Bon Voyage – Urban Suburban Mommy

You Only Get 18 Summers

Posted on July 19, 2019 by Clara Power Posted in Bon Voyage .

I admit it. The ending to Toy Story 3 tears me up.

Every. Single. Time.

It starts with the scene where Woody watches through a hole in the box as Andy says goodbye to his Mom, who has just walked into his room and is struck by how different it looks with all his favourite things packed away for college.

I know I’m not alone. This family favourite movie tugs at the heartstrings of every Mom out there. [Urban Mommy Elisa says “This. Every time.”]

We know it’s going to happen. In fact, we WANT it to happen. We want to see the children we’ve raised to adulthood go off to college or university and start the next exciting chapter of their lives. It’s so exciting and bittersweet all at the same time.

If your kids growing up feels like it will be here before you know it and you wish you could slow down time, then there is no better time to create those memories. No better time to make these last few years before they fly the nest truly count.

Research shows that families who travel together develop life long bonds that don’t easily happen any other way.

We only get 18 summers with our kids before they are wrapped up in college, jobs, friends and boyfriends/girlfriends.

Wouldn’t you love to make those few summers unforgettable? Planning a fantastic vacation for your family is a great way to do just that. It’s an investment in your family.

It’s memories they will carry with them long after you are gone. It’s the things they will tell their children stories about for years to come.

Beyond that, giving your children the gift of travel, exposing them to different cultures and experiences is priceless. They’ll learn far more from those experiences than they will in any classroom.

Whether it is something as simple as meeting a favourite childhood character onboard a Disney Cruise or traveling halfway across the world to visit the Grand Palace in Thailand, those memories will be priceless for them, and for you.

[Urban Mommy Elisa says “Too true, those 18 years go by too fast. My boys were just babies and now we’re more than half way done. My family took a 5 month break from urban life to travel Europe in 2018. It’s something we treasure. It’s time and money that couldn’t be spent better. A year later we still talk about what we saw and did with wonder. It’s inspiring, rejuvenating, and the experiences and memories are truly priceless. If you want some advice on extended travel, I’m always happy to discuss our adventure, just comment or get in touch. And Clara is the perfect person to help plan!]

Clara Power is a mother to 2 well traveled kids, Andrew and Lauren. She is a Personal Travel Advisor at her own travel agency, Clara Power TPI, which is in association with Travel Professionals International. As an active traveler having visited over 35 countries and almost every continent, (still working on Antarctica), Clara is no stranger in understanding the unique wants and needs of families travelling together making her your expert choice for creating those special family vacation experiences. Her agency is also recognized as an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner due to her extensive knowledge and superior service.

Do not hesitate to call her today to learn about what she can do to help you plan a seamless and enjoyable vacation!
cpower@tpi.ca
clarapower.ca
ClaraPowerTPITravel

Originally published on Clara Power Restless Traveller

Disclaimer – UrbanSuburbanMommy.com does not receive any financial or product/travel compensation from Clara Power TPI. We believe she is an exceptional and extremely knowledgeable travel agent we and love her insight and advice. She’s just too good not to share!

From Globetrotting back to Urban Mommy

Posted on July 11, 2018 by Urban Suburban Mommy Posted in Bon Voyage .

Yes, you guessed right – and on your first try! It’s Elisa “Urban” Keay here, and I’m back in my blogging seat.

I honestly love blogging. I took a little hiatus after two years because… life. Too much going on. Too many things at play. Too much fun to be had. Too many places to see. Too many things to do…

The Nutella crepes in Amsterdammmmmmm!!!!

We went on an incredible adventure as a family. We took our boys and headed to Europe for 5 months. It was less of a family with a plan and more of a spontaneous opportunity where the stars aligned and our lives needed a shift. The adventure was a good deviation from the hum and pace of real life.

It was, in fact, quite life changing.

While we were away I just couldn’t wrap my mind around mommyblogging. Isn’t that weird? We were still having the normal family dynamic, still the same parenting craziness, but the adventure pulled our focus. There is a blog – ShaneandSullivan.com – that materialized. The boys blogged about their travels (with my help) but even that fell to the wayside as the adventure grew.

Driving through the Pyrenees, stop for a photo op. Not an easy drive in February!

If you ever want to know about family travel, just ask. I’m sure I could have been better prepared had I spent six months pouring over travel blogs, parenting travel blogs, travel mags, books, maps… anything! But I didn’t.

Having been to Europe a few times, I felt that the seat of my pants was all we really needed. (Well, that and a car.) And off we went.

The market in Palermo was the most delicious place we ever strolled

I learned 5 mommyblogging-related things while traveling around Europe that I’d love to share with anyone thinking of taking on this kind of adventure:

Your kids will always pick up your vibe
Seriously – if you’re nervous, they’re nervous. If you’re excited, they’re excited. If you play it cool and make your expectations too high, nothing will ever be enough. You need to travel in a way that makes you feel thrilled and engaged so that they will be, too. Is it food, shopping, nature, history or seeing museums and monuments? Indulge. And make sure you share your insights and your enthusiasm with the kids. Otherwise they just feel like they’re being dragged around.

Down Time. Geek Castle in Seurre, France. The castle is completely decked out in video and arcade games. The Star Wars Room was the thing my children dream of! They stayed up all night and played all day. That was some serious down time. They still miss the resident cat, Mikey. (Our favourite Airbnb)
Down time.
You may want to do 12 cities in 10 days, but your littles won’t be able to keep up. We found the perfect cadence for our kids was 2 days on, one day off. And travel days didn’t count as a day off. So 5 months meant we could cover a lot of ground (11 countries and 33 stops), but there was a lot of time where we would be at “home” (our airbnb or homestay) and watching movies or playing games. We’d grocery shop and cook at home. We could do a max of 6-8 hours out of the house on our adventure days, but morning to night was way too much for them to handle.
Kids get overwhelmed. The food, culture, language, architecture – it’s all so unfamiliar. It’s over-stimulating. It’s exciting. It’s got to be kept to a kid-friendly pace.
Their palate
The struggle is real. Kids will eat what they will eat, and they’ll refuse new foods for no good reason. This isn’t helpful when you’re traveling and want to try exotic foods. We had to make deals like: If you don’t like raclette then we’ll go straight to McD’s for a burger. It wasn’t hard to get them to eat pasta in Italy or pork hock in Poland, but tapas in Spain – that was no easy feat. They were real troupers and found things they loved everywhere we went, but there was a whole other level of adventure created by dining out. The luxury of staying at airbnbs is that we had a home kitchen most of the time and cooked their favourites – from hearty beef stew to simple grilled cheese to roasted chicken. But we also found meatballs at IKEA and hotdogs at HEMA gave them a little taste of home that they needed – and though it sounds stupid to hit IKEA for lunch, it made them so happy to stop there on long drives between cities, and made them feel at home.

A winter swim in a 40 degree sulphur spring in Bain de St. Thomas
Kid tourism is a big deal
We didn’t realize it at the outset, but kid tourism is a big deal. There are major parks, museums and destinations all over the world and in every big city that are designed specifically for kids. In fact, I honestly think that the mentality in Europe – the inclusiveness of children’s interests and family needs – is better served than in North America. So many places were interactive and had a ‘family first’ mentality. The creation of places that removed the need for lines, that added in as much hands-on activity as possible and that actually created these activities that families could enjoy on a budget blew our minds. Places like NEMO in Amsterdam, Irlander Park near Bonn, and our absolute favourite – Mirakulum just outside of Prague, were real highlights of our travel as far as fun family play time.

A gondola ride we’ll never forget in Venice
The journey is the destination
This is a family motto, I’ve lived it going on 30 years. You start out thinking the trip is about seeing Europe, but end up realizing the trip is about spending time together. The adventure of seeing and experiencing castles and lakes and hot springs and cities and food and culture and art – it’s all wonderful! – but it’s the icing on that four-layer family cake.

We’re back in the city that we call home. We miss the nomadic way of life we’d become so good at, but it’s nice seeing friends and family – and the kids are enjoying sharing the stories with friends. While we did Facetime, Instagram, Facebook and phone friends and family back home, there’s no replacement for that intimate one-on-one contact. That’s the one thing we couldn’t give the kids while we traveled.

Learning the art of decanting the perfect glass of vino for mommy in Rome

And now that we’ve settled back in and I’m no longer “Globetrotting Mommy”, I’m happy to be “Urban” again and connect with you as we continue the highs, lows and laughs of parenting together. Hope you’re happy to have me back.

PS – We’re already planning our next adventure.

Relaxing while mommy shops in Florence

More like “Globetrotting Mommy”

Posted on January 7, 2018 by Urban Suburban Mommy Posted in Bon Voyage .

When Urban Suburban Mommy was started, I was working in Toronto – a job I’d had in magazines and online content creation for over 15 years. My husband and I owned a home. In our urban setting, one of our sons attended a local alternative school, the other a neighbourhood public school. They were enrolled in football and we drove them to practice and games up to 6 days a week.

And then it all changed.

Life happened.

And now, the boys are being “homeschooled” or “unschooled” and we are no longer in Toronto – and no longer employed. It’s amazing what can happen if you take advantage of life as it happens.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdSQabBFYVM/?taken-by=shaneandsullivan

My husband and I decided to take the opportunity to travel through Europe with our boys. It wasn’t a hard decision – once we wrapped our heads around it and started making it all real.

So instead of the sub-arctic temperatures of Toronto, we’re globetrotting. We spent New Year’s Eve on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. The boys have raced through the maze of aisles in Pouces de Saint-Ouen, said hello to the Mona Lisa – La Joconde – at the louve, and paid homage to The Lizard King at Père Lachaise Cemetery.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bdk-5X6lJgj/?taken-by=shaneandsullivan

We’re driving around and sightseeing, Airbnb-ing and just going where the wind blows us.

We’ve taken many great recommendations from friends and are always happy to have suggestions.

Traveling with children is interesting – it’s fun watching them take it all in. It’s also pretty cool to return to places I’ve been, but not seen in over 20 years. It’s also exciting to see new places I’ve never been and experience them all with my family!

So while I may not be bringing you the typical Urban and Suburban for some time, now that the jet lag has faded and I have my bearings, I’m hoping to share some homeschooling, traveling, food, fashion and fun from abroad!

But as boys will be boys, there will still be the typical rantings of motherhood – as only this mommy does! Hope you’ll enjoy the ride along with me and my family welcomes any suggestions and ideas you may have to offer for our travels through Europe!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdMTSAFlEar/?taken-by=shaneandsullivan

Mayan Riviera for the fam

Posted on July 13, 2017 by Clara Power Posted in Bon Voyage .

I love the fact that there are resorts out there for everyone.

Whether you prefer a big resort or a small one, a boutique or a chain, a good beach, amazing pools, quiet or active – there is literally a resort out there to suit everyone’s tastes and preferences.

Last week I had the opportunity to stay at Azul Beach Riviera Maya, a 5 star resort in Mexico. This family friendly resort has 148 rooms and is super small and compact. I loved that I could walk from one end of the resort to the other in less than 5 minutes. And if I forgot something in my room (which I always do) it only took me a minute to get there and retrieve my forgotten item. This is the beauty of staying at boutique resort.

One of the things I loved most about this Gourmet Inclusive resort is that the small size did not mean that it lacked services or amenities. With restaurants, pools, multiple bars and daily activities, there was always something to do if I wanted, or if I just wanted to ready my book, I could!

What I found most impressive about this resort was the quality of everything. The a la carte restaurants including Latino (Southern American/Mexican) and Roma (Italian) just to name a few – were all authentic to the cuisine that they served. By day 2, all the staff greeted me with “Hello Ms. Power,” and the bartending staff were familiar with my drink order and had it ready before they even asked me if I wanted a drink.

As for my kids, the experiences that they had was never-ending.

Day 1 we enjoyed the Nickelodeon Orange carpet event, followed by an amazing Character Breakfast the next day with some of their favourite Nickelodeon characters including Sponge-Bob and Patrick.

Every day the Kids Club offered activities like soccer on the beach, pool games, Piñata making, Spanish lessons – the list just goes on!

In the evenings there were always entertaining shows that appealed to the whole family. As the resort is small and intimate, my children were able to make friends from other parts of Canada, the US and even some Germans that were visiting.

With the kids continuously being entertained, I was able to spend some time at the Vassa Spa without having to feel guilty that I wasn’t spending time with them. This spa offered all the services that you would expect from a full service spa. If you plan on visiting, be sure to experience the Relaxation Ritual followed by a full body massage and facial. (That’s what I did and it was phenomenal.)

To say this was a relaxing resort would be an understatement. I loved that there was no pumping techno music at the pool, that I did not have to fight for a lounge chair or get up at 4 am to secure one, that my kids could walk around freely without having to worry that they would get lost, no line ups for restaurants or reservations required and no pesky little wrist bands to mess up with my tan lines.

Since I have been back I have consistently been asked if I would return to this resort and the answer of course is – YES!!

If this type of boutique resort suits your travel fancy, contact me at cpower@tpi.ca or 416.996.6849 to discuss in more detail. Right now if you book this resort with me for travel between August 12 and December 22, 2017 you will receive a $1,000 USD credit that can be used towards private beach dinners, a massage, room upgrade, character breakfasts and more.

Do not hesitate to call her today to learn about what she can do to help you plan a seamless and enjoyable vacation!
cpower@tpi.ca
clarapower.ca
ClaraPowerTPI

Originally published on Clara Power Restless Traveller

Viamede, cottage country’s answer to cottaging for parents that need a break

Posted on July 10, 2017 by Urban Suburban Mommy Posted in Bon Voyage, Mommy Approved .

City kid caught his first frog

When I was a kid I desperately wanted to go cottaging. My friends all had cottages. They were in mountains, on lakes, they were “somewhere up north” – which seemed magical and inviting and exclusive. Campers, RVs, tents, trailers, bunkies, chalets, farms – give me any of those and I’d have been a happy girl.

Arriving at Viamede

But my mom wasn’t into it. Not at all. She’s always say:

“So you want to take a vacation where I have NONE of my modern appliances, where I have to cook and clean and look after you while you run from the house to the beach and back, covering the place with dirt for a week. Tell me, how is this a ‘vacation’ for ME?”

I get her point now.

Hiking

She referred to the Holiday Inn in Grand Island, New York, as her cottage. It had a pool, room service, house-keeping and plenty for us to do with – and without – my parents. I now know what the “without” was… but the fact is, we did have a lot of fun there.

However, as an adult, I now see the beauty and benefits of getting out of the city and into cottage country for some downtime. I completely side with my mom that it’s no vacation if I have to be on call for the needs of my family without the benefits of modern appliances, but I think I’ve found my happy place.

Viamede.

It’s a brilliant concept, and for Southern Ontarians, if you’re close to the Kawarthas, go! If there’s not a resort like this near you, it may just be your next big business idea!

Magic hour

The Kawarthas is cottaging country within 200 kilometres of Toronto. Set around Stoney Lake, the area is breath-taking. Viamede is a cross between a cottage and a resort. They’ve got it all, and they’ve got the perfect mix for the city slicker that needs a slice of country now and again.

Let’s start with the cooking – they’ve got the answer for that. Restaurants onsite take care of all your needs. Farm-to-table, food is local and fresh – and phenomenal. There are a couple of choices for dining – including a fine dining spot, Mount Julien, with an exceptional tasting menu. Ditch the kids and dine!

Decadent dessert

Or get a barbecue basket and relax on your cottage deck while you or the hubs fires up the grill. There is also a full kitchenette in the cottages so you can put provisions in the fridge and fix up a quick, no fuss snack. We brought frozen pizzas and lots of fruit and ready-to-eat snacks and drinks, even made Jiffy Pop. When was the last time you made popcorn on the stove?

Midnight snacks? An evening tea? Slip up to the main house and grab what you need. Treats? No problem. My jaw dropped when I mentioned I wanted to make a fire – cottages have wood burning fireplaces – and they handed my son a s’mores kit: A basket with chocolate, graham crackers, marshmallows and pokers to toast them on. (I’m a s’mores aficionado, for my best recipes look here).

They were delish. The main house also has board games and lots of VHS movies, we kicked it old school with the kids with a board game night and a movie night in our cottage.

My mom didn’t want to be chasing us, cleaning up after us, creating activities for us. Viamede also had the answers. Get cleaning service and leave the work to their capable pros. Activities a-plenty, we stayed beside the playground and the kids could wander over while we didn’t! There is an outdoor pool, a lake and an indoor pool with a swim-out to outside. Loved the bubble volcano in the indoor pool – but the best part is the sunsets. From any vantage point the sunsets are a spectacle. Magic hour is truly… magic!

The pool

But with other choices, from a gym to a relaxation centre to hiking trails, a farm and the dog – yes a cottage dog, my kids enjoyed borrowing her for an evening – the kids are entertained without TV. It’s cottaging without the effort, and more.

Sunning himself while getting ready to go paddling

Resort cottages have been around for a long time, and they’re a great way for people like my mom to get the cottage experience without having to bear the brunt of the work, it was actually just as relaxing for me as it was for the rest of the family.

(Well, a little bit stressful when my son decided to call 911 from the phone booth. Leave it to a 6 year old city kid to be a bit bewildered by an actual phone booth. I don’t know if he’s ever really experienced one, but I can tell you that the emergency response time was impressively fast!)

That view

The other nice thing about making memories at a resort cottage is that you can do it in groups. Another couple, your whole family, extended family, organized trips – you have room to do it all, without having to host! My husband’s family used to rent a resort cottage for Thanksgiving and 50+ family members would gather for the holiday as the leaves changed colour and the resort would do turkey dinner for this little army – Canadian Thanksgiving is early October, it works at a resort cottage quite nicely.

I’d always wanted a cottage – until now. I think I’ve found the place where our family can make memories. Hopefully not all of them will involve first responders, though now that I think about it, we did have the fire department crash our wedding as my husband and I exchanged vows. (We have the best wedding pictures), so I’m starting to see a theme. As far as cottage resorts go, Viamede stole my heart. There is so much to do and I think the kids will enjoy each return trip as we get to know Stoney Lake and The Kawarthas better – and don’t have to do any work or upkeep to our summer getaway spot, least of all, clean the pool, fix a roof or have someone pump the septic.

My mom would approve.

Family fun

Top family friendly resorts in Mexico

Posted on May 1, 2017 by Clara Power Posted in Bon Voyage .

Mexico has always been a popular destination, and with so many resorts to choose from, it can get somewhat overwhelming. When adding the challenges of vacationing with children it becomes that much more important to select the best resort that meet everyone’s needs. As a Family Travel Specialist, I plan many family vacations to the Cancun and Riviera Maya area, and these resorts are consistently rated as the top most family friendly resorts.

Azul Beach Hotel

Azul Beach Hotel – The only truly boutique resort in my favourite picks is the charming and cozy Azul Beach Hotel. This resort is small and compact with only 148 suites, however, it offers 5 pools, 5 restaurants and kids and tweens clubs. The Azulitos Playhouse features programs from “My Gym” to the “Nickelodeon Experience” which allows families to dine with SpongeBob SquarePants. With a full service spa for the parents and abundance of beach activities for the whole family, it is sure to please everyone.

Hyatt Ziva Cancun

Hyatt Ziva Cancun – This is truly a 5 star resort. Located in the heart of downtown Cancun, it offers a playful family escape to keep everyone happy. With some of the most stunning beaches in all of Cancun, entertaining KidZ Club & Splash Park, beach and pool cabanas, roaming food and ice cream carts, you never want for much at this resort. With service from the heart, you will feel like family from the moment that you arrive.

Hard Rock Riviera Maya

Hard Rock Riviera Maya – With ‘The Little Big Club Experience’ that features kids’ favourite characters like Angelina Ballerina, Thomas the Train, and Barney for children 4 and up, this resort is always a family pleaser.

Multiple dining options, amazing entertainment, various room categories and splash pad area make this resort a popular choice for those looking for action. With unlimited WiFi, teens can also enjoy the lounge and disco area. The best part is the two-bedroom family suite filled with kid friendly mini-bar (juices and milk), a kid’s room service menu, beach toys and kid-size bathrobes.

Dreams Playa Mujeres

Dreams Playa Mujeres – one of the newest resorts in the Cancun area, this resort has so much to offer. This family friendly resort chain has 5 Dreams resorts in the Cancun/Mayan area, all of which deliver great experiences.

Playa Mujeres is located within a gated community and offers massive swimming pools, onsite water-park and lazy river, endless activities including archery, batting cages, and beach football, making sure that there is something for the whole family.

The Explores Club for ages 3 to 12 offers the experience of camping adventures on the beach, treasure hunts, and games rooms. The Core Zone Teens Club offers weekly social events, bonfires, disco mixers, foam parties, kayak and bike tours, and nature expeditions.

Generations Riviera Maya

Generations Riviera Maya – this resort perfect for multi-generational families. It offers Gourmet Inclusive a la carte cuisine, infinity pool balcony suites and butler service in each room category.

Whether you are looking for a 1, 2 or 3 bedroom ocean front suite there are accommodations to satisfy the smallest to largest families travelling together. The Eko Kids Club offers services until 11pm and the Little Eko Chefs program is perfect for the budding foodie in the family.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Grand Velas Riviera Maya – The Mini Club here offers a slew of fun, special activities to create an unforgettable vacation experience for little ones. Kids will have the time of their life, enjoying everything from Mayan shows and Amy’s Cinema (the club mascot) to bungee jumping and dance contests. The club is also open longer than most, from 9 am to 11 pm. This resort is set on what feels like a jungle with tropical trees and mangroves that it feels worlds away from reality. Your kids will never be bored.

Paradisus Playa Del Carmen

Paradisus Playa Del Carmen La Esmeralda – The very popular Family Concierge Suites here know how to treat the little ones. With access to private heated swimming pool, private beach area, kids beach kits, children bath amenities, in-room PlayStation or Wii, children’s pillows…etc etc, you can see how quickly you will feel spoiled. The resort also offers a pirate ship and obstacle course in the swimming pool, plus lots of adult activities to keep everyone happy. Add a great location and fabulous food, you have the making of a very memorable holiday.

So with the kids out of school soon, it might be time to start thinking about a getaway! Let me know which resort suits your family best or which Mexico resort is your favourite!

Do not hesitate to call her today to learn about what she can do to help you plan a seamless and enjoyable vacation!
cpower@tpi.ca
clarapower.ca
Clara Power TPI

Clara Power TPI

Family friendly travel? A review of Nickelodeon Punta Cana

Posted on February 6, 2017 by Urban Suburban Mommy Posted in Bon Voyage .

Review of One of Punta Cana’s Newest and Most Exciting Resorts – Nickelodeon Punta Cana

There are just some resorts that feel special from the moment that you arrive and the newly opened Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana is just that – special.

Having made it to my travel bucket list this year, this Nickelodeon Resort is one that I wanted to visit since the time it opened in June 2016. Since it opened the reviews have been great. I have had clients enjoy it so I wanted to experience it myself.

My expectations were very high before I even set foot on the property – and let me say, I was not disappointed.

The resort is gorgeous. The grounds are lush, the amenities are great and the overall feel of the resort is luxurious. The biggest misconception about this resort is that it can’t be a luxury property with Nickelodeon characters everywhere. This can’t be further from the truth! Yes, there are characters but they are mainly found at Nickelodeon Place where the kids club and water park are. The rest of the resort is modern and hip with subtle Nickelodeon decor touches making it feel fun, yet still upscale.

A View of the Resort

All the rooms are contemporary with a great splash of colour that represents Nickelodeon. I stayed in a Pad Suite which was spacious and beautifully appointed. I especially loved the bathroom which had double sinks, a free-standing tub, separate shower and toilet stalls which is super convenient for travelling with kids.

For a complete walk through of this room, click HERE.

Pad Suite

For upgraded accommodations, the top room category at the Nickelodeon Punta Cana is The Pineapple. This Butler assisted, 2-bedroom/3-bathroom suite is inspired by the unique home of SpongeBob Square Pants. This signature villa has an indoor and outdoor living and dining area, a private master suite with a king bed, oversize marble bathroom and Aguas del Amor (outdoor shower). The second bedroom on the upper level is complete with 2 single beds and private bathroom. Outdoor area includes a private infinity pool and sunbathing beds – talk about luxury!

The main pool and beach area were also great. Plenty of loungers for everyone, quick and efficient bar service and a relaxing atmosphere. The ocean was shallow, so great for wading in with kids. One thing that I noticed in particular was how fine the sand was and how there were no rocks, coral, twigs or branches that could hurt little feet.

Gorgeous Beach

Main Infinity Pool

Dining is always phenomenal when visiting a Karisma Gourmet Inclusive resort and the Nickelodeon resort did not disappoint. The Gourmet Village offered restaurant options to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. With 9 restaurants, multiple bars and its own coffee shop, there was always something delicious and exciting to eat. As I write this I’m trying to decide which was my favourite and I simply can not choose…..Verdello Sicilian Kitchen rivals my grandmother’s cooking in Italy, Wok Wok was the most authentic Asian cuisine I experienced in the Caribbean, BRGRS.PH had some of the most original and tasty gourmet burgers I have ever tried and Fresco offer one of my all time favourite dishes, Ceriche.

The best part of this resort has to be Nick Place. This is where all the Nickelodeon Characters hang out, where you can find the waterpark, lazy river, kids club and where you can get slimed!

What does that mean you ask? Well check out this video!

So, if you haven’t noticed yet, I am a BIG fan of this resort and everything that it has to offer. This year I have visited over 15 different hotels/resorts across Europe and the Caribbean and I have to say I had a fabulous time here. It was amazing to have a chance to be a big kid again and still enjoy fine dining and spa services. As this was a travel agent trip, I did not have the chance to bring my kids, but I can tell you that this resort is still on my bucket list as I have to return!

Just Kiddin’ Kids Club

Character Pajama Party at Zest

Happy Travels,

Clara

Note!! Our Family Travel Specialist Clara Power has a sweet deal for our readers:

If you want to experience everything that this resort has to offer, don’t hesitate to email at cpower@tpi.ca or call me at 416.996.6849 so we can get you there. Any bookings made with me, a Nick Specialist, are eligible for a free private slime, Character Breakfast or meet and greet for 4 PLUS a $250 USD resort credit.

Do not hesitate to call her today to learn about what she can do to help you plan a seamless and enjoyable vacation!
cpower@tpi.ca
clarapower.ca
Clara Power TPI Travel

Clara Power TPI Travel

Originally published on clarapower.ca

Gone cruising: A review of Norwegian Epic

Posted on November 28, 2016 by Urban Suburban Mommy Posted in Bon Voyage .

Over the years my family and I have cruised multiple cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Disney, Celebrity, Costa, and Princess just to name of few. Never being one afraid to try something new, for our past summer vacation I wanted to experience a new cruise line for our European Trip. The only requirements were that the ship had to leave from Rome and that it was child friendly.

We selected the Norwegian Epic as its itinerary was perfectly suited for the time frame that we were travelling and from my experience as a travel agent, I knew that Norwegian Cruise Lines had an excellent children’s program.

As of today the Norwegian Epic is the 7th largest cruise ship in the world at 155,873 tonnes, 19 decks and carries 4,010 passengers. This type of mega ship has many of the bells and whistles that most contemporary cruise lines offer including water slides, rock wall, multiple restaurants, full service spa, casinos, theatres and kids clubs.

I want to share my overall impressions of the ship and its amenities.

First impressions of the ship is that it’s big.

We had sailed other larger ships in the past (mostly notable the Oasis of the Seas which once held the title of the largest ship) so we were not overwhelmed or surprised. Upon boarding we found the ship very easy to navigate, just a few unexpected hallways that lead to a dead end that resulted in some back tracking, but I think that’s part of the fun of exploring a new ship.

In October 2015 this ship underwent a dry dock which resulted in many upgrades and refurbishments to the dining areas and Kids Aqua Park. We tend to cruise on newer ships, so we really liked the feel of the freshness of the whole ship.

Since the Norwegian Epic has so many specialty restaurants we upgraded to the dining plan which allowed us to enjoy some fabulous meals at Moderno Churrascaria (Brazilian Steakhouse), La Cucina (Italian), Cagney’s Steakhouse, and Tappanyaki (Japanese Hibachi).

Even when we ate at the main restaurants we were never disappointed in the quality or quantity of the food provided. Even the main buffet provided great selections for the whole family. The only meal which we found did not meet the rest of the ship’s standards was when we dinned and watched the Cirque Dreams show – however the show itself was so entertaining that the food was not the main focus.

The Kids Club was definitely a big bonus to this trip. The kids just LOVED it and would ask to go all the time. On occasion they also preferred to dine with the other kids as well. Each day the kids club had a new theme, like “Heroes or Villains?” and “Pirate Adventures.” They enjoyed pajama parties, made wacky tacky, participated in sports action and made friends with children from all over the world.

The Epic ship has some of the most interesting staterooms at sea.

The most notable difference is the split bath. Although convenient with families, it does cause some challenges when there are multiple people in the cabin at the same time. For example, if someone is using the sink, you have to climb over the bed to get past them. Another challenge that we faced was since we had a connecting stateroom, the connecting door was placed where the closet would have been so we did find that storage for 4 people was insufficient.

Here is a walk through of our Cabin:

The ship sailed a fabulous itinerary which included Livorno (where we spent the day at Cinque Terre), Cannes, Provence, Barcelona, Naples/Pompeii and one day at sea. Each port was anywhere between 9 to 12 hours which provided us with plenty of time to get off and explore without feeling too rushed.

In summary, I give this ship cabin a 6/10 taking points off for the layout. For overall value, itinerary and amenities I would give it a 8/10. Norwegian Cruise line provided an extremely memorable experience and a cruse line that we would cruise with again.

Do not hesitate to call her today to learn about what she can do to help you plan a seamless and enjoyable vacation!
cpower@tpi.ca
clarapower.ca
ClaraPowerTPI

More great travel info on Epic Traveller.

Disney – should you stay on the resort?

Posted on September 22, 2016 by urbansuburbanmommy Posted in Bon Voyage .

It’s a question that comes up again and again – you’re planning a trip to Disney – should you stay at a Disney resort? We caught up with Clara Power from TPI, an authorized Disney vacation planner agency and she explains the many perks of staying on a Walt Disney World resort. Continue reading →

Tourist in my own city: Vancouver

Posted on July 22, 2016 by Urban Suburban Mommy Posted in Bon Voyage .

I was born and raised in Coquitlam, British Columbia and for the last 15 years have been living downtown Vancouver. I absolutely love it!

Vancouver is one big awesome playground. Here are some of my favorite spots that are definitely worth a visit!

1.Stanley Park

Vancouver.ca

You most check it out – not only is it world renowned it is a must see for tourists.

There is so much to do whether you live in Vancouver or are visiting. Take a dip in the Second Beach Pool, check out the exotic fish in the Aquarium, let the kiddies splash around in the water park. You can bike or walk the sea wall and just take in the beautiful scenery.

Vancouver.ca

2. Science World

This place is perfect for kids and adults alike who like discovering and exploring. Science World is a “science centre” with hundreds of interactive exhibits. How cool is the architecture of this building?

vancouver-canada.ca

3. Playland at the PNE

This is the oldest amusement park in Canada and is located in Hastings Park. If you are a thrill-seeker, you must check out the newest ride The Beast. I may sit this one out and stick to the kiddie rides!

4. Maplewood Farms

kidsvancouver.com

Located about 20 minutes north of Vancouver, this is a great place for families. After you visit with the animals on the farm, you can enjoy a picnic in one of the Maplewood’s many covered areas.

5. Great Beaches

Vancouver is known for its fab beaches and there are so many to choose from – some of my favs are Spanish Banks, Kitsilano Beach and English Bay.

Kitsilano Beach – vancouver.ca

In fact, in addition to our beaches we have plenty of water parks and wading pools, I suggest visiting Vancouver.ca for more information.

6. Best Ice Cream Shops

bitesofvancouver.com

Yes I had to add ice cream to my list. Doesn’t everyone want to delight in a delicious treat? I highly recommend:

Earnest ice cream – there are two locations – one on Fraser Street and another on Quebec Street. In earnest, your tummy will thank you.
Rain or Shine – their delish ice cream is made with fresh, homemade and sustainable ingredients. They have awesome flavors like honey lavender.
La Casa Gelato – so many yummy flavors to choose from – this retro shop is located just east of Strathcona Park.

I love Vancouver – this is only a partial list of awesome things to do! When you venture outside of the city, there are even more great little gems to discover including Whistler. Enjoy and have fun!

Erica H. Wearing has been a stylist for over 16 years and she absolutely loves what she does . “It’s a great feeling to help people feel and look their best when they leave my chair. I wouldn’t trade this for any other job in the world!”
Check out Erica at Ka!Boom Hair Salon 1129 West Pender Street, Vancouver B.C .
(604)681-6003

hairbyericaw

Another great getaway

Posted on July 18, 2016 by Urban Suburban Mommy Posted in Bon Voyage .

Upgrade!

Recently, my husband was on a job out of town and had to spend two weeks living in a hotel. Not getting to see their dad nightly was hard on the boys. Dad’s hours are insanely long – he’s not a 9-to-5er and he’s only occasionally home for dinner during the week – but a whole 2 weeks with little more than a few Facetime sessions just wasn’t working for us.

Now we love a good hotel stay – and I’ve written about our staycations before – so the boys and I turned it into a good time. I was able to take some vacation time each Friday, and drive us out to spend some time together.

I did not have to make this bed

I can’t recommend staycations highly enough. You may think “Why on earth would I ever spend money on a room when I already have a home that I pay for, and it’s only a few miles away?”

Think about it differently. If you take a day off and spend it at home, do you really take a day off? Or do you use it to catch up on chores. Do you see the cobwebs in the corner and think “Wow, I have the time to take care of that!” Or get to the little reno/repair/redecorate project that you’ve been putting off. And at home, do the kids expect you to make dinner? Get them stuff? Are they feeling the fun?

Nope.

The Doubletree gave us cookies when we checked in (and then more cookies when we went late-night exploring)

Hotels don’t have to be expensive. Hotwire.com, Hotels.com, Trivago.ca, Expedia.ca – and a ton of others, from Groupon to WagJag have offers and deals galore. And you might be surprised to find that big cities and airport strips are especially full of empty rooms on weekends that no big events are taking place. They’d rather get something than nothing, and some of the deals I’ve enjoyed have been crazy. My best find was a 4-star hotel with breakfast, parking and free Internet for $72.

The fun of a hotel lays with the amenities. Room service. Breakfast in PJs. Late-night hotel exploring. Swimming pools. Games rooms. Having the whole family snuggling in front of one TV watching a movie – and many hotels have a movie service that offers movies still playing in theatres. A new release for a family of 4 $12 in the room as opposed to $50 at the theatre – what a steal! If you’re celebrating something and you let them know, they often offer you an upgrade or send a treat to your room. Even if you’re not celebrating, always ask about upgrades. If there really are a lot of vacancies they may try to win your love with a special suite. We’ve had huge jacuzzi rooms, double rooms, palatial rooms, dessert sent up and even wine brought to our room with the hotel’s compliments.

Just be nice.

And remember to tip.

: The Best Western Plus

: The Westin Bristol Place

: The Raddisson

: The Sheraton

Just goofing at the Hilton

Nobody expects you to make dinner. Nobody expects you to make a bed. Nobody expects anything! Turn off the cell phone, shut down the laptop and just relax, nobody can find you, nobody can bother you, and the kids are mesmerized by the different environment.

I love hotels. I always have – and they’re magical to kids. It’s fancy. It’s rich. It’s a treat-and-a-half. Remember jumping bed to bed, thinking that the complimentary soaps, potions and lotions were treasure, that having your parents’ full attention was the happiest time of your life?

Yep.

Late night at The Raddisson

Staycate. Try it. It’s the most amazing family getaway because it’s easy, convenient and really requires no planning. In fact, we’ve had completely unplanned staycations where we’ve been out and decided to just find a room. There’s an app for that, you know. A quick stop for bathing suits and toothbrushes were all we needed. I would never say no.