Disclosure: Complimentary passes were used during our recent visit to the Hollywood Wax Museum. All opinions & thoughts are my own. When I travel with my family, I schedule attractions based on location, price and time duration. In order to find value, I try to find attractions that our family can experience in 1-2 hours minimum. In my book, the longer the better. That means I'm getting my monies worth. The Hollywood Wax Museum in Pigeon Forge, TN meets all of my crucial Continue Reading
Why We Have Little Under the Christmas Tree and the Kids LOVE It! #BayouTravel
Before anyone mentions the true meaning of Christmas, we know it. Promise, it's something my family is very aware of. Ever since my children were born, Christmas has been the one holiday where we have "spoiled" them. When I was a kid, my family was considered low income. Let's face it, we were poor but when we opened our presents on Christmas morning, we felt like every other child regardless of how many presents we received. My husband also has fond memories opening Christmas Continue Reading
Attractions in the Smokies – Ripley’s Attractions in Gatlinburg TN #BayouTravel ad
Disclosure: Complimentary Passes were facilitated for this post. All opinions and thoughts are my own. If you're familiar with the Smoky Mountain area you know that Gatlinburg is a very busy and popular tourist area. One reason is the Ripley's Aquarium, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. It is one of 3 Ripley's Aquarium in North America and ranked #5 Aquarium in the World by TripAdvisor's World Traveler's Choice 2015 listing. But it is also home to 7 other Ripley's attractions that your Continue Reading
Creative ways to Encourage Children to Budget in 2016
If you have kids then you know that managing money is not a phrase that always mixes well with the offspring. Encouraging your kids to budget their money this year will help them learn to be responsible for the future. Check out these ideas for helping your kids budget their money this year. Set Up Three Savings Banks Help your kids to understand the importance of saving as well as giving to others and spending wisely. Set up three savings banks for each child to use. One bank will be for Continue Reading
Celebrating the Holidays at Dollywood Pigeon Forge-Smoky Mountain Attractions #BayouTravel ad
Disclosure: I received complimentary media passes for our visit. All opinions and thoughts are my own. My oldest child was celebrating her 3rd birthday on our first trip to the Smoky Mountain area. It's hard to believe that we are celebrating our 10th family visit in Pigeon Forge (only missing a few years after my son was born) this past Thanksgiving. As we do almost every year, we spent Thanksgiving week in Tennessee and visited Dollywood the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. It's a Continue Reading
Norwegian Cruise Lines (Last) Cruise to Nowhere – Norwegian Dawn in New Orleans #BayouTravel
Well, my husband & I managed to accomplish the almost impossible! We went on a cruise without our kids! Since my youngest was born (now 11 years old) my husband and I have had 2 (not a typo: TWO) night away from both of our children at the SAME TIME! I travel without the family for work but I sleep comfortable knowing my husband is with them. But my husband never goes out of town without our kids. We DESERVED this! Luckily I found a Norwegian Cruise to Nowhere, aboard Norwegian Dawn, Continue Reading
Tennessee Travel We’re Going on a Smoky Mountain Road Trip + Road Trip Printables #BayouTravel
Tennessee is by far one of our favorite travel spots! This year we will be celebrating our 11th family trip to the Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg Tennessee Area. Does your family enjoy the outdoors? The Great National Smoky Mountains is the perfect spot for your family. So if you're making a road trip of your own, you will appreciate a fun, colorful printable to keep your kiddies entertained on the road or in between attraction hoping! Start your journey with a Road Sign Scavenger Hunt Continue Reading
We Are All Explorers – Explore the Savings at Sierra Trading Post ad
Disclosure: The following is a sponsored post. All opinions and thoughts are always my own. ‘What are men to rocks and mountains?’ Jane Austen It's one of my favorite lines from Pride & Prejudice and such an important part of my life! My family and I are off to another adventure. This week we are in East Tennessee hiking trails and enjoying the outdoors in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's our annual retreat and this year we are determine to hike at least 10 trails in Continue Reading
Cruise Chat- How to Pack for Your Alaskan Cruise #BayouTravel
We finally did it! We booked our Alaskan Cruise for 2017 which coincides with our 20th year anniversary. Like any traveler, I need time to save and prepare. Although I have been on several cruises in the past, this will be our 1st Northern Cruise. I'm not an over-packer unless I am in unfamiliar territory so I asked my Alaskan friends for advice. Are you considering an Alaskan Cruise? You finally did it; you pulled the trigger on taking that once-in-a-lifetime cruise to Alaska. You have been Continue Reading
Luxury on a Budget on the Space Coast Florida #BayouTravel
Any vacation to the Space Coast of Florida can be done on a budget, but it is possible to vacation in the lap of luxury all while staying on a budget too. The Space Coast happens to sit between two very expensive vacation destinations, it’s still developed, but spending a weekend to a week here is much more budget friendly than just an hour south or north. Families, singles or couples that want to get away for some sun and sand, really live it up, but not spend like they are independently Continue Reading
Winter Travel – Top Ski Destinations in America #BayouTravel
If winter means fun in the snow for you, enjoying some time on the ski slopes may be just what you're after. Check out these top ski destinations in America and make your plans to enjoy some winter exercise and activities. Jackson Hole, Wyoming Located along Wyoming's western border with Idaho, Jackson Hole is a valley that is created by the Teton Range to the west and the Gros Ventre Range to the east. The northwestern part of the valley is the location of Grand Teton National Park. For Continue Reading
Alaska Spotlight – Breathtaking Views of Alaska #BayouTravel
My husband & I have a huge infatuation with Alaska! Although we have yet to visit, we love to learn about All-Things Alaska. In fact, we are planning a 20th wedding anniversary Alaskan Cruise! Keep your fingers crossed for our upcoming journey. What do we love about it? I think it's the appreciation and respect for your surroundings. It's more than just a zip code, every day you take in your surroundings and have true respect for the weather, wildlife and more. It is hard to think of Continue Reading