Big Family Getaways on a Budget: Let’s Make It Happen!
Hey friends! Summer’s right around the corner, and I’ve been thinking a lot about family trips—especially the big ones with everyone in tow. You know, the ones where you need flights, a place to stay, activities to keep everyone entertained, and (of course) snacks.
Planning a big family vacation can feel like a puzzle, especially when you’re trying to keep it affordable. So I thought I’d share some tips I’ve learned over the years—things that might help you plan a smoother, more budget-friendly trip this summer.
Here’s what I always keep in mind:
✈️ Flights First The earlier you start looking, the better. Prices go up the closer you get to the date, so it’s smart to set price alerts or check a few times a week. Sometimes flying mid-week can save a lot, and if you’re open to different airports nearby, you might find a better deal.
🏨 Where to Stay If you’re traveling with a big group, a vacation rental with a kitchen can be a game-changer. It’s easier to cook a few meals instead of eating out all the time, which can save a ton. For those who like everything handled, an all-inclusive resort can take the stress off—but sometimes these come with a higher price tag, so it depends on your priorities.
🍽️ Meals Don’t Have to Break the Bank We love to mix things up: a few meals out, a few simple ones at the rental or hotel. Breakfasts are easy—cereal, fruit, yogurt—and picnics make a fun, low-cost lunch. Plus, it’s a chance to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
🎟️ Find the Free Fun So many places offer free or inexpensive family activities—parks, museums, local events, or even self-guided walking tours. Check the local tourism website or community calendars for free events happening during your stay.
💳 Use Those Points and Rewards If you’ve got travel points or credit card rewards sitting around, this is the time to use them! They can cover anything from flights to hotel stays to rental cars, and it feels great knowing you’re stretching your budget even further.
🌍 Plan Ahead, but Keep It Flexible It’s smart to plan the big stuff early—like flights and where you’ll stay—but leave some wiggle room for spontaneous fun. Sometimes the best parts of a trip are the little adventures you didn’t plan for.
🌟 A Few Destinations to Consider If you’re still deciding where to go, here are a few ideas for family trips that offer fun for everyone:
Cancun, Mexico – All-inclusives, warm beaches, and family activities
Italy or Spain – Great for culture, food, and family-friendly experiences
Hawaii – Beaches, hiking, and breathtaking scenery
Caribbean Cruises – Everything in one spot—meals, entertainment, and island hopping
💬 What’s Your Go-To Family Trip Tip? I’d love to hear what works for you when planning family trips! Got a favorite destination or a money-saving trick? Share it in the comments or send me a message—I’m always looking for new ideas.
That’s it for this week’s travel chat! Hope these tips help you plan a fun and budget-friendly family getaway this summer. Until next time, happy trip planning!
🌸 Making May Magical: Exploring Massachusetts, DreamMaker-Style! 🌸
This May, I’m trading my computer for city streets as I spend the month exploring the vibrant state of Massachusetts — and you’re invited to follow every step of the journey! From the shimmering skyline of Boston to the electric energy of Foxboro, I’ll be diving deep into all that this stunning state has to offer, especially through the lens of the travel industry. ✨
🎲 First Stop: MGM Boston
We kick things off with a bang at MGM Boston for a concert, where luxury, excitement, and entertainment collide. Whether it’s enjoying world-class dining, trying your luck at the casino, or simply soaking in skyline views, MGM offers the perfect blend of glamour and New England charm. It’s the ultimate reminder that you don’t have to hop on a plane to experience a high-end escape! This will be followed by the Van Goh Immersive Experience in Worcester, MA on Sunday.
🧳 Travel Industry Buzz: DreamMaker Event at Boston Marriott Burlington
Mid-month, I’ll be attending the DreamMaker one-day event hosted at the Boston Marriott in Burlington — and hosted by Virgin Voyages and Exottica …a key hub for travel professionals like myself. This exclusive event brings together top travel suppliers, destination experts, and trendsetters who are shaping the future of travel. 🌍 I’ll be networking, discovering the newest vacation trends, and previewing the latest offerings — all so I can bring more value, perks, and insider knowledge directly to YOU, my clients! Stay tuned on my social media for live updates, sneak peeks, and must-know tips for your next adventure.
🎶 Wrapping Up the month in Foxboro at Gillette Stadium
To close out this action-packed month, I’m heading to Foxboro, home of the legendary Gillette Stadium. We’ll be ending May on a high note (literally!) at a concert under the stars, surrounded by thousands of fellow music lovers. Gillette isn’t just a sports mecca — it’s a venue that hosts unforgettable experiences, and I can’t wait to soak it all in!
✈️ Why Am I Doing This?
Because staying inspired keeps me bringing better trips, better tips, and better service to you. By living the experiences I offer, I can better guide you in crafting stress-free, joy-filled vacations that you’ll treasure forever.
I don’t just book travel — I curate complete experiences from start to finish. ✈️🎟️ Whether you’re heading to a tropical getaway, a bucket-list concert, or a big game, I take care of all the details so you can focus on making memories.
🎶 Concerts & Live Events – From front-row seats to VIP packages, I can secure tickets to major concerts, festivals, and live shows around the world. 🏈 Sporting Events – Planning to catch your favorite team on the road or experience a championship game? I’ll handle tickets, travel, and pre-game plans. 🚗 Transportation – From flights and airport transfers to private car service or group shuttles, I ensure your trip flows smoothly from departure to return. 🌴 Excursions & Activities – Think catamaran sails, guided tours, zip-lining, wine tastings, spa days, or once-in-a-lifetime adventures — if it’s available, I can book it. 🛳️ Cruises & Resorts – With insider access to top cruise lines and luxury resorts, I match you with the perfect stay and perks you won’t find online. 💡 Special Touches – I can even add on dining reservations, show tickets, room upgrades, surprise amenities, and more to elevate your experience.
It’s not just about booking — it’s about creating a seamless, stress-free journey designed around what you love most. Let me be your go-to for every kind of getaway or gathering!
So buckle up — May in Massachusetts is going to be a whirlwind of exploration, education, and entertainment. I’ll be sharing every highlight, hot take, and helpful insight along the way.
👉 Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads 📌 And as always, reach out if you’re ready to plan your own adventure — I’ve got you covered from Boston to the Bahamas and beyond!
📍 Sun, smiles, and sea breezes await your family on the white-sand shores of Costa Mujeres! 🌴☀️ Get ready for a sun-soaked adventure full of laughs, splashes, and delicious eats at this lively all-inclusive resort just north of Cancun. Nestled on a picture-perfect beach, this family-friendly paradise is packed with activities that’ll thrill the kiddos and help parents truly unwind. 👨👩👧👦💦…All while enjoying up to 47% OFF with early booking.
💰 TOTAL PACKAGE PRICE: $3,700.00 – Includes Taxes and Fees 💳 DEPOSIT: $50.00 per person (Due by Monday, April 7, 2025) 📅 5- Nights –July 12, 2025 to July 19, 2025 – Other dates can be quoted!
👨👩👧👦 2 Adults + 2 Kids – Sleeps 4 🛏️ All-Inclusive Standard Room w/ Private Balcony or Terrace for Sunset Sippin’ 🚐 Includes Roundtrip Shared Transfers 🎟️ $1520 in Resort Coupons (depending on length of stay) 🍹 Unlimited Drinks (including cocktails & mocktails) 🍽️ Endless Food Options + Kid-Friendly Bites & Treats 👒 Supervised Kids Club & Daily Entertainment for All Ages 🎶 Live Music, Themed Parties & Nightly Shows 🏊♀️ 5 Pools + Splash World Water Park + Swim-Up Bar for Parents 🏖️ Beach Loungers & Umbrellas with Beach Service 💪 Fitness Center + Steam Bath + Whirlpool Bath ⚽ Sports Galore: Beach Volleyball, Kayaking, Paddleboarding & More! 🛍️ Gift Shop, Spa & Hair Salon On-Site ($) 🛜 Free Wi-Fi Throughout the Resort
✈️ FLIGHTS CAN BE QUOTED FROM ANY AIRPORT ***PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND ARE NOT GUARANTEED UNTIL BOOKED AND/OR DEPOSIT IS PAID.
Romantic Getaway Tips, Secrets & Expert Advice to Make Your Next Escape Unforgettable Hey there, lovebirds! 💕
This week lets talk romance, shall we? Whether you’re newlyweds, longtime partners, or just two people craving a break from the everyday hustle, a well-planned romantic getaway can bring you even closer together. And if you’re searching for that perfect place that feels like a hidden gem but still offers everything you need—Amelia Island, Florida might just steal your heart.
So let me share some of my favorite tips, secrets, and expert advice to make your next escape feel like something out of a love story. ✨
Pick the Right Destination – Why Amelia Island? 🌅
First thing’s first: location matters. You want somewhere that feels special, relaxing, and a little magical. Amelia Island checks all those boxes and then some.
Located just off the northeast coast of Florida, Amelia Island blends Southern charm with coastal beauty. Think moss-draped oaks, quiet beaches, historic downtown strolls, and sunsets that seem to last forever. It’s not overrun with tourists, which makes it ideal for couples looking to reconnect without the chaos. 🌴
Stay Somewhere Cozy (and Romantic) ✨
Forget cookie-cutter hotel rooms. Go for a charming inn, boutique resort, or a cozy beachfront vacation rental. Many offer fireplaces, clawfoot tubs, or private balconies perfect for sipping wine under the stars. 🍷🌌
Local Tip: Check out Elizabeth Pointe Lodge for oceanfront vibes with a bed & breakfast feel, or The Addison on Amelia Island if you love that elegant, historic charm.
Plan for “Us Time” – But Leave Room to Wander 💑
Pack light. Plan light. The best romantic moments usually aren’t scheduled—they just happen. But it doesn’t hurt to have a few things in mind:
🌅 Sunrise walks on Fernandina Beach (trust me, it’s worth the early wake-up) 🐎 Horseback riding on the beach at sunset—yes, it’s a thing here! 💆 Spa day for two – try The Ritz-Carlton Spa if you’re looking to splurge 🍸 Wine tasting or cocktails at local spots like The Decantery or Salt Don’t skip the Amelia Island River Cruise. It’s peaceful, and scenic, and you might just spot dolphins while snuggling up together on deck. 🐬
Eat Like Locals (and Lovers)
A romantic getaway needs good food, and Amelia Island delivers. Here are a few gems:
🍷 Le Clos – French cuisine in a cozy little cottage? Yes, please. 🌿 Burlingame – Seasonal dishes, perfect ambiance, and a wine list you’ll want to linger over. 🍴 Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro – A local favorite for intimate dinners.
Pack a blanket and grab lunch to-go for a beach picnic—it’s simple but sweet.
Capture the Moments 📸
You don’t need to be glued to your phone but trust me, you’ll want a few keepsake photos. Whether it’s a barefoot beach pic or a snap in front of the historic Amelia Island lighthouse—capture those candid smiles and windswept kisses. 💋📷
Secret tip: Take a morning walk downtown and snap a pic under the Spanish moss for those classic Southern vibes. 🌳✨
Final Thoughts from Your Travel Insider 💌
Here’s my real advice. Focus on connection, not perfection. Don’t stress the little things. If you’re together in a beautiful place like Amelia Island, you’ve already won.
So go ahead—slow down, toast to your love, and let the magic of the island work its charm. And if you need help planning the perfect romantic escape, you know I’ve got you covered.
Join me next week when I share a little hidden gem of a shop in Jamaica that’s perfect for picking up unique, locally made souvenirs and handcrafted treasures—because every great getaway deserves something special to take home.
Wishing you sunsets, laughter, and that extra spark ✨ Karen from Sandy Toes Excursions
🌴 Jamaica Gem Shop
April 7, 2025
Affordable Finds, Warm Hospitality & One Unforgettable Experience in Montego Bay
While planning excursions for my clients and always staying in tune with what travelers are saying, one recurring theme kept popping up—shopping in Jamaica feels expensive. Whether it’s airport shops or the boutiques at resorts, people often feel like they’re being overcharged. And honestly? I get it.
So when I came across Green Apples Gift, Liquor & Cigar Store in Montego Bay, I had to know more. Not just because it looked like a hidden gem, but because it had such a different vibe from the rest. I connected with Prem, the owner, and had the most inspiring conversation.
Prem shared that over the years, he noticed social media was full of travelers commenting about overpriced souvenirs and gift items. So he came up with a simple but brilliant solution: 100s of items $9.99 USD. Yep—you read that right.
“In my store, you’ll find many items that gift shops at resorts and the airport sell for $20 or more, but I sell them for $9.99,” Prem told me.
It’s not just the prices that caught my attention—it’s the entire experience he’s created for visitors. Green Apples is located in Whitter Village Mall, which is just 5 minutes from Sangster International Airport and within walking distance of several major resorts, like Riu Montego Bay, Riu Reggae, and Riu Palace.
But Prem doesn’t stop there. To help visitors get off the resort and into the heart of Montego Bay, he offers a shopping shuttle from areas like Montego Bay, Lucea, and Falmouth. It’s safe, reliable, and economical. And on top of that? He gives each visitor a $10 USD digital gift voucher—just for coming by.
He even offered me this:
“Whenever you’re sending someone to Jamaica, just give me their nickname or initials. I’ll personalize a $10 digital gift voucher just for them, and they can use it at the store when they visit.”
Prem is on a mission to help revitalize tourism in Jamaica, especially after the COVID crisis. He manages several Facebook travel groups and encourages travel agents and globetrotters to share content, recommend local experiences, and help each other grow. He even invites other agents to join in and network because, as he said, “When tourism grows, we all grow.”
What I love most about Green Apples isn’t just the prices (though yes, they’re amazing)—it’s the heart behind the business. It’s a family-run operation that believes in fairness, hospitality, and giving travelers a genuine experience of Jamaica. It’s more than shopping—it’s community.
So next time you or one of your friends are headed to Jamaica, don’t skip this place. Green Apples is a refreshing reminder that great value and warm hospitality still exist—and supporting small businesses like Prem’s makes your trip that much more meaningful.
📍 Whitter Village, Montego Bay, Jamaica 🌐 greenapples.store 📱 +1 (876) 509-0202 (WhatsApp/Call) 🎁 Don’t forget to ask for your customized voucher!
April 7, 2025
Let Me Introduce You to the Beauty That Is Portugal
6/28/2025
There’s something quietly powerful about Portugal — a country that doesn’t shout for your attention, but instead invites you in with warmth, grace, and wonder. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic escape, a wellness reset, or an adventure that stirs the soul, Portugal offers all of it and more. And the best part? It’s surprisingly accessible. With direct flights from the U.S. East Coast that are shorter than a trip to California, you can be walking ancient cobblestone streets or soaking in a thermal spring by dinnertime. It’s the kind of destination that feels far away, but doesn’t take much to reach — and once you’re there, you’ll wonder why you waited.
What I love most is how Portugal brings couples back to center. Life moves fast, and sometimes you just need to press pause — not in isolation, but in a place that breathes life back into you. In the Azores, you can hike hand-in-hand through emerald trails, discover secret waterfalls, or spend the day doing absolutely nothing except enjoying the sound of the ocean and the warmth of the mineral-rich springs. It’s wellness in its most natural, unfiltered form — no spa robes required. Just space, quiet, and each other.
But Portugal isn’t just peaceful — it’s alive with energy and rich with culture. You can explore vibrant markets, taste local wines, or dance to the melancholy beauty of a Fado singer’s voice echoing through a candlelit courtyard. For the adventurers, there are volcanic lakes to kayak, coastal towns to bike through, and mountaintop trails that reward every step with a view that takes your breath away. The beauty here is layered — part nature, part culture, and all heart.
For some of you, there’s also a deeper connection — maybe to your Portuguese roots, or simply a curiosity about the land where old world charm meets island soul. Portugal carries its history proudly, yet welcomes you with open arms. Whether you’re traveling to reconnect with your heritage or just to reconnect with yourself and the one you love, this country offers a kind of travel experience that stays with you. Portugal isn’t just a place on the map — it’s a feeling, and I’d love to help you find it.
