the parks and is well narrated, very informative and very entertaining. Virtual experiences include kayaking the Kenai Fjords, soaring over an active volcano in Hawaii, flying like a bat through a cave in Carlsbad Caverns, horseback riding through Bryce Canyon, and diving through a shipwreck and swimming through a coral reef in Dry Tortugas. 

Through Google Arts and Culture you can also explore more than 100 other National Parks.  

Another great tour is Virtual Yosemite, visitors can click different highlighted points on the map and read about that part of the park, while listening to the natural sounds of that area of the park.

Google Earth offers interactive photos and beautiful views of more than 30 National Parks including Acadia National Park in Maine, Everglades National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Redwood National and State Park, and Yellowstone National Park to name a few.