New York City
Today I ran the inaugural 9/11 Memorial 5k. I didn’t really want to.
Last week we all watched in horror as the Boston Marathon ended with deadly bombings. The week prior I picked up my terrified teen after her high school was in a lockdown, complete with SWAT team, because of a gun threat.
The world just doesn’t feel safe. The idea of running through lower Manhattan and finishing at the 9/11 Memorial sounded scary. I couldn’t think of a better target for some nut job.
My friends encouraged me to run: “don’t let them win” “run for Boston” “show them what America is made of”.
I didn’t really feel like being brave, nor do I think the terrorists are keeping track of my race entry status.
Then I thought about all the people that stand up for freedom all over the world. The women who risk their lives by going to school. The fledgling democracies who’s constituents brave real danger, just to vote. All I have to do is run a 5k, not really so brave, but a statement to the rest of the world that we aren’t scared and we won’t be intimidated.
I would like to say that I felt all bad ass and all America First. In reality I felt nauseous and my children begged me not to go. I shouldn’t have worried, because you know what? We are America, and we are bad ass, and the NYPD showed up and could have stopped an invading army today. I’ve never been so proud of my country, my city, and a little bit of myself.
I thanked every cop I passed-and hugged a few
Seriously-the cops were cheering for US-say what?
They came in boats-on motorcycles-in helicopters
The race route takes you down the Hudson river and then up the narrow streets of downtown Manhattan to the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero. As I was running the last stretch of the race all I could think was that these were the streets where so many had run for their lives on 9/11. Yet still here we are, running on our own terms. As I crossed the finish line I high fived every cop I saw in gratitude and then hugged a few firemen.
Brave-and hot-I love the NYPD
I hugged a LOT of men in blue
The run wasn’t timed, no one “won”. For finishing we all got a free pass to the 9/11 Memorial. If you haven’t had a chance to visit, I highly recommend it. My friends lost their husbands on 9/11, my husband’s old firm lost 67 people, I’ve never had the desire to go, it somehow still feels raw. The new 9/11 Memorial is a stunning tribute to the tragedy, the victims, and the heroes. The reflecting pools in the space where each tower stood are engraved with the names of each person lost and filled with fresh running water. It’s an oasis of calm and solitude in the middle of the busy city.
9/11 Memorial Reflecting Pool
Our finish at the base of the Freedom Tower
There was no celebrating at the finish line, just a solemn remembrance and the NYPD Pipes and Drums.
The Luxury Travel Blog Network is here to bring you some great luxury travel ideas every month. These talented writers have their own sites and also write for great publications such as Forbes, Fodor’s, and Vanity Fair. What I love about this group is the different perspective they bring on travel. We are not all traveling moms, actually I think I’m old enough to be one of their moms. Reading their posts is like a mini-vacation for me and I hope it is for you too.
Ana Silva-O’Reilly
Ana Silva O’Reilly is a 30-something globe trotter who finds her peace and quiet on a long-haul business class flight to somewhere warm. Sand on her colourful toes and salt in her hair on a beach somewhere means happiness to her. With a nice piña colada in hand, of course. On a global quest for shoes, she’s currently operating a strict one-in one-out policy, but never gives up. A city girl at heart, she moved to the quiet English countryside for love, and lives her travel dreams through her award-winning alter-ego and travel blog Mrs. O Around the World. She can also be serious, when she puts her international marketing and social media consulting skills or her MBA at work.
The last time I was in Berlin, it was my 25th birthday. My backpack was stolen in the train station and I was left with nine dollars and my charm to survive on. Ana’s Perfect Day in Berlin, Germany might make me change my mind about going back. Also, I don’t think she was in the same ‘hood I was.
Nadine Jolie
Nadine Jolie is a beauty and travel writer specializing in luxury spas. A former magazine editor (Lucky, Ladies’ Home Journal, FHM), Nadine was dubbed “the poster child for the blogger generation” by the New York Post and has published two books: Confessions of a Beauty Addict and Beauty Confidential. Nadine’s travels have taken her to spas in places including New Zealand, Austria, South Africa, Montreal, and Scotland. She is a contributing writer for VanityFair.com and Angeleno magazine and regularly writes for FoxNews.com and luxury New York publication Hudson Mod. Fluent in French and conversant/literate in Italian, Spanish and Arabic, Nadine enjoys learning how to say “Where is the nearest Sephora?” in new languages and is currently working on her third book, a novel set in England.
Nadine recently spent a weekend in Arizona checking out all of the spas on her Amazing Spa Weekend. Not only do I want to look like her, I want her press trips-I’ll trade one Disney week for a spa weekend. Deal?
Katie Goldstein
Katie Goldstein is an avid traveler whose tastes are simple: she enjoys the best. Katie works by day as a lawyer and by night as a successful writer. Katie often lends her travel expertise to prestigious outlets, which include Forbes, Fodor’s, and She Knows. She has also written about varied topics for WE TV and for FoxNews.com. Katie is also the founder of famous luxury travel and lifestyle sites, Travelingpanties and Smartypanties, where she chronicles her adventures around the world to spectacular countries like Thailand, Argentina, Laos, Cambodia, Uruguay, Australia, France and more. When Katie isn’t traveling, she can be found scouring her home base, New York City, for the next hotspot. In her free time, Katie enjoys trying new restaurants, taking advantage of NYC’s fabulous shopping and practicing her photography skills.
Katie recently spent a Luxe Weekend in Bruges, Belgium. If you have an open weekend and are thinking of a European jaunt, she’s got some great ideas for you. Do I sound jealous and bitter? No, I wouldn’t trade little league games for lazy days of drinking wine-really.
Charu Suri
Charu Suri runs Butterfly Diary, an online magazine, with stories on how travel can transform one’s outlook. Charu left a career in Investment Banking to pursue her passions — travel and writing– several years ago and has not looked back since. A full time freelance writer and Social Media consultant, she loves to pen her journeys in the following beats: affordable luxury destinations, culture, vegetarian food and the digital community. As a new mom, she’ll be paying a lot more attention to kid-friendly places.
Charu has an adorable new baby but still finds time to travel, a girl after my own heart. She recently returned to Aruba and has created a drool worthy post full of sun drenched Instagram pics. For a little day dreaming check out Aruba Through Instagram Photos.
According to statistics, 80% of car buying decisions are made by women. I would argue it’s 100% since the other 20% are decisions made by men, in an attempt to impress women.
The new website She Buys Cars is for women, by women, and car manufacturers are noticing. Founder Scotty Reiss recently went the New York Auto Show to check out the new line up from Detroit and to ask the most important question, “where do I put my handbag?” She challenged readers to share pictures of where they put their handbags in cars.
You would think in a car as large as mine, I would have plenty of space for a purse.
So big it doesn't even fit in the picture
This monster seats seven people, a few dogs, and often a hamster. Somehow there never seems to be a seat for my handbag.
Chanel is not a chew toy
This bums me out because my handbags cost as much as my car in college did. This is how I measure value. My college car, the bad ass Plymouth Champion, was $1,200. If something costs as much or more than that, it’s super expensive.
Looks like something from "Wayne's World", right?
So I usually end up carrying my purse in my lap. Otherwise it gets trampled by muddy soccer cleats or chewed on by a puppy who can’t tell Nylabone from Prada.
If I don't hold it, it goes in the trunk, SO not convenient
I’m very excited that as a car buying/driving/living-in/woman we now have a vocal advocate for what WE want in our cars. Men have been getting more horsepower, spinning rims, and who knows what else for years. It’s our turn to be heard. We want safety, we want style, we want a place for our handbags. You hear us Detroit?
No children or animals were harmed in the creation of this post. As part of a marketing campaign for SheBuysCars I was compensated for this article and my opinion. I SO love getting paid for my opinion.
My brood in Charleston last summer
The pressure is on. It’s time to plan your summer vacation, and as we moms keep getting reminded, you “only get 18 summers”.
Well, I’ve got the next 10 covered for you. You’re welcome.
The luxury travel moms at Ciao Bambino, Poshbrood and I are giving you the very best of the best. These curated trips are kid-tested, mom-approved and all first class. Don’t bother upgrading your flight, the blankets are still dirty and the food is terrible. Save up your cash and splurge on these fab getaways.
From witnessing the peak of the Wildebeest migration in Kenya to indulging in 60 acres of green grass in the heart of Paris, there is something for families of all shapes and sizes.
Summertime in Paris transforms the City of Lights into the ultimate family playground
Spring travel to Paris may be expected, but summertime travel to Paris truly is the piece de resistance for families. French families and trendy tourists alike can be found beach-side at the Seine – sand and umbrellas are imported for a month for Paris Plage (Paris’ beach). The Tuilleries Jardin adds a seasonal carnival offering scads of cotton candy, Ferris wheels, and arcade games. Your posse can stay in Royal style at the refurbished palace of Roland Bonaparte, now the Shangri La Paris. Bring your swimsuit, the stunning new 15-meter indoor pool also has a luxe outdoor patio – perfect for sipping a delicious French wine while watching your little ones work on their swim strokes.
Experience two Four Seasons resorts on one Hawaiian island
Just off the coast of Maui, families can escape the daily chaos and stress on the island of Lanai with just over 3,000 residents and only three hotels, two being the extremely kid-friendly Four Seasons. Mix it up by spending a few nights at the stunning country estate Four Seasons Lanai, The Lodge at Koele, with an 18-hole golf course, croquet, and lawn bowling; then spend a few nights at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay watching Spinner Dolphins over coffee, eat at the new Nobu, and encourage your children to become the next best body-surfer.
Secrets in Seattle: Summers are stunning and umbrellas not needed
The best kept secret of Seattle is that it doesn’t rain much in the summer. Pacific Northwesterners try to keep this information low key, as they don’t want to be trampled by tourists. The Emerald City literally glimmers in the summer sunshine. Tucked between the Puget Sound, Lake Union and Lake Washington there is no shortage of outdoor fun for families. Rent a canoe and glide past the houseboats made famous in “Sleepless in Seattle”. The best place for luxury loving families to stay in town is the Four Seasons with a striking view of Elliot Bay and the only outdoor pool in the city. It is conveniently located next to the iconic Pike Place Market and the original Starbucks.
A beach getaway fit for America’s Royalty on Cape Cod
Summering on Cape Cod was made famous by America’s royalty, the Kennedy family, when they created the ‘Summer White House” in Hyannis Port. The allure of long summer days spent playing touch football on the beach draws families from not just the Northeast, but from all over the nation. Lobster dinners and whale watching are de rigueur on the Cape. Meanwhile, the concierge at the newly renovated Ocean Edge Resort can bring summer vacation fantasies to life. This historic mansion property accesses a private beach, boasts a Jack Nicklaus golf course and no less than five swimming pools. Even the Kennedys would be impressed.
Ski and hike on the same vacation in the Swiss Alps
Switzerland’s iconic chocolate box village, Zermatt, at the foot of the breathtaking Matterhorn does not disappoint for families this summer. Whether you want to please one child by skiing one day and another by hiking the next, few places in the world provide this exciting combination of activities. A front-and-center Matterhorn view from a luxury apartment at Suitenhotel Zurbriggen is a must for adventurous families.
Experience nature and Viking culture in the land of Ice & Fire
A five hour direct flight from East Coast, Iceland is closer than most people think. Vikings, fairy tales, trolls, amazing sights and natural wonders await you and your brood in this majestic country. From geothermal spas (specifically, the Blue Lagoon), to spotting petite Icelandic horses, there is much to explore in this vast country. South Iceland is breathtaking and a perfect home base is the affordable and luxurious Hotel Ranga. Try an Icelandic horse experience with The Icelandic Horse company will have your children talking for weeks. In Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, stay at the cool Art Deco Hotel Borg in the historic city center and be sure to visit the Saga Museum that transports guests to the Viking Age.
Summer in Snowmass: Colorado offers sun, culture, food, and fun in the Rockies
Only 10 miles from downtown Aspen, this charming resort is filled with restaurants, boutiques, and bars. The location and elevation of Aspen/Snowmass allows for more than 300 days of sunshine each year in which to enjoy the plethora of summer events. A kid (and parent) favorite is the the weekly Snowmass Rodeo now celebrating its 40th year. Outdoor activities in Snowmass include biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, jeep tours, swimming, and river rafting.
The Villas at Snowmass Club is a collection of villas with a kids’ club, swimming pools, three restaurants, tennis, golf, fitness center, and spa. The new Viceroy Snowmass is at the base of Snowmass Mountain and is the first luxury Colorado property to be awarded LEED Gold certification. Kids will love the year-round pool terrace with cabanas, while mom hits the 7,000-square-foot spa inspired by ancient Ute Indian culture.
The best of a lake and a dude ranch vacation on Flathead Lake in Montana
Surrounded by epic mountain scenery, families have the best of two worlds between lake living and dude ranch fun at Flathead Lake Lodge in Montana. From sailing, to fishing, to horseback riding – Flathead Lake Lodge has extensive programs and endless amounts of fun things for families to do. Glacier National Park excursions from Flathead Lake are possible and should be top of the list.
Visit the #1 Tourist City in the World, Charleston, South Carolina
Condé Nast Traveler Magazine has crowned Charleston, South Carolina “Top City in the United States” for the second year in a row. This walkable city offers a heady combination of civil war history, bespoke fashion, and a vibrant food scene. Stay in the historic and uber-luxe Wentworth Mansion in the center of town. Add a few days to your summer vacation and venture out to the renowned beaches of Kiawah Island just thirty minutes away. There is plenty of room for the whole brood to stay in style at the exquisite oceanfront hotel, The Sanctuary.
Witness one of the world’s wonders in Kenya
What better summer vacation story to bring back to school than witnessing one of the world’s wonders in Masai Mara, Kenya? The peak of the Wildebeest migration happens in July and August, where thousands of herds move out of the Masai Mara and head to the Serengeti – a truly incredible sight to see. AndBeyond’s Bateleur Camp provides unforgettable interactions with both the Masai people and the extraordinary wildlife in Kenya.
Where are you and your brood headed this summer?
Reviewing the Martini Bar - someone had to do it
Celebrity Cruises just set their latest luxury ship sailing. They invited me for to preview the new ship and to see the naming ceremony. Having never cruised before I took along a consultant in the finer things in life, my best friend Keri. She loves good food, good wine, and a good time. Also, she’s painfully honest and doesn’t care what people think. The perfect reviewer, and all for the price of some martinis and a massage.
Aqua Class Suite - a little larger than our state room
The things you care about in a hotel are the same things you should care about on a ship, and it’s not called a boat, it’s a ship. Also a deck,not a floor and a verandah, not a balcony.
The state rooms:
We were in an Aqua Class room which is on the same level as the spa. While wandering the halls we were greeted by the “Botox Doctor”, his description not mine. Apparently you can also get your lines erased and teeth whitened on this ship. I tried not to read anything in to his eager self introduction.
Our state room was too tiny in my opinion, but they had larger suites that felt more like hotel rooms. The Reflection actually has so many comfortable public spaces to sun, read or nap that I think you wouldn’t mind the tiny state room for a longer cruise. But if you can spring for the suite, by all means do. The Reflection Suite could host a wedding reception and had a glass shower cantilevered over the front of the boat, I still think that’s the room I should have been in. Our state room had a fab verandah where we could sit and watch the ocean drift by. When booking a cruise a verandah is a must. Being on the same level as the spa was also a perk, no need to get out of your robe to hit the spa. Also, children are welcome “but discouraged” on this level. Not usually a bonus for me, but when traveling without my brood, music to my ears.
Testing out all the napping spots - all for you
Pools, lounge chairs, and general places to nap:
This ship is flush with fab places to tuck away for some relaxation. If you’re looking to cozy up indoors with a good book there’s The Hideaway. It’s a fantasy of pillow filled birds nest type cocoons suspended near the library.
Perfect spot to read "Fifty Shades" - just sayin'
Looking for a little nap al fresco? Yes, I am all about the naps. Somehow the ship’s designers put a REAL LAWN on this baby. You can even play croquet. It’s extraordinary.
I'm sort of obsessed with how they keep the grass alive
The perfect spot for a sunset champagne - and nap
The pool was too crowded for my taste, also there were a lot of tattooed people in it. I will spare you the photos. I guess there’s only so much space for pools on a ship, but they always seemed giant and glamorous on The Love Boat.
Keri testing out the self serve wine thingy - she approved
Good Food and Good Booze:
My fear of buffet food lines and rogue waves have always kept me from cruising. Celebrity promised extraordinary food, and they delivered. There is a cafeteria style place for breakfast and all day snacking. The food was so-so there. If you stay in Aqua Class you have a restaurant reserved for your exclusive use. They offer what they call “healthier options”. I was worried it would all be grapefruit and cottage cheese. Turns out it’s the type of food I eat every day, fresh, organic, and not fried.
For dinner they had several excellent restaurant choices. Not having experience with cruise food, I thought it was good but not mind blowing. My trusted consultant Keri said “this is the best food I’ve ever had on a ship.” So there you have it.They also brought celebrity chef Jeff McInnis from Miami’s mega hotspot YardBird to do a barbecue for us. Yes, there is a bbq restaurant near the croquet lawn, on a ship. His food was only trumped by his total hotness. Visiting his restaurant in Miami Beach is now on “the list”
Am I right ladies? (um, he's the one in the hat, obv)
My two favorite spots on the ship were the coffee bar and the Martini Bar. Not necessarily in that order. The Martini Bar has super cool Miami Beach vibe with bartenders that make Tom Cruise look like he didn’t know what he was doing in “Cocktail”.
Eat your heart out Tom
Aaaah Aqua Spa
Last but not least – The Spa:
Not all spas are created equal. Some are nothing more than a massage table in a room with a candle and some woo woo music. The Aqua Spa on the Celebrity Reflection can hold its own with Canyon Ranch in Miami. In fact, it feels as if they put the Canyon Ranch Spa-Aquavana on the ship. They have the same heated thermal loungers (in photo), tropical rain showers (to die for), and great menu of services. Much to Dr. Botox’s dismay I only opted for a massage. Sadly my first massage wasn’t as fab as I had hoped. Here’s my best advice for spa goers and travelers in general. If something does not meet your expectations, speak up, politely. Rarely have I not had my problem resolved. Brands, especially luxury brands, want you to be happy. If you’re not tell someone who can fix it. I was offered a second massage, and on my consultant (Keri’s) recommendation I tried the Rhythm and Bliss massage. They put headphones on you and play music in the spa room. It’s muted through your headphones and the therapist kneads your knots to your choice of music. Since I love hard rock, I thought I’d give it a try. It was AMAZING. It sounded hokey, I couldn’t imagine how I’d relax to Aerosmith. It worked. I was so in to my favorite music and the therapist was so skilled, I left in a state of bliss.
To Cruise or Not to Cruise?
Having been very skeptical of cruising, I can say that I would recommend it, with caveats. Celebrity really does do a great job with a luxury atmosphere and overcame my fear of buffet line food. We all watched in horror as passengers on the crippled Carnival cruise ship were forced to use buckets for bathrooms. That type of incident is rare and for some reason I can’t imagine the higher end cruise lines allowing that kind of debacle. Rogue waves still freak me out, but I guess I’m just as likely to get hit by a city bus so what are you going to do? Sea sickness is also a problem, if you suffer from motion sickness stock up on the Dramamine. Don’t worry if you forget, they hand it out like candy. After the first day I felt better. All things considered, I would cruise again. It’s an easy way to see many ports of call from basically a floating hotel room. Given that even a luxury ship felt small and the food pretty good I would never book a budget cruise. I would rather save my money or find a low cost hotel option in each port of call I’m looking to visit.
My thanks to Celebrity Cruises for hosting me and flying me to Miami to review The Reflection. Bigger thanks to Keri for being wiling to eat, drink, and spa for the cause.
All lazy rivers should be this posh
Grande Lakes Orlando, two luxe properties, a pile of pools and chocolates all around. The perfect spot for the luxury travel family visiting any of the many attractions in Orlando. Fun fact, Orlando is the tourism capital of the world welcoming over 56 million visitors last year. I love Orlando, I hate crowds. This is why I love Grand Lakes, I’ve never had to fight for a seat at the pool or a massage at the spa.
Here’s the 411:
Marriott owns Ritz. Within their brand they have several levels of properties. The JW brand is fancier than the Marriott brand. I don’t know what comes below that because I don’t care.
At Grande Lakes you will find: a lake (really, in Orlando, I didn’t know either), a Ritz, and a JW Marriott. The two properties share all common areas. This means you can stay at the JW but hang at the Ritz pool, or vice versa.
The pools:
Yes please
The Ritz Pool has a posh vibe, staff to fluff your towel pillow and orange flavored water. The JW Marriott pool has lush lazy river, a cafe, toddler playground and fun, party vibe.
The rooms:
The JW is the less expensive property. The rooms are a tad smaller, a little less luxe (but not much) and if you have a balcony – you can stand there and enjoy the view but it’s not deep enough for a chair. When I finally bring the entire brood down, we will stay at the JW. As much as I love the Ritz, the easy access to the lazy river will trump thread count in my boys’ books.
The Ritz is, well, a Ritz. The thread count is high and the staff are trained to always tell you “yes”. One of the many reasons I love staying at Ritz properties. The Ritz only has 583 rooms compared to 934 at the JW, so it’s a more hushed atmosphere. If you ask directions at the JW a staff person will of course be more than helpful, but at the Ritz, they will escort you. Every room has a balcony you can sit on to enjoy the view while drinking your morning coffee, or champagne, no judgement. Yes, I am really in to the balconies.
The Spa:
The uber luxe 40,000 square foot spa, complete with private pool, is nestled directly between both hotels. A stay at either property wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the spa, in my opinion. Sadly for my daughter you have to be 18 to go to the real spa or drift in the exclusive spa pool. However she was able to join me at the salon for a mother/daughter pedicure, and even got to wear the spa robes.
Insider secret:
You can score the crack of candy at either property, but you need to know to ask. Grande Lakes makes a Peanut Butter and Jelly truffle that will make you call your mother. It’s like those old commercials – two great tastes that taste great together. You might think pb&j wrapped in chocolate wouldn’t be good – you’d be wrong – it’s divine. Just like real crack, it’s not easy to come by. These are classified as a “VIP Amenity”. Not a VIP? You are now. Call at least a day ahed to in-room dining and send them to yourself. I don’t know what they cost, and I don’t care, they are worth it.
I was the guest of the Ritz Carlton last year and wrote a review of the property and my um, hospital stay. This year the JW Marriott hosted me and my daughter Macie for our first ever Disney Princess Half Marathon. I loved both properties, both times. Macie likes the lazy river, but prefers the pool valet at the Ritz. Sometimes she makes me so proud.
Luxury Travel Mom is teaming up with some other fabulous luxe bloggers to form the brand new Luxury Travel Blog Network.
You’ll be seeing some syndicated content and some fun giveaways from us. Not that I suggest you follow anybody else but me, but if I can’t give you everything you need, we can have an open relationship.
Ana Silva-O’Reilly
Ana Silva O’Reilly is a 30-something globe trotter who finds her peace and quiet on a long-haul business class flight to somewhere warm. Sand on her colourful toes and salt in her hair on a beach somewhere means happiness to her. With a nice piña colada in hand, of course. On a global quest for shoes, she’s currently operating a strict one-in one-out policy, but never gives up. A city girl at heart, she moved to the quiet English countryside for love, and lives her travel dreams through her award-winning alter-ego and travel blog Mrs. O Around the World. She can also be serious, when she puts her international marketing and social media consulting skills or her MBA at work.
Check out Ana on Mrsoaroundtheworld.com | love travel. love people. love shoes.
You can also follow her on Twitter or like (and love) her on Facebook.
Noteworthy post worth checking out: A Perfect Weekend in Milan.
Nadine Jolie
Nadine Jolie is a beauty and travel writer specializing in luxury spas. A former magazine editor (Lucky, Ladies’ Home Journal, FHM), Nadine was dubbed “the poster child for the blogger generation” by the New York Post and has published two books: Confessions of a Beauty Addict and Beauty Confidential. Nadine’s travels have taken her to spas in places including New Zealand, Austria, South Africa, Montreal, and Scotland. She is a contributing writer for VanityFair.com and Angeleno magazine and regularly writes for FoxNews.com and luxury New York publication Hudson Mod. Fluent in French and conversant/literate in Italian, Spanish and Arabic, Nadine enjoys learning how to say “Where is the nearest Sephora?” in new languages and is currently working on her third book, a novel set in England.
Follow Nadine Jolie on her blog, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channel.
Noteworthy post worth checking out: Nadine’s favorite hotel in South Africa!
Katie Goldstein
Katie Goldstein is an avid traveler whose tastes are simple: she enjoys the best. Katie works by day as a lawyer and by night as a successful writer. Katie often lends her travel expertise to prestigious outlets, which include Forbes, Fodor’s, and She Knows. She has also written about varied topics for WE TV and for FoxNews.com. Katie is also the founder of famous luxury travel and lifestyle sites, Travelingpanties and Smartypanties, where she chronicles her adventures around the world to spectacular countries like Thailand, Argentina, Laos, Cambodia, Uruguay, Australia, France and more. When Katie isn’t traveling, she can be found scouring her home base, New York City, for the next hotspot. In her free time, Katie enjoys trying new restaurants, taking advantage of NYC’s fabulous shopping and practicing her photography skills.
Keep up with Katie’s escapades on her Blog, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Noteworthy post worth checking out: Best Things to do in Buenos Aires.
Charu Suri
Charu Suri runs Butterfly Diary, an online magazine, with stories on how travel can transform one’s outlook. Charu left a career in Investment Banking to pursue her passions — travel and writing– several years ago and has not looked back since. A full time freelance writer and Social Media consultant, she loves to pen her journeys in the following beats: affordable luxury destinations, culture, vegetarian food and the digital community. As a new mom, she’ll be paying a lot more attention to kid-friendly places.
Follow Charu on Twitter and Facebook.
Noteworthy post worth checking out: Traveling Luxuriously in a Vintage Beetle.
Didn’t book your Spring Break travel yet? You’re not alone.
In the New York area moms have been exhausted by a winter of Hurricane Sandy, snow storms, and, well, our children.
This morning I shared some great ideas for affordable get aways on WCBS-NY’s “Live from The Couch” this morning. If you missed the segment, or are looking for the links I referenced on air, all of the information is here! Too lazy to read? I get it, watch the video.
Washington, D.C.
Just a quick 3 hour and 45 minute drive from New York City, D.C. is a great spot for a quick family trip.
Don’t miss:
National Cherry Blossom Festival. It runs from March 20th to April 14th, their blossom filled parade is on April 13th. In addition to enjoying the gorgeous trees, a gift from Japan in 1912, there are literally hundreds of family activities. Most events are free and open to the public. Check the website for details and participating hotel deals.
Spy Museum. Hands down a favorite attraction for kids and grown ups alike. It is the only public museum dedicated solely to espionage. On display: lipstick pistols, shoe phones, and the Enigma Cipher Machine. You can go “undercover” and complete missions, even sign up for Spy Camp. They just opened a 007 exhibit, sadly Daniel Craig is not on display. Make sure to avoid a line and book your tickets online, trust me.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Everyone also refers to this as the “Mint”, it’s not. This is where the green stuff gets printed. You can literally watch as millions of dollars are created before your eyes. Yes, security is high. This is a kid favorite. Tickets are free, they are distributed from the ticket booth starting at 8:00am, however during peak times you’ll want to be there earlier.
You can even book a condo in Washington, D.C. and have all the convenience of being at home.
Jay Peak Resort
You don’t need to fly out west to enjoy fabulous spring skiing. Jay Peak Resort is planning to be open for t-shirt and shorts skiing until Cinco de Mayo this year. In addition to some fab skiing, families can have a ball in the new 60,000 square foot water park The Pumphouse. The water park is attached to slope side Jay hotel. You can even boast you surfed in Vermont in their double barrel flow rider that creates a standing wave. Currently they are offering some great deals for families, check out their Ski/Splash/Stay packages online. A family of four can hit the slopes for as little as $295 per night, lift tickets, accommodations, and access to the water park are included in the price. Bring your passport with you as Canada is only 90 minutes away. With free childcare for children ages 2-7 it’s easy to sneak off for a little fun across the border.
Great Wolf Lodge
This indoor water park is a ridiculous hit with the kids. There are eleven Great Wolf Lodge’s around the nation, the closest to New York City is an hour and thirty minutes away in the Poconos. It’s 84 degrees in the massive water park that has everything from zero entry pools for the babies to jaw dropping slides for the thrill seeking teens. For mom there is an Elements Spa, a bar, and the knowledge that your kids are in heaven. They even have a Scooops Spa for aspiring fashionistas to get ice cream themed manicures. Great Wolf is not on the budget side of things, even the smallest room will run you around $500 a night. Thankfully they have a special right now, book online and use the code MOREFUN for 20% off on a two night stay.
Montreal
Can’t get to Paris in the springtime? Drive to Montreal.
In just under 6 hours from New York City you can be eating pain au chocolat and sipping champagne in French speaking Montreal. Montreal is the second largest city in Canada and famous for it’s history and enchanting architecture. You’ll want to tour the charming town of Old Montreal. It was once a fortified city, some of the buildings date back to the 17th century. It is one of the oldest urban areas in North America. Montreal is also a gourmet food lovers dream come true.
If you get there before March 21 you can see the amazing snow village. They built a replica of New York City COMPLETELY out of snow and ice. In the village is an Ice Hotel where you can spend a chilly night for about $269 Canadian dollars. You can also just tour the village for about $15, they have an ice slide, a Ice Bar and a an entire restaurant made of – you guessed it – ice.
If you’re not keen to hit the Ice Hotel check out the Montreal Sweet Deals Promotion from now until May 31st. There are 30 participating hotels with rates
as low as $99 per night, the most expensive hotel is the Ritz at $405 per night. Your second night is 50% off AND they give you a coupon book with discounts for local activities worth up to $500.
Has never booked own flights
Don’t use a travel agent?
Think you get better deals on Expedia, Orbitz, whatever?
Think a travel agent costs you money and is an antiquated idea?
Think again.
I started using a travel agent a few years ago. Delta cancelled our flight on a trip to Beaver Creek, by the time I reached a Delta agent we couldn’t get re- booked for another THREE DAYS. The condo was rented, we had shipped our gear ahead, and the lift tickets were pre-paid. We decided to bite the bullet and book a private jet. Most expensive vacation we’ve ever taken. Having a travel agent would have literally saved us tens of thousands of dollars.
Delta cancelled my boys’ flight to St. Louis today. If you’ve ever flown Delta you know that they cancel due to high winds, hiccups, and their horoscope. I have no idea why they cancel so often, I just know that it’s always happening to me. We got the robo-call this morning.You’ve been cancelled. Sorry. No protection, no re-booking, no human.
So we called our travel agent, Tim Burke of TMB Travel Concierge.
Here he comes to save the daaaayyyy
Tim was out of the office. No problem, we called his cell. Within 15 minutes he had re-booked my boys in to Kansas City for the same price they were paying to go to St. Louis. They were actually going to drive from St. Louis to KC because Delta’s flights in to KC are so ungodly expensive. Now they are on a flight to the city they really intended to get to, for the cheaper fare, and the whole debacle was completely painless. When asked how he got the switch done, Tim answered “You just need to know how to talk to them.”
I’ve written about “How to Get Treated Like a VIP” and even been a guest on CBS in New York discussing the same subject. It’s true that when I’m on a press trip for Luxury Travel Mom I get spoiled because they want me to write nice things about them. What most people don’t realize is that I pay for about 50% of my travel, yet still get treated like a VIP, because I use Tim to book me every time. Working with a Virtuoso agent for hotels gets you the upgrades and amenities that make you feel like Paris Hilton. Working with a good agent who always answers his phone means your boys don’t miss rooting for their KU Jayhawks!
Rock Chalk Jayhawks!
This is a guest post by my new luxe travel chica Lauren Pruner.
My first guest writer - and candidate for adoption
I am so excited to be working with Luxury Travel Mom. Kim-Marie and I go back all the way to my hometown. For all purposes she is my inner travel voice as I jet set around the country! Molded by a similar cloth it’s no secret that we both have a taste for luxurious and exciting travel.
Ritz Carlton Philadephia
Recently I traveled to Philadelphia for a little work and a little play in the city of “Brotherly Love.” First, that saying couldn’t be more true; everyone was so hospitable and nice. I kept telling my friends who came with me – It’s like New York and D.C. had a baby! A little U.S. history married busy city streets and had a smaller version of themselves. With its bustling and lively culture, Philly fed my northerner, “fast-paced” cup real fast.
City Hall (just looks cooler in black and white)
Upon arrival, I was lucky enough to be staying at the five-star escape, Ritz Carlton Philadelphia. Just steps from City Hall, the Ritz is on a piece of prime real estate in downtown Philly – about a 20 minute drive from the airport. Nestled on the Avenue of the Arts the hospitality hotspot took over the Girard Bank Building which is over 150 years old, again with the rich history. But don’t let its 1830’s structure fool you – the place is swanky and updated with a huge fitness center, luxury spa and a lobby bar that will make any one drool. It was the quintessential place to rest my head.
A few of my girlfriends decided to join me for the weekend portion of my trip and we were able to comfortably stay in a double room. These rooms are spacious and totally doable, even if you have quite a bit of luggage, I’m not known to travel lite. With girls come make-up and hair products so the fact that there was a huge walk in shower, a water closet and a vanity area it was nice not to have to worry about waiting for the bathroom. We were also treated to the most amazing macarons when we checked in – literally rivaling Paris’ (and now New York’s) La Durée.
Mmmm...macarons...how did they know?
Downstairs we had a few cocktails and breakfast one morning in the 10 Arts by Eric Ripert restaurant. What a spread! They literally had something for all of us at the buffet as we wanted some good bacon and eggs on a Saturday morning. Omlettes made to order and for the waistline conscious like me a customized Greek yogurt bar.
Here’s the Dish:
Everything you might want to see when visiting Philadelphia is within a five mile radius of the hotel. But if you’re a time saver and don’t want to explore the streets as you go. there are cabs everywhere. The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are absolutely within walking distance of the hotel. A stroll to Rittenhouse Square then down Walnut Street for some good shopping should make your list.
The hotel is a great place to rest your head after a long day of exploration. If you are looking for comfort for a family, a couple or a few girlfriends, this Ritz can certainly take care of you. There are tons of vacation packages geared more towards the adult crowd on their site. Trust me you will leave feeling well rested, taken care of, and certainly happy.
Because every pillow should have chocolate on it
I am a guest blogger for Luxury Travel Mom, I was not hosted by the Ritz Carlton Philadelphia and was not compensated for this post however if Kim-Marie wants a Ritz Tattoo I’ll hold her hand and get one too! I do write a pretty cute blog myself though. Check me out: PRBlonde.com and @LaurenAPruner!
