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JenOni

Travel

My Paris Weekend in 2011 and Planning for New Travel Memories

Mar 7, 2019

My weekend in Paris was far too short. I would love to see more of Europe…Amalfi, Italy is calling me…..

My First Transatlantic Flight

In September 2011, I took my first international flight.   My company sent me to France for a meeting in Annecy, France(southern France).   I had no idea what to expect on a 6 hour flight.  My first thoughts: what will I do for all those hours? besides sleep.  Typically,  I can’t sleep on a plane but I was thinking based on the distance I would have to rest a little.    As an amateur international traveler, I purchased a blanket and travel pillow(not needed).  US Airways provided a travel pillow and blanket.    I was lucky enough to sit with a lady from the MidWest who was traveling with a girlfriend(sitting in first class) on a girls trip throughout the French countryside.   It was an evening flight so the airline served dinner and there were movies, tv series and other forms of entertainment during the flight.  My seat mate and I covered everything from marriage, divorce, kids, grandkids, careers and travel.  It was her first trip to France so she was pretty excited as well.  

Hello Paris

When I arrived in Paris, it was early morning so we had a delicious pastry.     I have to admit there was a lot of anxiety with traveling such a long distance but a wonderful opportunity to discover another culture.    In order to experience two cities in France, I flew into Paris and take a train (4-hour train ride) to Annecy.   I figured on my return trip I would be able to spend two nights in Paris which was a great idea.

US Traveler in French Train Station

When I arrived at the train station it was overwhelming with all the people and the languages in the background.    Unfortunately, I wasted time looking for a terminal,  which we call a kiosk to print my tickets so I missed the early train. My tickets were prepaid and waiting for pick-up. I had to wait a few hours for the next train and hoped my taxi at the Annecy station would still be able to pick me up.  

Arriving in Annecy

Annecy, at last, is how I felt, next task was to find someone at the train station who spoke English so I was able to call the taxi driver since I arrived late.  Whew, there was someone after a French passenger helped me find a railway employee who was able to call my driver.

My Annecy Hotel and Jet Lag

The driver arrived with my company sign and I identified myself.   Wow, was I in shock to learn that a French taxi is an S class Mercedes(my Carrie Bradshaw moment).   I finally exhaled on my way over to my hotel, which was the Palace de Menthon.  When I looked at the pictures online I was in awe with anticipation.   The ride to the hotel gave me a beautiful view of Lake Annecy which was the most beautiful body of water I ever witnessed.   The drive up to the entrance of the hotel was like a scene from a movie.  

Palace de Menthon

The hotel was like something in a travel magazine.  I proceeded to take everything in with my Ipad.   The only thing I wanted to do was crash, however, I was advised to stay up to beat the jetlag.    Dinner was scheduled in town so when I arrived it was time to get ready for dinner. One thing to note if traveling to Annecyis its close proximity to the Swiss border. Most of my colleagues flew into Geneva but I opted to fly into Paris for a weekend on my return to the states. The four hour train between Paris and Annecy was well worth the scenery.

Annecy and Paris

This trip was long before I knew how to capture every moment. I missed so many meals and they were divine. This was the first time I tried foie gras and duck. Some of mpicturesos of my Paris weekend are captured below. I have to dig for my pictures of Annecy. The town was so quaint and filled with such character. From the cobblestone streets, architecture, and the view of Swiss Alps from my hotel was breathtaking. I loved the experience and am looking forward to more European travel with all of my equipment to capture each moment.

A Weekend in Paris

It was too short. There were so many things I missed such as The Cathedral of Notre Dame and the Louvre. The weather was beautiful for walking the streets of Paris. A lot to plan for my next trip.

Au revoir Paris until we meet again🇫🇷

Filed Under: Family, Travel Tagged With: europe, paris, passport, travel

Vacation Destinations for Single Parents and Kids

Feb 18, 2019

Vacations Destinations for Single Parents and Kids

I had no idea resorts offer deals for single parents traveling with kids.  If you are planning trips for spring break or summer travels here are some great tips. These are places worth checking out for a travel package.   I also learned some properties charge a single person supplement fee for one adult.   The fee can be 10 to 100 percent of the standard accommodation charge.   I found some that charge a single person supplement fee.  

Sonesta Hilton Head
This hotel offers a supervised kids club, Just Us Kids program includes game time, entertainment, swimming, and arts and crafts.  Half day or Full day passes are offered for an additional fee.  The Family Package, a 2-night minimum required includes a $50 F&B credit and a $50 Leisure Activity Credit. the Leisure credit can be applied to bike rentals, kids camp or other on-property activities.  Children ages 19 and under stay free if staying with an adult.

Vacation Express Smile Resorts
all-inclusive resorts, kids 2 to 12 eat and stay free.  There is a single person supplement fee.

Beaches Resorts
This resort offers Single Parent Fun Months during specific months throughout the year.  The single person supplement fee is waived.

Grand Velas Single Parent Getaway
This property offers deals periodically when the single supplement is waived. 

Hotels with Deals

Holiday Inn
Kids up to 19 stay free when sharing their parent’s room. Eat free applies to up to four kids 12 and under at any time of the day.

Choice Hotels
Kids stay free up to 18 if sharing the room with parents or grandparents.

Kid-Friendly Cruise Lines

MSC Cruise Lines
A cruise line that offers an All in One package for Single Parents.

Disney Cruise Lines
For single parents who need a short break, 3-4 day trips are offered.  The cruise offers many activities for kids and adults.

Royal Carribean
The cruise ship offers the Dreamworks Experience with their favorite characters and Sitters at Sea program.

I sourced all of this information from this website

Do you have a favorite vacation destination with your kids?

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Family, Travel Tagged With: resorts, singleparents, springbreak, summertravel, travel

Camping Trip and What we Packed for Two Days Away for Class Trip

Jun 4, 2018

 

The annual 5th-grade camping trip came up so quickly.  I was determined to start packing weeks before the departure date.   It was suggested the kids bring a suitcase with wheels and a bag with a sleeping bag and travel pillow packed separately.

Our packing list included:

  • fitted sheet, twin bed
  • flip-flops for shower
  • sleeping bag- Target(laundered before the trip)
  • travel pillow, found this at Amazon (washed the cover and ran pillow through hot dryer)
  • blanket
  • backpack (packed all sleeping items)
  • PJs, bottoms, shorts, and t-shirts
  • 5 pairs of socks(waterproof socks are a great idea, fleece socks to keep feet warm)
  • hiking boots (strongly suggest rubber boots especially if the grounds are muddy )
  • sneakers(depending on the weather conditions, the sneakers were no match for the mud)
  • 3 pairs of long pants, 2 pairs of gym shorts(only if weather permits)
  • 5 shirts, definitely would pack more long sleeve vs. short sleeves(nights get chilly)
  • 2 sweatshirts, sweaters, or jacket(things that can layer well)
  • poncho(rain slicker if rain is predicted)
  • toiletries(body wash, deodorant, travel toothbrush and toothpaste, sunscreen, insect repellant, shampoo)- found most in Target travel size aisle
  • 2 towels and washcloths(extra washcloths) and beach towel
  • baseball cap or hat with a brim
  • swimsuit
  • 2 to 3 trash bags (wet clothing)
  • laundry bag

 

Filed Under: Family, Philadelphia Area Fun, Travel Tagged With: camping, memories, nature, school, schooldays

Misty Copeland – American Ballet Theatre – “Whipped Cream”

Sep 28, 2017

Our day in New York to see Misty Copeland in “Whipped Cream”.  It was exciting for my tween as she never rode on Amtrak until that day.   We arrived in NYC with plenty of time to grab lunch at PJ Clarke’s.

3 Sliders

Buttermilk Fried Chicken w/ Sweet Potato Fries and ColeSlaw

I have followed Misty Copeland for the past 5 years and finally, we purchased tickets.   The theatre is absolutely beautiful and when the production started you can see the visual creativity of the people who put these productions together.   It is an artistic explosion of talent and skill brought to life on the stage.   This was my tween first time in NYC and she was excited to see another city.   I think the biggest difference was how busy it was and the amount of traffic.

 

We received these in the mail a few months before we attended the performance.  We are framing to preserve the memories.

“Whipped Cream”  is a whimsical story that kids of all ages will enjoy.   I can’t wait to see another performance with Misty.

Filed Under: Family, Travel Tagged With: #ballet, americanballettheatre, arts, Misty Copeland

Baltimore – Spring Break at National Aquarium and Miss Shirley’s Cafe

Aug 7, 2017

Baltimore- Spring Break Day Trip

Baltimore is an easy 2-hour drive for a day trip.  During spring break, our plans were to plan day trips to NYC and Baltimore or DC.   After long drawn out discussions, we finally agreed on a day trip to  Inner Harbor to visit the National Aquarium.  It was easy to purchase tickets online and d directions to the parking garage with validated parking.    I always like to find a good eatery in a city.  I found Mis Shirley’s Cafe and the menu looked absolutely delicious.

 National Aquarium

Baltimore

 

Baltimore

Baltimore

Baltimore

Miss Shirley’s Cafe Inner Harbor

Baltimore

 

Baltimore

 

baltimore

Baltimore

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: baltimore, misshirleyscafe, nationalaquarium, springbreak

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