My family enjoys traveling with me on our #BayouTravel adventures. In fact, they have become tiny traveling insiders. They can spot the differences in locations, can feel mood changes at specific resorts or attractions and are continuously learning through our experiences. But one thing about my family, we love to be surprised. In early March our family visited St. Augustine, Florida for the 1st time. I had no business relationship with the lodging location and had zero expectations. I knew Continue Reading
Learn more About Cruise Ship Entertainment – Liberty of the Seas #SeastheDay #BayouTravel
I'm not a poolside person! Naturally I enjoy having a fruity cocktail by the pool but when I travel, I am always on the go. I want to get the most out of my travel dollars and find ways to keep myself occupied during any vacation getaway. Whether my family and I are enjoying the afternoon at a museum or taking in a show after dinner, I love to keep busy. Vacationing aboard a cruise ship can be very relaxing and quite entertaining as well. Outdoor sports enthusiasts can enjoy 10 pools and Continue Reading
Alabama’s Gulf Coast – Orange Beach and Gulf Shores #BayouTravel
Located west of the Florida panhandle, Alabama’s Gulf Coast region covers slightly more than 50 miles of oceanfront shorelines. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are two of the larger cities located on this stretch and are two little known gems in the region. The white sand beaches are made up of quartz grains that washed down from the Appalachian Mountains centuries ago. Spend your days learning about the history and culture of this region and experience some of the best fishing and seafood in the Continue Reading
Wine Tasting and Tours at San Sebastian Winery St. Augustine, Florida #BayouTravel
About a year ago I mentioned to my friend & fellow travel lover that I was interested in touring a local winery in the Smoky Mountain Area. Since we both have visited the area frequently she mentioned that she has taken her entire family to local wineries for a tour and free wine tastings. Her children are the same age as mine so I though if she felt comfortable doing that, why shouldn't I? I thought it was a great idea and since then have taken both my children to local wineries while Continue Reading
Cruise Travel: Top Tips for Cruising With Children #BayouTravel
Disclosure: My recent Royal Caribbean cruise aboard Liberty of the Seas was part of a press trip. My thoughts and opinions are always my own. Taking a cruise could seem intimidating to parents who feel like a vacation for the family is less than relaxing. Thousands of people in a single area, lots of pools, and plenty of places to get lost. There are a lot of reasons for families to avoid cruises. But for every potential negative there are plenty of positives as well. Taking a cruise Continue Reading
Travel Tips: Where To Find WiFi in Mexico #BayouTravel
A few years ago finding WiFi in Mexico would have been pretty nonexistent. These days it seems that most towns have an internet service available. Finding WiFi in Mexico can be as simple as grabbing a Corona at an outdoor cantina or purchasing a WiFi USB modem from TelCel. Here are some great tips on where to find WiFi in Mexico. The majority of Mexico works on the 3G system and 4G is only available in large cities like Hermosillo and Mexico City. When you cross over the border, make sure Continue Reading
To Shore Excursion or Not? #BayouTravel
If you’ve taken a cruise, or are planning to take one soon the question of shore excursions is bound to come up. Cruise lines offer dozens of shore excursions in conjunction with local operators to those on board. But, is taking one of these, sometimes quite expensive, excursions the best way to spend your time and money? The Advantages of Ship Arranged Shore Excursions ~You know that the tour company is reputable and trusted. There’s a reason the cruise line continues to work with them, Continue Reading
New Orleans Family Travel Guide #BayouTravel
You might be surprised the learn that families are flocking to New Orleans, Louisiana as a family travel destination. With numerous kid-friendly attractions I can see why. Although I might be a bit biased, families with children from teens to toddlers can fall in love with food, family fun and more. Over the years I have written about New Orleans multiple times and share my love for New Orleans with others. TripAdvisor has recently ranked New Orleans #10 in their 2013 Travelers Choice Award Continue Reading
Educational Travel In The Smokies #BayouTravel
For many families summer travel is the perfect way to recharge our batteries from the stressors of work and school. My family has been traveling to the Smoky Mountains every November for the past ten years. We love the area! For my family, traveling to the area is a great way to unwind and reconnect before the upcoming holidays. We have many family memories of the Smoky Mountains and love when others share the same experiences that the area has to offer. But there are many family attractions Continue Reading
St. Augustine Family Attractions – Alligator Farm Zoological Park #BayouTravel
My kids (especially my son) love the swamp. Living so close to the Honey Island Swamp we have seen our fair share of gators in our lifetime. So it was no surprise that my family would want to stop at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park during our recent trip to St. Augustine. The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park began in the late 1800's as a small exhibition of Florida reptiles and soon became one of Florida's Top Family Attraction. Today the accredited zoo serves as Continue Reading
Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park #BayouTravel
Well, I didn't come back looking any younger but I did have a great time! During our recent visit to St. Augustine we visited the Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, the original site of the Nation's oldest city. The actual location is also in the area first explored by Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513 and settled by Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565. Visiting St. Augustine was a perfect fit for my family. Basiclally it was one big history lesson that we saw come to life over a Continue Reading
Crossroads House of Blues Dining Experience #CrossroadsHOB
All opinions on our complimentary visit to the House of Blues are my own and in no way influenced by others. You can read my disclosure policy for more information. Recently my family and I had to opportunity to enjoy dinner at Crossroads House of Blues in New Orleans. In the past we have dined at the New Orleans House of Blues but have never experienced the New Crossroads Menu create by Celebrity Chef Aaron Sanchez. The Food Network star created the new menu to reflect a mix of American Continue Reading