This Summer has definitely been a unique one for my family and I. With the loss of my job, we found all four of us home all summer long…together. While definitely had my reservations about how this would play out, I can honestly say that it’s been the best summer ever.
We were fortune enough to take several trips and spend some real quality time together. My girls got to visit Walt Disney World for the very first time and it was indeed a magical experience. Seeing Cinderella’s Castle through the eyes of a child is a totally different experience and a memory that I will cherish forever.
We also had the chance to visit Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia as my business partner and I did our first site visit for the new location of our blog conference. What an incredible place! Beyond the gorgeous scenery, Callaway offers a ton of adventure and outdoor activity such as golfing, hiking, bike riding, zip lines, beach fun and more! It was a chance to really kick back away from technology.
Finally, we enjoyed a relaxing staycation at Embassy Suites right here in New Orleans. With all of the traveling we have been doing, it was a treat to stay home and play tourist. When I heard that Embassy Suites had won Parents Magazine “10 Top Hotel Chains for Families” in 2012, I couldn’t wait to see what our local site had to offer. From the moment we walked in the hotel, we were impressed. The lobby is stunning with a New Orleans themed mural and plenty of natural light. Our room was massive including two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a private terrace. My daughters were in heaven!
Embassy Suites definitely allowed us to “more-imize” our vacation by offering complimentary cooked to order breakfast and a nightly Manager’s Reception. Both amenities saved us from long waits at local restaurants paying tourist prices. Of course, the kids favorite feature of the hotel was the pool! We spent a few hours relaxing and swimming which again saved us from expensive local attractions.
How do you “more-imize” your vacation? Dr. Susan Biali, a health and happiness expert, suggests finding the perfect balance of activities and relaxation on your vacation. Don’t schedule every minute of your day and let things happen naturally! While our Disney vacation was a blast, it was far from relaxing. I definitely over scheduled my family and will try to heed the advice of Dr. Biali next time!
With a few weeks left of Summer vacation, get out there and make the most of these precious days! Follow Embassy Suites on Twitter and Facebook to learn more about the latest news and upcoming deals.