​Packing for a cruise can seem like a daunting task. Beach days and gala nights, snorkeling excursions and museum walks, chilly dining rooms and humid ports: How can you possibly pack for all of it? What are you forgetting? How can you avoid excess baggage fees?  Fear not. We’re here with some of our best cruise packing tips, making sure that you remember the essentials – and maybe learn a few tricks that will turn you into a packing star.

We've partnered with the lovely ladies over on the Luxe Travel Moms Facebook group to get their fav items to take on a cruise.  So, whether your goal is to avoid checked or excess bag fees by packing light, reserve your in-port shopping for souvenirs rather than necessities, or simply make sure you take everything you need on your next vacation.
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​You'll always find basic toiletries onboard, such as soap and shampoo. In main cabins on some cruise lines -- Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival -- toiletries offered are limited (in some cases, it's pump bottles of mystery soap affixed to the shower wall). You might want to make room in your luggage for your favorite brands. Same goes for hair dryers. Most staterooms come with weak dryers, so if you're picky, pack your own. Another tip: Never unpack your toiletry kit. Leave it filled with travel-sized bottles and an extra toothbrush or razor. When it's time for your next cruise, all you need to do is top off or replace the bottles -- rather than wasting time collecting items and possibly forgetting something.

Luxe Travel Mom Tip: Our must have travel item is this Vera Bradley Hanging Travel Organizer. It's perfect on a cruise because space is limited, and you can hang this right on the back of the bathroom door. ​If you are looking for travel size bottles, we love these from Amazon, they are easy to fill and do not leak.
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Simply put, some places are more formal than others. Expect to pack more resort-casual wear if traveling to Europe (all regions) or Bermuda. (Golf courses in Bermuda have strict dress codes.) Other cruise itineraries, such as Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, the Caribbean and French Polynesia, are more casual than the norm. And don't forget to think about your in-port activities. Flip-flops are fine for a beach day, but you'll want more comfortable shoes for long days of sightseeing or active excursions like hiking or biking. If you're visiting religious sites in the Middle East or some parts of Europe, you'll want modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, even if it's quite hot.
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Luxe Travel Mom Tip:  Pack a comfortable outfit for mornings where you are lounging on the deck before heading to the pool. A breezy tank with lounge capris or shorts is perfect for those lazy mornings. Don't forget a sun hat. The sun on the ship during sea days can get quite hot and you will need protection. This one from Amazon doubles as a visor or a hat for various hairstyles. 
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​If you can make your clothes do double duty, you won't be hit with excess bag fees or find yourself fighting with your spouse about who gets the last hanger in the cabin's small closet. Stick with one color theme so you can re-wear bottoms with different tops or bring shirts that can be dressed up for dinner on one night and worn sightseeing the next. Opt for the layered look to handle differing temperatures in the various cruise ports. Change up the look of one formal outfit with different accessories (jewelry, ties, scarves), rather than bring two suits or cocktail dresses. Your shipmates won't know (or care) if you wear the same outfit twice.
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Luxe Travel Mom Tip: Do double duty with a stylish kimono that can be a cover up or casual blouse for dinner.   This adorable sundress can double as a dress for dinner with some heels and a belt.  Pack heels that will match with everything, so you only need to bring one pair. We love these block heels from Amazon, they come in a variety of colors and are perfect for the day to night look. 
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Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. ​

​The Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo is a great (and free!) option while visiting Hilo on the east side of the island. It is a tropical zoo with monkeys, Hawaiian Nene geese, and even tigers!
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One of the most memorable experiences is taking a tour which allows you to snorkel with the manta rays. Hang Loose boat tours guarantee sightings on their trip which includes a sunset on the water, snacks, drinks, and snorkeling with harmless manta rays in their natural environment.

If you aren’t up for snorkeling, don’t miss the chance to see massive manta rays most nights outside of the Sheraton Kona at Rays on the Bay. Water timid travelers will be happy knowing they can check out the manta ray talks, and enjoy the above the shore views of the manta rays who make their way to this region nightly to feed on plankton attracted to the hotel’s lights.

With gas prices continuing to climb, this only means one thing for travel costs...prices will go up. 
If these high fuel prices are here to stay, the airlines are going to inevitably make changes to fares.  Right now, if you buy flights for later this year, you will see you can still find some good deals.
​But, those won't last much longer. 

With higher fuel costs, this also makes food and other goods come at a higher cost as well. Resorts and restaurants will eventually start passing that on to consumers, making the entire cost of your vacation exponentially higher. 

Rising gas prices highlight a key piece of advice for families: be realistic when it comes to travel. Gone are the days where you could fly to Florida for $200. That's just not going to be the case anymore unless you are extremely lucky.  We have already seen average fares increase about 2% in the first part of this year. That will continue to rise in the near future. 

While prices for Domestic and Caribbean travel rise, Europe and Asia will stay stagnant or decrease. 
Traveling abroad may now be cheaper, due to concerns over the Russia/Ukraine conflict. Experts say European airlines are locking in their jet fuel prices so travel to Europe likely won't increase, plus lower demand to Europe during a war could also lower prices. Traveling overseas will likely have it's issues with airlines making more stops to avoid Russian airspace-expect longer travel times. If you are planning to travel to Europe this summer or the fall, it might be a good opportunity to actually lock in those fares now.

Pro tip: When looking for less expensive flights, always book early and add flexibility to your travel dates. Try to fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday.  When you book with us, we will also look to see if using one airline for departure and another airline for your return will give you a better price. 
Being flexible is the key to savings. 

Don't wait to book your vacation, you can lock in the price now before things go up. Most of the vacation packages we sell offer a low deposit and easy cancellation terms if your plans change.  

Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. ​

Go ahead, take the trip! Pulling off a last-minute vacation is more feasible than you might think. 

You’re feeling spontaneous and need to skip town — preferably next weekend or next month.  A last-minute vacation is more feasible than you think. Here’s how to fulfill your wanderlust on demand.

Sunday can be one of the more expensive days to fly, but moving your return to a Monday or Tuesday can make a big difference in price — or, try dates for two weeks later and compare. 

Length of stay matters too, some hotels require a 5 or 7-night stay so keep that in mind. 
Locations with larger tourism have more availability and better last-minute deals than those exotic hard to reach places. 
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But, that's not to say that you can't find an amazing deal for next week to those off-the-beaten path destinations. Have your MDV agent look for you, you never know what she will find!

If you can pack up the car and drive to your destination within a few hours, great. But for those thinking more far-flung, be sure to check out flights before booking that (non-refundable) last-minute hotel room. Flight availability can be an issue or the prices can be more expensive the closer you get to your travel dates. 

Disney, Hawaii, Mexico? Not all destinations are created equal and, even with limited lead time, a travel pro can help match you with the right fit-often at an unadvertised rate. 
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Some requests may require a small fee to expedite those last-minute plans (and make a few urgent phone calls on your behalf), but it will give you peace of mind that your vacation has been vetted. We also may be able to pull some strings so that hotels know who you are before you get there. Hello, upgrade?!

Most hotels have a cancellation policy of anywhere from 24 hours to 7 to 21 days in advance. For last-minute jaunts, your reservation may have to be paid in full up front. If there’s a still a chance you might come down with an illness in the week before you leave, or if your boss may not approve those last-minute vacation days, consider travel protection insurance. Your Travel Advisor can assist you with this, if needed. 

It’s important to not have expectations too rigid when you are booking last-minute travel. Having a detailed plan for what you want to do will cloud the possibilities that can come from spontaneous travel. Sometimes it’s the last-minute adventures where you have little planned that end up being the best, so don’t get too bent out of shape if plans change.
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Be open to different opportunities that may arise before and during your trip. Just because it’s not what you had laid out in your head, doesn’t mean that it’s not going to be just as amazing, if not better. If you are booking last-minute, you are probably already a pretty easy-going, spontaneous individual, because if you weren’t you would have had things planned months ago. Not being too picky is ideal in this situation.

Booking last minute travel in peak season is generally a very bad idea. Prices will likely be high no matter what, with high demand leaving little room for discounts. Hotels are likely booked up and prices for tours are hiked as well. To be honest, it’s a bit of a recipe for disaster for last minute travel unless by some fluke you get insanely lucky.
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Alternatively, if you look for deals during low season or shoulder season, this is when airlines and hotels will offer deals because there is a low demand for travel and they want to fill up spots. Travelling in off season will also provide discounts on car rentals, activities, and pretty much everything else. And bonus, there are less people around.

Last-minute travel isn’t appropriate if you’re set on a particular type of suite in a specific type of accommodation at a particular location at your destination, or if you must travel during specific dates. If everything has to be perfect for your honeymoon, babymoon or spring break getaway, book ahead instead.
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Since you don't have a lot of time to shop and prep for your last-minute trip, you will need to pack smarter. 
Beach trips are easy, throw some swim suites, t-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops in your bag and go! City trips require a bit more planning but still can be easy.  Stick with neutral basics in the same color family to make packing easier. Having one color scheme in your suitcase will help you decide what to wear each day on your trip. 
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You really only need two pairs of shoes, one for day and one for night. No need to bring your entire closet for a last-minute getaway. 
For toiletries, grab this travel set from Amazon that ships the next day. It's the perfect size for carry-ons and makes it easy to pack. 

Thinking of traveling next week? Look at the 15 day forecast and decide if that's the weather you are ok with having on your trip. Yes, forecasts are not always correct, but you don't want to be traveling to Florida in the middle of a hurricane. 

The best part of traveling are the memories you make and the experiences you have, everything else is just fluff. 

We've all have had trips that weren't long enough, or that didn't take place at the optimal time. However, I have never regretted taking the trip, at least not in the long run. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it. If you wait until the perfect time for the perfect trip, you will be forever waiting for the unicorn that never arrives. 
It doesn't have to be a huge trip across the world, a simple weekend away with a change of scenery can still recharge your soul. 
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Your kids will never experience travel with you in the same way tomorrow as they do today, so take the trip!

Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. ​

As travel agents, we travel A LOT so we know what the best products are to make traveling easier. 
Below are our favorite things you need for every trip!​

This Vera Bradley backpack is roomy enough for anything you'll need while flying, road-tripping, or navigating the Disney parks. We love that you can throw it in the washing machine and it looks like new after.  The material is water repellent so if you get caught in a rainstorm, your things will stay dry. It's complete with a ventilated pouch for shoes, a padded laptop compartment, and trolley sleeve to make your airport time easier. 
​You can even feel good about your purchase because it's made of recycled plastic water bottles. 

Oofos are recovery shoes, so they are made to be gentle on your feet and put less stress on your joints. They come in several different colors, and are available on Amazon or your local running store. 
The Oofos original sandal are available in styles for men and women. Several of the agents on our team suffer from Plantar Fasciitis and they said these sandals allow them to walk pain-free all over Disney World! 

Traveling with men can be fun but also stinky, so we recommend stocking up on this "Before you go" spray. It will knock out any smells so you can enjoy your vacation without having to ask for a courtesy flush. 

This white noise machine blocks out noise from hotel neighbors, outside, or snoring husbands. With small kids, it's a gamechanger.  It has 24 natural soothing sounds, a timer, usb port, and headphone jack. We love how portable it is for traveling. 

We all agreed that a pop-up hamper is a must-have when traveling. This way our dirty clothes are in one place and not all over the room. When you are a family of 5 sharing a 300sqft room, it gets tight. Organization is key! 
This popup hamper from Amazon is durable and folds flat for easy packing. 

Apple's MagSafe technology provides a magnetic connection between your device and an accessory. This battery pack is small but powerful. This should charge your phone from dead to 60% pretty quickly.  We found it cheaper on Amazon than direct with Apple. We love how small it is and easy to carry. 

Packing cubes are an absolute must have when traveling. I don't know how we traveled without them before. It's so easy to divide your items into cubes then drop the cube in the dresser at the hotel. These are also great for doing water parks with kids and having to carry along swimsuits during the day. 

Stainless Steel water bottles are great for keeping liquids cold on a hot day. We love these bottles because they have the paracord handle with clip so you are hands free. Moms are always the ones holding everything so clip this to your bag and go. 

Having a hanging toiletry bag can make your life so much easier when you are in a cramped bathroom with minimal counter space. We love the Vera Bradley ones because they are durable, washable, and so cute!

We chose this swimsuit by Tempt Me as our favorite because it's universally flattering on every woman.  It offers tummy control and ruching that hides imperfections.  It comes in a variety of colors and sizes and runs true-to-size.

When you are at the beach, you need a cute bag to carry all your things. This adorable rattan tote is the perfect size for the beach or the pool. It will hold a towel, your sunnies, sunscreen, and extra change of clothes, and your wallet. You will be beach ready and look so cute!

When you have little ones with allergies, you have to be mindful of the ingredients in sunscreen. Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids is the number one Dermatologist recommended sunscreen. The spray is perfect for the beach or the pool and offers sun protection that lasts up to 80 minutes. The corresponding face stick is non-greasy and perfect for throwing in your purse when on the go. We love that these can be applied on wet or dry skin. 

​Disclosure: There are some affiliate links in the post above, but these are all products we highly recommend. We won’t put anything on this page that we haven’t verified and/or personally used.

Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. ​

​Hermitage Bay is world-renowned for its barefoot luxury. A five-star resort with 25 cottages nestled into colorful tropical gardens and fronted by a white sand beach. Couples can look forward to toasting to the end of a fabulous day with fine Champagne while watching colorful sunsets from their own private infinity plunge pool and indulge in Garden Spa treatments influenced by ancient Eastern concepts of chakra. The all-inclusive rates includes three meals a day, an afternoon snack, premium-brand drinks and house wine as well as classes like Pilates, meditation and yoga, and activities such as snorkeling, windsurfing and kayaking.

Often named among the world’s most romantic properties, a couples escape to Jade Mountain is hard to beat. The property’s huge suites overlook the Caribbean and the Pitons, featuring canopy beds, raised whirlpool tubs and private infinity pools in all but the most basic rooms. Each one includes a dedicated butler too. Award-winning cuisine is organically sourced from the nearby plantation and included in the all-inclusive package. You can also look forward to taking advantage of rejuvenating spa services, as well as refreshing cocktails, live music and incredible stargazing on the sky deck.

Nestled cliffside in Negril, Jamaica, the all-inclusive Caves are forged from a limestone headland near an historic lighthouse, with 11 thatched-roof dwellings that seem to rise from the surrounding rock beds like some mythical village.
Accommodations range from one- and two-bedroom stone cottages to suites and a splurge-worthy four-bedroom villa, aptly named Clandestino, that’s buried deep in the jungle. Rooms are breezy but refined, with vaulted ceilings, handcrafted wood furnishings, and cherry red and royal blue batik prints that signal a slower island pace... ...that is, until you take a morning dip off a cliff.
The dive isn't for the faint of heart—but you can chase the adrenaline rush with an American- or Jamaican-style breakfast of sweet banana pancakes or savory ackee and saltfish under a thatched-roof gazebo braced by periwinkle pillars, and take your regionally inspired main meals, like saffron crabcakes with tomato salsa, at the airy, lilac-walled dining-hall under a portrait of the island’s godfather, Bob Marley.
​While you’re there, make a point to go spear fishing or snorkeling, but don’t miss out on the resort’s main draw: the candlelit grotto, where romantic meals are lit by enough votive candles to worry a firefighter.

This grand Spanish Colonial–style resort in the Dominican Republic was never one to do anything on a small scale, and a recent $45 million renovation finally propelled it into the ranks of the Caribbean’s finest all-inclusive luxury resorts. (Not to mention its adults-only policy means you're far from the din of family groups that dominates much of Punta Cana’s mass resort scene.) For the ultimate in adulting decadence, book a treatment for two at the hotel’s spa, where the two of you can embark on a “hydrotherapy” journey that involves the new Zen Garden, shower paths, and therapeutic pools. For a romantic seafood dinner, Blue Marlin, set on stilts over the ocean, is the spot to try local specialties like Caribbean spiny lobster and snapper.

About an hour’s drive east of Negril at Sandals South Coast is a heart-shaped cluster of 12 over-the-water bungalows. Yes, in Jamaica! In fact, Sandals is home to the only overwater accommodations on the island, and some of the only in all of the Caribbean. Imagine your own island oasis — hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, thatched roofs — surrounded in the bright turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Each bungalow is oriented for absolute privacy, so you can enjoy unobstructed views of the sea (and not of your neighbors). Outside, your expansive, two-level private patio features sun loungers, over-the-water hammocks, an outdoor shower and a soaking tub for two. You can even enjoy a romantic oceanfront dinner without leaving your bungalow. And did we mention it comes with a butler?!

So far, you might be wondering how you could possibly choose between an overwater bungalow and an oceanfront villa with your own private infinity pool. At Sandals Royal Caribbean, you can have both. That’s right, all the amazing draws of an over-the-water bungalow like those at Sandals South Coast — hammocks, glass floors, oceanfront soaking tubs  — plus some seriously sexy bonus features, including a suspended sunbathing deck with steps leading right into the sea, a giant swinging daybed and of course, your own private infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Plus, you’ll arrive by a "Royal Duffy" luxury boat. It’s all very James Bond. Sound too good to be true? It is, because there is one giant catch: These villas book up fast and travel advisors are often given first priority. Book through our agency and we can help you snag the last vacancy!

Located on the unspoiled beach of Uvero Alto and with a coral reef just offshore, this serene, 96-suite boutique sanctuary oasis embodies the local heritage, respects the environment and encourages cultural immersion to inspire your well-being.  A private helicopter transfer to the resort sets the tone for your stay. Upon arrival, you’re immediately enveloped by its natural beauty and abundant flora. Hard woods, palapa (cane-thatched) roofs, cathedral ceilings and natural stone touches showcase the resort’s eco-friendly architecture and are a nod to the Dominican Republic’s history. Caribbean and international flavors are used in the gourmet cuisine at the four a la carte restaurants as well as indigenous treatments at the Zoëtry Spa. 
This honeymoon favorite has been a AAA Four Diamond award winner since 2012 and includes Zoëtry’s signature Endless Privileges®, where everything is included.

Closet castaways will feel right at home at Fowl Cay Resort. A maximum of only 28 guests are ensconced on their own private island here in the Exumas. This remote island chain in the Bahamas boasts some of the most sublime beaches on the planet, where the water comes in eye-popping shades of blue, and the sand is as white as sugar.
Fowl Cay Resort is a place for privacy-seekers who prefer a casual vibe (no need to dress for dinner here). Best of all, each villa comes with your own golf cart and motorboat with unlimited gas - an excellent option for independent types, who love to create their own adventures.
​The six luxury one- to two-bedroom villas, with fully-stocked kitchens and wet bars, are strung along the dazzling shores of this private 50-acre island overlooking the luminous sea. Staff deliver fresh fruit and warm breakfast pastries to your villa each morning, and gladly prepare picnic lunches to take on all your adventures.

Do you love Bali? You can enjoy a taste of it in the Caribbean at the boutique Baoase Luxury Resort in Curacao. Dark woods, antique furniture, and ultra-luxurious open-air villas evoke Balinese elegance, but the feel here is friendly and relaxed.
Baoase Culinary Beach Restaurant conjures up creative French cuisine with an Asian accent. Opt for the all-inclusive option, and you can enjoy a personal butler at your side - or a private dinner created by the award-winning Michelin-starred chef if you so wish.
​In your spare time, you can sign up for a soothing spa treatment, bask on the pretty slice of white-sand beach, work out at the gym, zip around the bay on a Jet Ski tour, or sign up for a dolphin experience.

Live Aqua Beach Resort in Punta Cana recently opened and is a luxury adults only , all-inclusive experience.  Right on a pretty stretch of white-sand beach backed by turquoise sea, the accommodations here are swanky modern and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The most basic rooms are junior suites, but the best ones come with Jacuzzis or swim-up pool access from your terrace. The landscaping here is beautiful, with well-maintained gardens and lush, tropical vegetation. Multiple swimming pools are on the property, including one with an infinity edge and amazing sea views. 

Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. ​

Deciding on a Disney resort can be more exhausting than chasing around a toddler all day. There are so many choices, all the resorts blend together and how do you know which ones to avoid? Here's our list of the 8 worst Disney resorts and why you should not book them. 

With the best pool on property you would think the rest of the resort would live up to the hype. Nope! This resort is HUGE with very long hallways and is hard to navigate with young kids.  You will get your 10,000 steps in before you even get to the parks in the morning. The vibe of the resort is early 20th century New England seaside but the rooms fall flat on this. The rooms are clean but bland and look like your average room at a Hilton, not a room you paid $650 a night for. The rooms are devoid of warmth, theme, and charm: the style is totally plain and nondescript, there aren’t any whimsical touches, and the new look isn’t an extension of the resort’s overarching theme.  The standard view rooms overlook the parking lot and the Garden or Woods view just look at weeds. There's nothing magical about these rooms at all. 
There are several excellent table service restaurants onsite (Yachtsman Steakhouse-Yumm!) but the quick service options leave much to be desired. The Beach Club Marketplace is it's main quick service option but the menu is very small with only a handful of oddly put together items to choose from.  You are better off walking over to Epcot or the Boardwalk for a quick service meal.
Pro Tip: Book a Concierge Water View room for good location, access to snacks all day, and a great view. 

Coronado Springs is on almost every worst hotel list and rightfully so. The resort is massive and requires you to take a bus just to get to the park bus station. You will even need to take a bus to get to the pool depending on where your room is. Who wants to load a stroller and 8 kids with all their crap onto not one, but two buses just to get to Magic Kingdom? No thanks!  Forget finding something to eat quickly, the convention center makes the main buildings feel like a street fight waiting to happen. 
The pool is nice here with a slide and fantastic Margaritas, so it's not all bad. Margaritas do make everything better!
Pro Tip: Set on this resort? Book at room in the new luxurious Gran Destino Tower instead for an upscale experience.

The Contemporary is cool to look at from afar but once you get there, that's where the coolness ends. Who wants to sleep in a train station? You are woken up every morning at 6am to the sound of the monorail loudly rushing by. If that's not annoying enough, once you fall back asleep you will be woken up 5 minutes later from the dishes clanking at the restaurant below. When you walk out of your room and look down, all you see are people eating...gross! The pool is about the same as any community pool you can find at home.  There is nothing uniquely Disney about the grounds at this resort at all.  
The same can be said about Bay Lake Tower - the only great thing about this resort is its Theme park View, that being said, it's cramped and you trip over yourself, spouse, and suitcases if you are in a studio. The bigger rooms need updating badly. 
The proximity to the parks is the one main perk of this resort so if that's what you want, then this is the resort for you. 
Pro Tip: Book a Theme Park View and watch the fireworks nightly from your room. ​

Do you like walking miles to get something to drink or eat? Then stay in the Pirate rooms at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, they are 8 thousand miles away from any sort of humanity.  Who wants to walk 15 minutes just to get a drink of water, with kids in tow.  Distance aside, there is a reason the pirate rooms are the least booked category of any Disney resort hotel. The double beds in these rooms are big pirate ships with a very thin mattress. They are massive and make the small room feel even more cramped. Who can even sleep in a double bed with someone else anyways? The rooms are so cramped that there is no where to put your suitcases let alone a stroller.  If you like the pirate motif, you will also love the musty smell. These rooms are tired and need a major refurb.
Pro tip: Skip the pirate rooms and book a preferred room here for close proximity to the food court, pool, and Skyliner.  

First, the new rooms are really nice–an unequivocal upgrade. They balance theme and style, sporting functional improvements and smart design choices. There’s also no shortage of fun Disney details, including vibrant character art and other clever touches that make SSR’s rooms “distinctly Disney.”
​Thankfully the rooms at this Deluxe Villa property were recently refurbished because that's the only redeeming quality. Do not stay here without a car, your feet with thank me later. The pools are nice but good luck trying to find a place to sit, chairs are scarce and there is no staff anywhere to help. Food is also an issue at this resort. You have to take a bus to get food from most rooms, that alone is a nightmare with little ones. The quick service doesn't have a lot of options for kids and what they offer for adults was not great. Save your money and go to McDonalds. 
Pro Tip: Rent a car if you stay here, book a preferred room, or choose a different property altogether. 

3. Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village

Of the Deluxe Villa resorts, Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village is the worst.  When measuring distance from the parks, it literally is in Africa! The resort only offers bus transportation to all four parks making for a very long day with tired little ones.  While the rooms are very large with amazing safari views, that's where the magic ends. 
Kidani Village does not have a quick service restaurant on site, so if you are looking for a quick breakfast, you will have to trek over to Jambo just to grab a muffin. The hallways in the resort are ridiculously long, you will get lost just going to the lobby. To access the pool (which I’ll admit is very nice) you have to walk through a parking garage, eew!
Pro Tip: Skip Kidani and stay at Jambo House Villas for that same cool vibe with the animals but better amenities.

The Grand Floridian is Walt Disney World’s flagship property, with rack rates to match. The Grand is far and away the most expensive hotel at Walt Disney World, and whether it’s worth the money is debatable. The lowest rate you will see at this resort is $757 per night with the average being closer to $900.  This nightly rate is not even remotely commensurate with its quality. 
Yes, the resort is full of amenities but the rooms lack so much that it's hard to see past that. The rooms are dated without all the modern lighting, storage, and features you expect at this price point. The beds are comfortable, but that's it. They definitely need a refurb of the rooms here. 
Common areas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are much nicer. The hotel is inarguably grandiose and sophisticated, and the execution of the Victorian theme is incredibly well done.  Most areas offer tremendous detail and a sense of luxury, with a handful of locations being stuffy or overly reminiscent of grandma’s house.  For the most part, the Grand Floridian feels imbued with a sense of sophistication. The lobby makes a strong first impression, and the common areas are exactly what you’d expect of Walt Disney World’s flagship resort.  Personally, for this amount of money–even understanding that staying on property at Walt Disney World costs a premium–I expect perfection. The Grand Floridian is a far cry from perfection, and simply not worth the exorbitant rates it charges, at least in my opinion.  If luxury were my utmost concern, I’d book the Four Seasons. If I weren’t so worried about luxury or were taking a trip more geared towards kids, I’d book Disney's Polynesian Resort. 
​Pro Tip: Stay at Disney's Polynesian Resort for newer rooms and better amenities.

If your resort is a large aspect of your vacation and you plan on spending a lot of time there, you may not think too highly of the Value Resorts. From my experience, this goes for all of the Value Resorts, especially the three All Star Resorts, which differ from one another little besides in theme.  You will feel like herded cattle staying at any of these resorts.  There are always big “groups” of people here, whether it be cheerleaders or football players who often run rampant over the resort.
The rooms are tiny with no room for luggage or a stroller. Bring earplugs because the walls are paper thin and you will undoubtedly hear your neighbor snoring. 
There are no table service restaurants at any of these resorts and the food at the food court is a crap shoot. 
The pools are always mobbed and dirty with no slides and no towels. If you want a towel, you have to go to the lobby, wait in the long line and ask a crabby cast member for one.  Good luck fighting the masses to get breakfast in the morning, those lines are longer than the ones in the parks.  When you leave the park after a long day and all you want to do is get into your bed, you might as well take a nap on the sidewalk. The All Stars share the furthest bus corral at every park, and because they share buses, the wait in line is at least three buses deep just to get on.  Plan to stand the entire way back. 
​Staying at the All Stars is like drawing the short stick. 
Pro Tip: Spend a little bit more and book Art of Animation for a better value property option.

Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. ​

Let’s face it, traveling with kids sometimes feels like that Dickens quote: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Best of times because children delight in the simple things, like jumping on a fluffy hotel bed or building a sandcastle. But they can easily get tired or bored, and hello, we’ve entered Whine City.
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Hawaii, though, is such a family-friendly destination, it’s not a question of finding great things to do with the kids so much as narrowing down all the activities.

Here are some of the best kid-friendly activities in the Islands.

​Check Out the Lava
​Twice a day, it’s gonna blow! Well, in a controlled manner. The daily lava show at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, near downtown Honolulu, lets kids get up close and personal with molten basalt cinder rock, poured out by a staffer wearing a cool space suit.
Then take the littles to play inside the giant volcano model before heading to the museum’s planetarium to learn how Polynesian wayfinders navigate by the stars.

​Meet a Seahorse
​A pregnant male? Whaaat? Blow the kids’ minds during a one-hour tour of an eco-friendly aqua-farm, where, yes, the daddy seahorses are the ones who give birth.
At Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm on Hawaii Island, near Kona, more than 25 species of seahorses are bred and hand-raised. Learn about breeds like the sea dragon, and maybe even get to hold a seahorse.
Eco-bonus: The family-owned company works to help vulnerable wild seahorse populations.

​Slurp Noodles
​Hawaii takes its noodles very seriously, and no island more so than Maui. Sam Sato’s, in business since 1933 and famous for its “dry mein” noodle dish, is in Wailuku and is considered by locals a must-do pilgrimage.
Insider’s tip: It’s only open for breakfast and lunch. For noodles at dinnertime, try Star Noodle, near Lahaina. It makes its ramen, udon and saimin noodles in house, daily. Parents will appreciate the sake options.

​Spend All Day in the Water
​What’s better than the beach? A mind-blowing pool…steps from the beach. Sheraton Waikiki has your family covered with two distinct pool areas, including Helumoa Playground, the property’s beachfront water experience — and a family favorite.
Older kids might take a wet and wild spin down Helumoa’s 70-foot-long water slide or play in the interactive fountain area, while the youngest of kiddos can wade in the shallow pool.
As for the adults? Rest easy in chaise water loungers or an oceanfront cabana, as you watch your little ones make a splash.

Hike to a Waterfall
​Burn off kids’ energy with a hike through a lush rainforest. Oahu’s Manoa Falls Trail is just over three miles round-trip. The pièce de résistance is the 150-foot waterfall, though the bamboo thicket is impressive, too.
For safety’s sake, avoid the trail after heavy rain, and always stay on the path. The path can be muddy, so leave the brand-new white sandals at the hotel.

Watch Chocolate Grow
​If they’ve been reading “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” kids might be interested to find out where chocolate really comes from. Hawaii is the only state that grows cocoa beans commercially.
Lydgate Farms, on Kauai’s east side, has a “branch-to-bar” tour and tasting, where a guide takes you through the process of growing cacao trees and harvesting and processing the cacao beans, with extensive tastings of chocolate and exotic fruits, like sapodilla and eggfruit. Bonus: Kids under 12 are free.

​Paddle to the Turtles
​Turtle Town is just off Makena Beach on Maui. This stretch of coastline has coral reefs favored by Hawaiian green sea turtles — gentle giants who can grow to four feet long and up to 350 pounds.
An outrigger canoe tour lets your family get close (respectfully, as these are a threatened species) and learn about Polynesian culture. Hawaiian Paddle Sports has a tour specifically for families with small children or first-time paddlers.

Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. ​

The desire for grandparents and grandkids to reunite and travel together has never been stronger. It’s why Beaches Resorts is taking the Skip-Generation Vacation experience to another level and introducing a Beaches GrandEscapes vacation!
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The man posing with Elmo has been wearing a swimsuit since yesterday. The woman taking their picture is still glowing from a morning spa treatment.
“He’s a little cuter than you, honey,” the woman says.
The subtle jab indicates they’re husband and wife. But grandparents? It’s hard to tell. They’re so youthful and energetic as they move around the cabanas and pools at the Beaches Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, their flip-flops accentuating the pace of their steps. They kick a soccer ball on the beach, bite into warm cookies, laugh easily, and post pictures for Instagram — “stunning pics,” according to their envious followers.
The only giveaways that they’re old enough to be grandparents are the 8-year-old girl and 5-year-old boy who call them “Papa” and “Nana.” The sunshine and happiness at Beaches has enveloped them so completely that the four of them act as if it’s the first day of summer vacation — Papa and Nana included.
They’d forgotten how it feels to be so carefree. They’d almost forgotten how it feels to be together.​

​Every time the grandparents pause for a photo with their grandkids, they present a living picture of the GrandEscape at the three Beaches Resorts in Ocho Rios, Negril, and Turks and Caicos.
It’s a turnkey all-inclusive Caribbean resort vacation specifically designed for the grands. It’s also Beaches’ resounding answer to the re-emergence of skip-generation, or skip-gen, travel where the parents step aside and allow the grandparents to take the kids away for a week.

Mom and Dad can stay home and enjoy a week alone, or book their own trip to a couples-only Sandals Resort. Either way, they’re assured that the GrandEscapers are having the times of their lives, breathing the warm tropical air, hearing the friendly Caribbean voices, and swimming in the most magnificently colorful ocean.

​Cocktails and mocktails are always flowing at Beaches Resorts’ swim-up pool bars.

For more than a year, grandparents everywhere had been out of the picture, protected with a minimum distance of six feet, if not complete isolation from the family. They’d been among the 70 percent of Americans who dreamed of traveling in a way they’d never dreamed or traveled before. Craving the getaway or getaways and imagining the grandkids alongside them.
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A GrandEscape at Beaches brings those cravings to real life, only more relaxed, more fun, more alive, and more purely Caribbean than they ever imagined.
Grandparents, more than anyone, have been suffering from cabin fever, pandemic fatigue, and social-distancing burnout.

​“Health is wealth. And what’s a better investment of health and wealth than making extraordinary memories with the grandkids?” says Nana.
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It doesn’t take an Instagram post to see that a GrandEscape at Beaches is the heroic answer to Nana’s rhetorical question. An island resort created for families with a powdery beach and the friendliest staff you’ve ever met. All the pizza and pancakes you could want. Soft beds and endless views of the sea. Snorkeling with tropical fish and dancing with Sesame Street characters. Playing on the golf course and in the XBox Lounge.
A place so friendly everyone says “welcome home” even though it seems a million miles away.

“We have a lot of help spoiling the grandkids,” says Papa, referring to the entertainment, watersports, and restaurant teams at Beaches Resorts.
Observe again grandpa’s damp swimsuit and grandma’s hand clutching a Margarita. It isn’t just the grandkids who are being spoiled.

​Pictured here: The French Village Pool at Beaches Turks & Caicos.

​Papa and Nana have been pool-and-sea-ready since they arrived with the grandkids at Beaches three days ago. The ease of a luxurious all-inclusive skip-gen vacation is one of the main reasons they booked a GrandEscape. Planning? It consists of choosing a stretch of five, seven or ten nights.
“Our only responsibility was to arrive and unpack the swimsuits,” says Nana. “Since then, we’ve done what we want whenever we want to do it.”
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The kids sleep in while the adults make the first footprints on the beach. They eat bacon and papaya for breakfast and brick-oven pizzas for lunch. Grandpa goes down the waterslide a gazillion times and comes out of the water laughing every single time. They watch movies from the pool one night and party at a beach bonfire the next. When the kids wake up, the whole family will enjoy a complimentary Sesame Street Character Breakfast.

​“It sounds simple, but there aren’t many places where you can say ‘it’s easy to have fun here,’” says Nana. “My husband and I like to relax on the beach and have a drink or two. We can do that. But we also want to actively enjoy them instead of watching from a distance. We finally have the time back to bond with our grandkids again.”

This is why a Beaches GrandEscape makes so much sense in 2021. Grandparents of today have a higher-powered toolkit:

The energy. It’s often the grandparents’ ideas to snorkel after breakfast, play pool volleyball after lunch, and go kayaking before sunset. “We all have the ability to wear each other out,” says Papa.
The time. Moms and Dads are squeezed for hours, let alone days. Grandparents can get away for longer periods of time — without being interrupted on the lazy river by a call from the office. “We’re living in the moment,” says Nana, “and the moments at Beaches keep coming, nonstop.”
The means. Baby Boomers and Gen Xers are more financially stable than grandparents of previous generations. It bears repeating: “Health is wealth.” No one regrets investing in the trip of a lifetime.
The peace of mind. With the Beaches Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness in place, constantly disinfecting surfaces and maintaining a distance from guests, the only thing grandparents and grandkids need to focus on is spending time reconnecting with each other.

“We feel so safe here in paradise,” says Nana.
Most important of all, grandparents and grandkids discover right away at Beaches that they’re very much in touch with each other, with similar ideas for the perfect vacation:

An immaculate beach and gorgeous sea just a few steps from the suite.
A giant pool and waterpark a few strides in the other direction.
Fresh smoothies at the pool … wait, make that fresh smoothies in the pool. And two more cookies apiece on the way back to the suite.

​Grandparents and grandkids can officially book their own GrandEscapes vacation at Beaches Resorts now through January 9, 2022 for travel August 28 - October 5, 2022 so they can catch up on laughter, make up for the time spent apart, and enjoy a great vacation made for family-fun.

All Beaches Resorts GrandEscapes vacations of five nights or more will automatically receive a special ‘Made for Memories’ family photoshoot with three complimentary printed photos plus the choice of:

• A complimentary Sesame Street Character Breakfast
• A Red Lane® Spa manicure for two
• A ‘Kitty Katt’ Catamaran Cruise for two

Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. ​