JenOni

travel

Aging and How we Feel is Key to our Mental and Physical Health

aging

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What does turning 50 mean in 2019? I really feel like 50 is a new age and not the same as my mother’s generation. When I started reading an article in my Shape magazine, titled Youth Science it was just what I believe about aging. I feel our overall perspective on how and what we do affects my physical and mental health. The article states that how long you live is attributed to how you feel, how happy you are and overall health. I learned a new term called subjective age, which is our individual perspective on how we are aging. Sometimes I wonder why I workout and then after I feel a sense of accomplishment. When I see the results of building a stronger, leaner and more flexible body I feel good both physically and mentally. A positive mindset does wonders for how we feel.

Minimize Stress

Some of the key takeaways from the article are four ways to take hold of getting older. As the saying goes, don’t sweat the small stuff, find ways to redirect stress through simple actions. For example, I love eating solo and while some may find this uncomfortable it gives me a chance to enjoy a meal without mutual conversation. This gives me a chance to relax and enjoy the moment. In those instances when I need company, a nice group meal fits for that specific time.

Positive Thinking

Another step is to spin a setback into a positive for a healthier and happier outlook. My number one on the list is exercise. The bottom line is to refrain from being a “Debbie Downer”.

Physical Exercise

Exercise gives me endurance, strength, and positive benefits for my health. Again, my subjective age. I try to diversify my physical activity by trying a new piece of equipment or a new class. This year I signed up for yoga classes. The confidence in trying something new is such a mood booster. Exercise motivates me to make better choices in terms of how and what I eat each week.

Travel

Lastly, traveling to new places. I just had this conversation with someone. Why wait for others to see the world around you? Sometimes it may mean traveling solo and enjoying on your terms. I believe a change of scenery can boost the spirit. I am looking forward to more travel. The idea of visiting new places is intriguing and a mental boost to learning more about the world. Monotony feels boring and being open to new experiences is more exciting.

All of these tips are the best summary of how to live as we age. Aging is much more than an AARP subscription. Make it a priority to live a happier and healthier life!

My Paris Weekend in 2011 and Planning for New Travel Memories

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🇫🇷

Vacation Destinations for Single Parents and Kids

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?

 

 

 

 

I would love to see more of Europe…Amalfi, Italy is calling me…..

 

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 traveled I would have to rest a little.    A novice international traveler I purchased a blanket and travel pillow(not needed).  US Airways provides 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.   When we arrived in Paris, it was early morning so we had a surprisingly 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 elected to fly 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.

When I arrived at the train station it was overwhelming with all the people, the languages in the background and felt like I had no clue.    Unfortunately, I wasted time looking for a terminal,  which we call a kiosk to print my tickets so I missed the early train.   I was forced 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.    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.

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 us 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.   The hotel was amazingly something off the pages of 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.

https://cocoamommy.com/2015/04/12/france-food-wine-and-culture/