Movie Lovers #Ireland Film Location Themed #Travel Itinerary #TravelIdeas

Ireland: It's at the top of my Travel Bucket List

Take 1 part Ireland, add 10 parts Movies set in Ireland and we have all the makings for a fun travel itinerary.

I often spend years planning and replanning in my head trips to the destinations on my travel bucket list. What attractions will I go to and sights will I see? Much of what I know or imagine a destination will look and feel like is based on movies and shows set or filmed there. For that reason I love the idea of a travel itinerary based on some of the locations of movies that help to put that destination on my bucket list in the first place. 

Ireland is at the top of this list, for it's charm, history, beautiful landscape, not to mention the dreamy accent. Below are some of my favourites that rekindle my urge to go to Ireland each time I watch them.

Dublin:

• Life's A Breeze: Dublin & Maynooth (County Kildare)
• Standby: Dublin
• About Adam: (aka All About Adam): Dublin
• Educating Rita: Set in Liverpool but filmed in large part in Dublin

County Wicklow:

• P.S. I Love You: Bray, Glendalough, Enniskerry, Lacken Village & Dublin
• Love, Rosie: County Wicklow & Dublin

County Galway:

• Leap Year: Connemaroo, Aran Island & Maynooth (County Kildare)
• The MatchMaker: Aran Island, Roundstone

County Kerry:

• Run and Jump: County Wicklow & County Kerry

Isle of Man: (technically not Ireland)

• Waking of Ned Devine: Gaymaye, Cregneash, Douglas, Niarbyl, Dalby

Shows set in Ireland:

• The Fall: Belfast
• Jack Taylor: Galway & Dublin

BONUS: for those with Netflix check out Tales of Irish Castles

Below are more links to further inspire and help you create the perfect personalized Ireland Itinerary based on movie and series set and filmed in Ireland.

• Ireland.Com Ireland on Screen - Touring Routes and Intinerary
• Ireland.Com - 4 Day Game of Thrones Tour Route and Itinerary (filmed in Ireland)
• Game of Thrones Ireland Set Locations Map - via Daily Mail

I thought this look like a cool idea as well! 
Ireland.Com - Ireland's Oldest Pubs Touring Route and Intinerary

Yep, just thinking out loud and about visiting Ireland. Now I guess I just need a little luck of the Irish to make it happen. 

Note: I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own and the purpose of this post is merely to share with my readers. 

Images courtesy of Pixabay

Things To Do in St Pete-Clearwater #Florida #SpringBreak #travel @vspc

Fun Things to Do In and Around St. Peterburg and Clearwater Florida 

For years I have been going to Clearwater at Spring Break. From beaches to Blue Jays the Communities of St Pete-Clearwater Area each have their own unique attractions and things for a family to see and do.

Beaches: 

There are lots of beach options in the St. Pete - Clearwater area. Below are a few of my favourites.

• Clearwater Beach: Voted #1 on TripAdvisors 2015 list of Top 25 US Beaches. It has lots of white sand, activities and sunshine. Sunset Fun at Pier 60 Clearwater Beach is filled with fun. Buskers and performance artists entertain the crowds, and along the pier merchants sell handcrafted items. 
• Honeymoon Island State Park: This lovely and quiet undeveloped beach is a perfect location for a family day at the beach, and always a favourite for us when the kids were young.
• Fort De Soto Park: "Fort De Soto park consists of 1.136 acres made up of five interconnected islands (keys). These keys are home to beach plants, mangroves, wetlands, palm hammocks, hardwoods, and scores of native plants." Although I have not been here myself I hear if is very nice. 
• Indian Shores and Indian Rock Beach: I always associate this beach with lots of pelicans since the first time we visited we stayed at a hotel right on the beach beside the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. At the time my kids were young and they loved seeing all the pelicans on our daily walks on the beach.

Things To Do:

There is no shortage of things to do for all ages and interests when visiting the St Pete Clearwater area. We always divide our time between eating, fishing, shopping, skateboarding and visiting book stores.

• Tarpons Springs: I found this to be a lovely destination for lunch and an afternoon of shopping in the unique shops at Tarpon Springs. In this historical village famous for it's sponge beds you can experience Greek culture and cuisine. The Tarpon Springs Aquarium is another family friendly attraction option. 
• John's Pass Village and Boardwalk: I highly recommend a visit to this quaint village filled with shops and restaurants. It's a free activity to walk the boardwalk and window shop. I found the prices in the shops to be very competitive and perfect to pick up some gifts and keepsakes. In my opinion a visit to John's Pass for lunch, souvenir shopping, and a walk along the boardwalk makes for a perfect afternoon. Pirate Ship at John's Pass: offer another family friendly activity option. 
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium: There are Aquarium Exhibits and the option of Boat and Kayak Tours
• Dali Museum:which currently has the Disney and Dali Exhibit
• Museum of Fine Arts
• Skateboard Parks: Ross Norton Rec Center Extreme Sports Park in Clearwater and Fossil Park, St Petersburg. Although Thing 2 has been to both, we always had to fit at least a couple visits to Ross Norton into our itinerary.

• Fishing Options and Hot Spots: There are lots of fishing options from chartered deep sea day trips to fishing off piers. Skyway Fishing Piers are huge piers you can fish from and a must do at least once for the angler in your family. You can also fish off Clearwater Beach Pier 60.

• Baseball Spring Training: 15 Major League Baseball teams do their spring training in Florida. The Toronto Blue Jays train in Dunedin. Be warned the fans are just as enthusiastic at spring training as in the regular season. 
• Jolly Trolley: The Clearwater Beach Jolly Trolley is a very economical option. It was always a favourite with my kids when they were younger, and was almost an attraction in itself. 
• Other Kid Fun Ideas in St Pete- Clearwater

Some Favourite Family Friendly Eateries:

Some of our favourite restaurants chains to dine at are Panda Express, Chili's and Smokey Bones, but the ones below are particularly family friendly and fun for younger kids.

• Chuckie Cheese: This was a must do for years when my kids were younger. My only real issue is having to share my game tokens with my kids. Kids are sooo demanding. Be sure to do some online searches for coupons for extra tokens, or specials and deals. Chuckie Cheese has locations on in Clearwater and in St Petersburg. 
• CiCi's Pizza: This is one of our favourite budget friendly pizza places. 
• Crabby Bills - Clearwater Beach: I don't think I have ever visited Clearwater without dinner at Crabby Bills after a day at the beach. 
• Frenchy's Rockaway Grill: Known for the best Grouper Sandwich in the area! 

I hope I have given you some ideas to add to your St. Pete - Clearwater trip itinerary. 

Happy Travels!

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about visiting Florida.

Note: I was not compensated for this post. It's purpose was merely to share my experience and information with my readers. All opinions are my own.

Life Long Love Affair: #DisneyWorld Over the Years. #travel #familytravel #traveltuesday

For me Disney World is a magical place, where so many memories have been made.

Disney Over the Years

I was in Grade 7 the first time I went to Disney World. It was a big deal, and the first big vacation our family had taken. Back then Magic Kingdom was the only Disney theme park, with Epcot opening a few years later. The trip took place over the Christmas holidays, and Santa brought me and each of my siblings a Mickey Mouse watch. Mine had a clear back so the gears could be seen, my older sister's was a huge wall clock that looked like a watch, my younger sister's was a cute red banded one, and my brother's was a fob or pocket watch. 

It was the beginning of a life long love affair with Disney World. We stayed at a resort called Lake Buena Vista that was one of the three Disney Resorts that existed at the time, the others being the Contemporary and the Polynesian. Each time the mono-rail stopped mid-trip 25 feet above the ground, it provided endless entertainment as we all immediately mimicked the automated announcement "Please take all small children by the hand and watch your step". 

On our first trip with the kids Disney's Animal Kingdom had just opened and it turned out be almost as awesome as Magic Kingdom. We stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort, in my opinion a fantastic choice for families with young kids. and had a wonderful time in spite of the fact Thing 2 aka danger boy fractured his collar bone falling off the bed he was jumping on. Not really a big shock when he become a skaterboy just a few years later. While at Animal Kingdom we foolishly bought a large stuffed Tigger, and realized moments after paying we'd have to carry it around the park all day. Before I could even voice my concern we were told it could be delivered to our room. It was posed looking out the window as if watching for us, when we returned to our room later that evening. 

I love that everything from the luggage tags, to the waffles are Disney themed. There are perks to staying on-site like extended or early park hours, character meals, Tigger delivery service, and twice when we have gone at the end of August a free meal plan promotion, which was a huge savings.

When we returned a few a few years later I was surprised at how many rides and attractions the kids remembered when we returned a few years later. Thing 2 was only 18 months old on our first trip. The Tiki Hut apparently left quite the impression. This was the trip the Buzz Lightyear ride became an all time favourite. This was also the trip that marked the start of the Downtown Disney Lego store tradition. We visit and buy at least one Lego keychain on each visit to Disney. We stayed at a very nice hotel close to the parks called the Bohemian Hotel Celebration.

For our next trip to Disney World we once again returned to the Caribbean Beach Resort, for another wonderful memory making trip. Both times we stayed at this resort we were extremely happy with the rooms, dining options, service and selection of activities available right at the hotel. I would happily go back, and always check price and availability here before looking for other accommodations. It was on this trip we were introduced to the lanyard and collector Disney pin exchange. We had a riot with the Disney staff both at the parks and the resort exchanging pins and finding out which ones were limited edition or rare.

In keeping with tradition ... we head back again, this time staying off-sight at the Caribe Royale - Orlando, The hotel is very nice, but we were there at Spring Break and traffic getting in or out of the hotel and around this part of Orlando was brutal. We could literally walk faster than the traffic was moving. So if you plan on going out for meals or to theme parks, we found it very frustrating. Also local calls and wi-fi were not included in the cost of the room. In general that is a deal breaker for me, but this trip was planned last minute so our options were somewhat limited. 

Yep, back again! This time staying at the Hilton Buena Vista Palace an Official Walt Disney World Hotel located directly across the street from Downtown Disney. The hotel is beautiful and service and room were great, and we loved everything about it except the unexpected resort fee of $22.50 US per night. We were informed about this mandatory resort fee at the time of check-in. I gather this is quite common for Orlando hotels now but multiply that by 7 nights and it adds up. The resort fee included free local calls, internet and park shuttle service, but personally I find fees like that sneaky. If I don't have a choice add it to the price and show me the true cost so I can budget accordingly. We did used the shuttle bus to the parks for the first time ever and that was convenient, easy and included in the cost of the room. Each evening we walked over to Downtown Disney for dinner,a visit to the LEGO store, to shop and take in the many activities and performances. 

We have been stayed at Disney twice at the end of August, and found that time of year has some of the lowest of the year, and in the past have had free meal plan promotion at this time of year. In my opinion staying on-site at a Disney Resort when the kids are young makes everything easier and worth the paying a bit more. The perks, and promotions they often can make it the same cost overall. Certainly the free meal plan makes for substantial savings

My wish is that everyone gets the chance to experience the magic of Disney at least once in their life, because you're never too old for Disney. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about the happiest place on earth. 

Note: I have not been compensated for this post. The purpose of this post is merely to share my experiences with my readers.

These Lil Piggies Went to Market: Portcellino Florence #Italy #Travel #TravelIdeas

These Little Piggies When Mercato Nuovo in Florence Italy. 

Il Porcellino 

(piglet in Italian)

A famous bronze statue of a boar that lives in the Mercato Nuovo in Florence, Italy.

This lil piglet and I met at the market 23 years ago while on my honeymoon. The story goes if you rub the boar's snout it will ensure a return to Florence.

Sixteen years later ...

Indeed I did return to Florence, but on my second visit my own little piglets joined me. Hopefully they too will return to Florence one day (maybe even together).

Not only will you find this cool pig featured in many a tourist selfie (or should I say sowfie), but he also has cameos in two Harry Potter movies, and in Hannibal. 

Florence is a very special destination with tons of history and "must see" attractions, but wouldn't be a neat idea to discover Florence by building an itinerary around the attractions featured in a movie. Maybe on my next visit to Florence I can try this, because there simply must be a return to Florence ... I rubbed Il Portcellino's snout so it's my destiny.

Below are a few posts and resources I found on my journeys. I thought they might provide some travel inspiration.

Film Locations in Italy - Holiday Ideas for Florence

10 Movies Filmed in Florence

Film Locations for A Room With a View

Visit the Places in Dan Brown's Inferno: The Places of Inferno in Florence

Visiting Hannibal Locations in Florence

Hannibal Lecter's Florence

What movie locations would you most like to build a travel itinerary around? 

Please share in the comments section, I love hearing your ideas and feedback.

Happy Travels!

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about travel and another trip to the market.

Note: I was not compensated for this post. It's purpose is merely to share my experience and travel ideas with my readers. 

Go BIG or Go Home: #Shopping at SawGrassMills Outlet Mall #Florida #traveltuesday #travel @ShopSawgrass

Sawgrass Mills Outlet Mall Really Embraces the Saying:Go BIG or Go Home

With 350+ Stores it's "the largest value shopping destination in the United States".

On a resent trip to Fort Lauderdale I managed to fit in some (lots) retail therapy at Sawgrass Mills. My Mom, Big Sis and I participated in several very productive group retail therapy sessions.

Upon hearing about this "huge" outlet mall from my Mom, I thought I would hate it because it was just too big, but turns out I did not. The store and retail selection and variety was great (dah - 350+ stores) but what I really liked was it's largely an indoor mall. If I'm going to cover that much space and spend that much time in one place I don't want to deal with the rain, heat, and the elements. 

The Colonnade is outdoors. This is a new section of high-end stores, many of which have great window displays for window shopping. 

(Above images via Sawgrass Mill's website)

You'll find Sawgrass Mall has a selection of:

"Look-Don't-Touch" Stores like Gucci, Armani Outlet, Burberry, Prada, and Tag Heuer 

"Buy-If-On-Sale" Stores like Coach, The North Face, Polo Ralph Lauren and LaCoste AND

"For-Everyone-Stores" like The Gap Outlet, Clark's, Columbia and Nike Factory Store.

I managed to pick up a few deals, like Clark's Original Desert Boots, a couple of Coach wristlets, a selection of LeSportsac, a LaCoste watch for Thing 1, and a pair of Converse for Thing 2. 

My Take-Aways:

Overall I found the mall size manageable 

with the help of a Mall Directory Map, a List of Retailers and just a little bit of planning and prioritizing. I also strongly suggest comfortable shoes and a couple folding reusable bags that are easily carried in a pocket of purse.

There were deals to be had, 

and each of us managed to find several great ones. For example I purchased my desert boots from the Clark's store (Reg $130 US) for $45, and found Thing 1's watch at the Movado Company Store (Reg $255 US) for $68. I also managed to pick up a great tote from Mandarina Duck (Reg $259 US) for $9! 

The staff and service 

at almost every store I visited was outstanding. Special mention to the staff at Chipotles in the food court (friendly, fast & efficient), Movado Company Store (so helpful), Mandarina Duck (totally delightful experience) and the young gentleman at Clark's (what a card).  

I hate the parking! 

This is a big and busy mall, and the majority of the convenient or close parking spots seemed to be reserved for valet parking. I understand a small portion set aside for valet, but the majority of good spots should reserved for the general public. Let the valets run the 1/4 mile to the boondocks parking spots, since the whole point of valet parking is to have someone else walk so you don't have to. 

Sustenance for Shopping Stamina: 

Sawgrass Mills has two Food Courts (one at each end of the Mall) as well as a selection of restaurants. We loved the Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls.

Near by (0.9 miles) from the mall is Chili's that we ate at several times and liked the food, price point and the service.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about retail therapy.

Worth every cent.

Note: I was not compensated for this post. The purpose of this post was merely to share my experience with my readers. All opinions are my own and reflect my personal experience with the brands and products.

Five Boredom Busting #FreeApps for Planes Trains and Automobiles #traveltuesday #traveltips #travel

5 Free Boredom Busting Apps For Appy Travels on Planes, Trains, or Automobiles.   

I love to travel, but not necessary the process of getting there. Often I find myself with chunks of time with nothing to do, and looking for a distraction. Having these 5 free apps on my cellphone gives me enough variety to get me through long road trips, flights, or stopovers. 

Bonus: They don't require wi-fi or data to play meaning I can use them anywhere.  

I use an android phone but most of these free apps are available for iPhones and both android and ios tablets.

Suduko

2048

Threes

Mahjong Solitaire

Kobo 

(also available Kindle)

What are your best travel boredom busters ideas?

 Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about appy travels. 

Note: I was not compensated for this post. It's purpose is merely to share with my readers. All opinions are my own. 

Vacation Vocation: #Travel Bucket List #1 #Hawaii #FamilyTravel #TravelTuesday

I believe I have found my true vocation; to be on vacation full time. If money, time and commitments were no object then I would start to tick off all the places on my Travel Bucket List one by one, starting with a return trip to Hawaii.

In 1999 my husband and I spent 5 wonderful days on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii on a work related trip. My kids were both under 3 at the time and we felt it would be better for all concerned that they sit this one out, so we did not bring them with us. We snorkeled right off the hotel beach and it was AMAZING! Beautiful fish, giant sea turtles just swimming by. I vowed that some day I would come back with my kids and experience this with them. They are teens now, and I think they are at the perfect age to appreciate the adventures of snorkeling in the morning, and visiting snow top mountains to see the giant telescopes in the afternoon.

We stayed at the Mauna Lani Bay Resort. 

Image via the Mauna Lani Bay Resort website

This is what I want to do with my kids!

Image via the Mauna Lani Resort website

Although this is not my picture, when my husband and I walked into the water from the hotel beach and swam out about 5 minutes this is exactly what happen! It was simple amazing!

Image via Mauna Lani Bay Resort website

It's an experience I want to share with my kids.

Image via the Mauna Lani Bay Resort website 

Besides the gorgeous weather, and the snorkeling, tours up to the Mauna Kea Observatories, or as I like to refer to them "the GIANT Telescopes" are available. Interestingly Canada has a hand in the operation and governance of 3 or the 13 telescopes at the Mauna Kea Observatories. Hawaii makes for so many one of a kind lifetime experiences and that's why it's at the top of my Travel Bucket List! 

I truly hope we make it back someday with the kids. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about my travel bucket list.

Note: I was not compensated for this post in any way. The purpose of this post is simply to share my experience with my readers. 

Useful Links:

• Mauna Kea Observatories: Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii
• Mauna Kea Observatories: Visiting the Summit
• Go Hawaii.com
• Fodor's Travel: Hawaii Big Island - Things To Do

Easy to Make Kids ID & #EmergencyContact Cards #familytravel #travel

Easy to Make ID and Emergency Contact Information Cards Perfect for When You're Travelling with Children. 

My kids are seasoned travellers with countless flights and road trips under their belts. They've been on dozens of flights to Florida, a trip to Italy, and countless road trips including Washington DC, Boston, Myrtle Beach, and around Canada.

For each of these trips I made my kids Emergency Contact and Information Cards. 

The first type I create is wallet size and for my kids to carry. 
It's especially important if  your child is too young to know or remember the resort or hotel information, emergency contact numbers, or if the destination's spoken language is different than that of your child's. 

The second type I make is for myself and other adults so in an emergency situation important information can be quickly and easily accessed.
I also liked to give these cards to the kids grandparents, or supervising adults during times my kids were travelling without me, especially if destination was unfamiliar to my kids.

TIP: Always grab a handful of extra airline luggage tags. 

Whether you're at a theme park, in a shopping mall, or just out and about on vacation these are perfect to attach resort and emergency contact information to a child's belt loop, or wrist.

TIP: Inexpensive luggage tag laminating kits are perfect to make kids ID cards.

 Using an ink pad, and the same laminating packs I also make information cards that I carry with me with important information that might be difficult to easily access away from home. Lets hope you never need to use these cards, but I like the piece of mind they give me when I'm travelling with kids.

Sharing is caring, so please share your tips or ideas in the comments section. 
I love hearing your feedback. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about travelling with kids.