Exploring Natural History and Culture at the Milwaukee Public Museum

Exploring Natural History and Culture at the Milwaukee Public Museum 

Milwaukee Public Museum fascinates visitors with quite a cache of natural history exhibits, a theater and a planetarium. Our first visit to the museum was punctuated with with incredible discovery after incredible discovery. Before we knew it, we had spent 3 hours at the museum and there were still more exhibits to see. So, a visit is quite a thorough experience that easily invites future explorations!

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Iceland's Golden Circle

Iceland's Golden Circle

We are planning a return trip to Iceland this summer, so I am doing a little Iceland reminiscing from previous trips. On our first visit to Iceland, we explored Iceland's famed Golden Circle. The Golden Circle highlights a selection of stunning natural attractions. You can easily drive the Golden Circle or enjoy one of many tours.

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Walking Around Annapolis

Annapolis is an incredibly walkable city. The architecture beautifully melds the centuries along the Chesapeake Bay. On both of our visits, we meandered in and out of alleyways always discovering a new treasure.

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Road Trip to Annapolis, Maryland

This week, we took a road trip to Annapolis, Maryland! Over the next couple of weeks, I will share our discoveries and stops on the way and back.  Overall, the trip from the Chicago area to Annapolis is about 11-12 hours, therefore there is a lot to discover there and on the way! We were able to stop in Pittsburgh on the way there and back:

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Adventures Riding Icelandic Horses

Icelandic horses are like no other and the world. When I learn someone is going to Iceland, I always recommend riding an Icelandic horse. During two of our visits, we were able to ride and the experience was amazing each time!

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11 Tips for Celebrating Halloween on the Road

My daughter always gives us a hard time when we are on the road during a holiday. Sometimes, though, you cannot avoid it. Sometimes it is part of the adventure! I always try to bring the holiday with us, so that we still get to celebrate. Here are a few tips to help you if you are celebrating Halloween on the road:

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A Day at the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show

What an adventure we had at the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show today! The show packed more surprises than I expected and the jubilant atmosphere invited exploration and fun!

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Laugarvatn: Fontana Spa in Iceland

One experience to never miss in Iceland is an opportunity for pampering and relaxation at one of the country's geothermal spas. The Blue Lagoon is the logical choice for many travelers due to close proximity to the airport making it ideal for layovers. Additionally, it is serviced by many tours. However, I recommend venturing to other geothermal spas in more low key locations to truly unwind and relax with smaller crowds.

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Indulging Our Passion for Travel Along Iceland's South Coast

Stunning! We spent a day wandering along Iceland's South Coast from Reykjavik to Vik and reveled in the dramatic natural splendor of Iceland. An adventure through the South Coast truly puts in perspective the forces at work within the Earth providing an amazing experience for families.

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The Settlement Exhibition in Reykjavik Shines a Light on Archaeology and Viking Life

Reykjavik, Iceland is one of my favorite cities in the world and home to one of my favorite attractions -- The Settlement Exhibition. We first visited the museum during our first Iceland adventure in 2012. The museum housing the remains of a Viking longhouse adeptly uses multimedia to introduce visitors to methods for interpreting archaeological finds. Our first experience left such an impression on us that our family jumped at the chance to return last week.

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Four Days Recharging With Nature in Iceland

Powerful and majestic Skogarfoss waterfall 

About a year ago, I learned joyous news -- Icelandair announced new service from Chicago. We had visited Iceland twice in the past with both trips involving traveling to a different gateway instead of the very convenient ORD. When I learned that Icelandair would begin flights from nearby Chicago, I immediately hatched a plan to return to Iceland to continue our exploration of its striking, raw and natural beauty. We opted for a fall visit to witness a different season since our previous two trips were in the summer.

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Eagles, Totem Poles, Hiking and Charm in Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska is one of the rainiest cities in North America. So, we were very fortunate to arrive during a rare dry and sunny day for Ketchikan. An ideal day for exploration!

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Cruising to Alaska

With a climate different than that we grew accustomed to on our previous Caribbean cruises, we knew that a cruise to Alaska would definitely feel quite novel. However, we did not expect the route to Alaska to be as magical as it was. On our previous cruises, much of the scenery while sailing consisted of crystal water in all directions. During our Alaskan cruise, we hugged the coast enough that we could make out land for much of the cruise. Certainly the views were even more magnificent once we reached Alaska!

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Williams Bay Beach: Sun and Fun on Geneva Lake, Wisconsin

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

When looking for peace and relaxation, we try our best to avoid hustle bustle. From time to time, we enjoy strolling through Lake Geneva to browse the shops. If we are looking for a peaceful afternoon, however, we often shoot past Lake Geneva proper and head over to the small hamlet of Williams Bay. Williams Bay has a lovely beach on Geneva Lake that tends to be more tranquil than Lake Geneva itself. The beach is really a beautiful spot and a place where we enjoy a little summer respite.

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Images From the Destination Asia Summer Festival {The Morton Arboretum}

**Disclosure: we did give away complimentary tickets to this event on this blog. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I attended the Destination Asia Summer Festival at The Morton Arboretum and I thought that would share a little bit about the festival. We frequent The Morton Arboretum in the the warmer months to admire its beauty and let our daughter run around in the Children's Garden and among the Treehouse. The destination festivals this summer have added a little more flavor splashing a little more visual and hands-on exploration to a gorgeous natural space.

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{Healthy} Snacks for the Road

So, you are heading on a road trip but want to keep things healthy{ish}. This can be especially challenging with children that are extremely susceptible to the guiles of mass marketing. With some advance planning, though, you can keep things a little healthier. Getting the kids involved will also be more beneficial. If the kiddos are able to give a little input and make some of their own choices {withing parameters}, they will be more likely to eat healthy snack choices.

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We'll Always Have Paris: A Mother/Daughter Adventure {And Book Giveaway 5/11/14}

Paris from the Eiffer Tower

**Disclosure: I received a complimentary book for the purpose of this review. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

There is nothing in the world like climbing the Eiffel Tour. Looking down at Paris is definitely an exhilarating moment that is frozen in time. Last year, my husband and I took our daughter to Paris to fulfill an important wish on our family bucket list. After a series of health issues for my husband and myself as well as others close to us, we decided to seize the moment and take our opportunity to go to Paris without regret. In truth though, our personal travel story actually began long before visiting Paris. When my daughter was born, my husband and I were determined to not let her hamper our travel aspirations. So, we have embarked on many adventures near and far with the little one in toe and have not looked back. Together, we will always have Paris........

When I received the opportunity to read Jennifer Coburn's We'll Always Have Paris: A Mother/Daughter Adventure, I jumped at the chance. While reading, I immediately felt a bond with Jennifer and discovered we are truly kindred spirits.  Jennifer in some ways was haunted by her father passing away from cancer at a young age and thought that she in turn would pass away way too soon. Her loss inspired her to go on some grand adventures with her daughter, making memories that would last--just in case. My own father passed away early in my daughter's life--when she was one. These losses can truly be a source of motivation. I almost lost my grandfather to a heart attack when I was in my early twenties. While he was recovering from bypass surgery, he advised me to travel for myself--scale those mountains that I had planned to for so long. The words of my grandfather stuck with me. I mean, here is this guy who just had five bypasses (yes, five) and he is telling me to travel! My husband took a little nudging, but we began traveling in whichever direction was available to us at the time. We did not stop when our family became 3.

Fact: Jennifer Coburn is a USA Today best selling author of six novels and contributor to four literary anthologies. This is her first memoir.

Throughout the book, Jennifer adeptly weaves the story of her remembrances of her father into the travelogue of her adventures with her daughter. Jennifer is able to embrace her relationship with her father while strengthening her relationship with her daughter through creating special moments. In some ways, her book is melodic and flows naturally during the course of her life. During the book, both Jennifer and her daughter, Katie, grow. I really loved seeing each relationship unfold and evolve.

We'll Always Have Paris--A Book We Can All Relate To

We'll Always Have Paris is a book we can all relate to. The book celebrates the joys of life and discoveries, the little stumbling blocks we find here and there, the tragedy and realization of mortality that we all must face and the spirit to find our way through and survive. The overall message encourages us to seize the moment yet savor the time we are with those we love. Towards the end of the book, Jennifer becomes less concerned with checking the items off of her list and has really settled more in to enjoying time with her daughter.

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Spring Road Trip: Hitting the Road to Portland, Maine and Back

For Spring Break this year, we hit the road for Portland, Maine. Some may say that we were crazy--especially given the late winter. Why not go south? Well, we have been working intently on our bucket list and so we decided to visit some of the states on our list this year. When opportunity arose, we decided to go out to Maine. We drove through the states to get there and came back to Chicagoland via Canada. So, we saw a lot on this trip and had a blast! We hit quite a few cities on our trip and I will be providing you with a little peek into each over the next couple of weeks. If you are looking for a road trip idea for the coming warmer months, this is one that will not disappoint!

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6 Things to Love When You Wind Down your Trip

We just returned from a week long adventure driving out to Maine and back. We love the road, but sometimes the last leg can be a bear. Last evening, as we enjoyed our last bit of freedom before returning to the hum-drum of everyday life I reflected on one of the great things about by at the end of your trip. Here are some things this traveler enjoys as journey's end nears:

• Whatever you pull out of your suitcase, you wear it clean or dirty. Pretty much, you have reached the slim-pickin's stage of your travels. But, you really don't care and are happy when you find two socks that match.
• Indulging one last time is a must. By the end of the trip, there is less of a worry of undoing your diet. You have already done what you have done and the next day you will be returning home and to a more normal eating and exercising schedule. So, you are less worried about that extra piece of chocolate.
• You start thinking about the next adventure. All of you with wanderlust know what I am talking about. No matter how grand your trip, you are already thinking of future travels while on vacation. This doesn't mean you did not enjoy your adventure. In fact, you are riding so high from your recent trip that you are vigorously anticipating further voyages!
• Soon, you will be sleeping in your own bed. There is nothing like the first night home in your own bed. You will sleep well--don't forget the alarm clock!
• Tails will be wagging when you get home. The welcome home we receive from our dogs makes us feel like we are part of the British royalty. 
• You begin looking through pictures of your adventure and reminiscing of the amazing time that you had. Usually, we have some dead time on our way back whether it be waiting for our flight or taking a breather at a rest area. I fill some of this in with going through our pictures. Reliving the some of the nicer moments of our trip always has us smiling even during a rough travel day home.

Now, the trip back to reality is not nearly as joyous as our time away. But, it does have a bit of its own charm. For now, I am happy to be home and reconnecting. However, I am sure that I will be back to active travel planning again in another couple of weeks! Carpe diem!

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Packing Strategies for Spring Break {Time to Get on the Road}

Spring Break is upon us and it is time to get packing! With some advance planning, packing should go easily and you will have little to worry about. Here are some strategies that we use:

• Lists: I know if I pack casually, I am definitely going to miss something. I don't necessarily make a list of everything---just the things that may be unusual or that I may forget.
• Check the Weather: Do not just assume. I have been in Florida when it was unseasonably cool and Iceland when it was unseasonably warm. Layers are always good to pack because you can easily change attire to fit the weather.
• Pack Plastic Bags: Trust me, just trust me. Ziplock bags can be handy for leftovers or containing found treasures like shells or rocks. Plastic bags are also great for dealing with wet bathing suits and towels when on the move or the *dreaded* bout of car sickness.
• Motion sickness medication: We have been surprised a couple of times with the ugly specter of motion sickness. It is just easier to have the pills along in case.
• Fans, bug repellent and sunscreen depending on season and location: Sometimes you can find these items on arrival. However, they can be overpriced. I have also been places where we could not find bug repellent to save ourselves are the only repellent contained chemicals we were not comfortable with.

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