Travel Archives - Samantha M. Skinner http://www.samanthamskinner.com Marketing Specialist & Content Magician Fri, 12 Jun 2020 00:36:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.5 https://i0.wp.com/www.samanthamskinner.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cropped-cropped-logo-1.png?fit=32%2C32 Travel Archives - Samantha M. Skinner http://www.samanthamskinner.com 32 32 158074898 Travel http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/a-kids-guide-to-atlantis-paradise-island/ http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/a-kids-guide-to-atlantis-paradise-island/#respond Fri, 24 Aug 2018 14:13:32 +0000 http://samanthamskinner.com/?post_type=a3-portfolio&p=2067 Atlantis is a paradise island where dreams are made for children of all ages. Not only is it a water park, but it is also a themed island that welcomes […]

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Atlantis is a paradise island where dreams are made for children of all ages. Not only is it a water park, but it is also a themed island that welcomes one and all inside. There are numerous activities for children (and adults, alike) to take part in, the water rides are adventurous, while the food caters to every need and want. Atlantis makes the vacation for you, you don’t make the vacation, making it a hot spot for families that want to explore islands and the fantasies that await on them.

 

Hotels and Resorts on Atlantis

Of course, those that come to Atlantis choose a resort as they are all-inclusive and come with just about everything you need for your stay. This saves time and money. Some of the resorts and hotels in the area, however, are not so family-friendly as others might like. Here are some of the best (and worst) hotels to stay in while traveling to this area with children.

 

The Best

  • Atlantis Bahamas
  • Harborside Resort
  • The Royal at Atlantis

 

The Worst

  • Comfort Suites Paradise Island
  • The Beach at Atlantis

 

It is best to do some research on the hotel before you make a final decision. Choose one that works the best for you and your family.

 

What to Do at Atlantis

There are plenty of activities and things to do in Atlantis, but if you’re new to the area then it might be ideal to see what is being offered. There are older kid activities, as well as those geared towards younger children. The age group that you’re traveling with can make all the difference in what activities you and your family decide to do. Here are some great options for everyone to enjoy while on the island.

 

  • Water slides and water rides!
  • Aquaventure
  • Atlantis Movie Theater
  • Go to the beach
  • Find out more about Atlantis when you visit The Dig
  • Go shopping at the many shops
  • Swim with dolphins in Dolphin Cay
  • Dine in many of the restaurants
  • Visit Earth & Fire Pottery Studio to make something

 

Planning Your Trip to Atlantis

As mentioned above, you don’t make a vacation with Atlantis, Atlantis makes a vacation for you. Choosing a resort, packing all you need and knowing how you’re going to get there are the only tasks you have to focus on. However, when it comes to traveling with kids, here are some quick tips that can make the trip smoother.

 

  • Have everything you need for the trip in one ‘trip-bag’
  • Bring something to keep them occupied with during the trip
  • Keep things as simple as possible
  • Relax and plan a strategy out

 

There are many ways to enjoy a vacation with the entire family. When you know what to expect during this vacation, you’re in the best position to enjoy all that the area has to offer and more. You never have to worry about not being able to make use of the time and extras that come with having a fully planned, ready to go vacation. It can be worth it. An Atlantis vacation provides this for you.

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Top 10 Excursions to Do with Kids http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/top-10-excursions-to-do-with-kids/ http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/top-10-excursions-to-do-with-kids/#respond Fri, 24 Aug 2018 14:12:35 +0000 http://samanthamskinner.com/?post_type=a3-portfolio&p=2065 When you visit anywhere in the world while on a cruise ship, there is always a time when the ship docks and you’re able to get off and explore. Oftentimes […]

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When you visit anywhere in the world while on a cruise ship, there is always a time when the ship docks and you’re able to get off and explore. Oftentimes you can book activities and other things to do while off the ship during this time. These are what is known as excursions. Excursions provide more excitement and fun to a trip then just riding on the ship alone.

 

They are small side trips that provide the visitor with excitement off of the ship. They may want to try them out for the first time, or just love doing them time and time again and want to go another time. Whatever the reason, so many love excursions and they continue to be a favorite thing for so many to add-on to their cruise experience.

 

Not only do adults love excursions, but when you bring the kids along for a cruise then they’re sure to love these top ten excursions that are recommended you check out when you do have the kids. They will come back tired, but happy with the excitement that they had for the day!

 

  1. Catamaran Ride

These are private boat tours that will bring you wherever you want to go on the sea. Not only can you fish on them, but you can experience what it is like on a yacht or even a smaller speed boat. You can eat meals right on the boat, spend all day there, even swim in the water. There are no right or wrong answers to using this little side trip as an excursion after being on the big ship for some time.

 

Not many people have the ability or the chance to go on a yacht, but when you’re in the Bahamas, anything is possible. You can grab a ride on the yacht whenever it strikes your fancy. Bring the whole family and enjoy the day out on the sea.

 

Mast Catamaran Charter

Yachts in Paradise

Moorings

 

  1. Half Moon Cay

Half Moon Cay is a beautiful island with crystal clear waters. Not only can you visit the island, but there are even extra excursions that you can make use of while you’re at the island. You can horseback ride on the water’s edge, you can snorkel in the reef, you can enjoy the beach itself, bike or hike on the island, pet stingrays and so much more. This is a day trip that brings you somewhere new but provides plenty for everyone to enjoy.

 

This is one of the cays that has plenty to do for everyone that you might have a hard time deciding who is going to do what. It is an excursion with many extra excursions attached to it.

 

Carnival Cruises Offer These Extras

 

  1. Marine Habitat

Go to many places within this habitat to learn so much more about the marine life that welcomes you from the ocean. With plenty of side attractions and places to learn, this is great fun for the whole family. The Marine Habitat is located on Atlantis Paradise Island, but it will take a day or more to get through all of the exhibits and extras they have within this.

 

There are plenty of activities in Atlantis, but if you do not want to do the water park aspect of it, then this can be purchased separately from the rest, which makes it an ideal choice. You can bring the children to learn more about ocean life.

 

Marine Habitat at Atlantis

 

  1. Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a fun adventure that not many people get the opportunity to sign up to do. Not only can you see what is hiding under the great sea, but you can touch and explore so many areas. There are classes that are offered on almost all of the cruise lines when you choose to visit one of the many islands, cays and beaches that they offer. You can then put snorkeling as an option.

 

Snorkeling can be taught by experts in the field, or you can do so on your own by renting the gear if you have already done this excursion in the past. It is recommended that you go with someone for safety, however. Older kids are strongly encouraged to try this fun activity.

 

Snorkeling in Stuart Cove

Snorkeling in the Bahamas

 

  1. Dolphin Kisses

One of the most loved and favorited excursions for so many, the Dolphin Encounters portion of the trip is usually the favorite one. You can swim with the dolphins, do a meet and greet, give them a kiss and so much more. They’re there for you to enjoy. If you love dolphins or if someone in your family does, then this is where you want to make sure that you are.

 

Dolphin Encounters also has other activities and extras for the entire family to enjoy while they are there for the day, not just the dolphins. Everyone is able to enjoy themselves.

 

Dolphin Encounters

 

  1. Day at Atlantis

Atlantis is where families go to vacation, so naturally you might want to check it out if you’re going to be right next to the park. Not only do they have so much to do, but they have a complete water park set up for everyone to enjoy, regardless of age. This is one of the best ways to spend your day, plus they also offer very affordable day passes that you can purchase to visit the island and have fun while there.

 

Atlantis Day Passes

 

  1. Nature Village

If sightseeing is something that so many love to do then you can explore these uncharted territories that welcome one and all to them. You can find that they each have their own set of hidden treasures within them, which makes this excursion quite unique. Bring the whole family, pack a lunch and enjoy the wide-open spaces, crystal clear waters and blue, sunny skies. The day is ahead of you and you have many islands and parks to explore.

 

Discover the Parks of the Bahamas

 

  1. Aquaventure

Part of the Atlantis Waterpark, this is a smaller part of the park that is dedicated just to the water rides and slides, not the extras that you could use when you visit the entire park. If you want to visit and ride the slides, then this is the portion you would sign up for. Day passes are available through the cruise line and you can come out and enjoy the hot weather, sun and fun that they have put together. Plus, this is an experience that the kids will remember for a lifetime.

 

Aquaventure at Atlantis

 

  1. Jet Skiing

Who doesn’t love to jet ski? Whether this is something that you do right from home, or something that you have never done before, but want to try it out then this is where you can rent the jet skis and head out for the next adventure, right in the open ocean. There are classes that will teach you how to use the skis, while those that are already know are welcome to go out on their own and enjoy them. They’re affordable and they provide you with a way to enjoy all that comes with being in the ocean and actually being able to enjoy being a part of it.

 

Jet skiing might not be for everyone, but those with children can ride with the children or if they are of a certain age, then they can actually drive the jet skis on their own. This makes the vacation even more exciting for everyone involved.

 

K&C Watersports

 

  1. City & Garden Tour

Going on a tour of a new place is always exciting and that is no exception when you’re in the Bahamas. The weather is beautiful and they invite you to walk away, take in the scenes, sights, smells. They want you to walk through the shops and find something to bring back home to everyone you know. They also want you to enjoy the lush, green gardens that they have set up.

 

For those that want to have a tour of the city and the gardens around them, then this can be provided through an official tour guide for the Bahamas. Each cruise line works with a different tour company, but you can find out more about the area and other things to do when you sign up with them.

 

It is important to remember that these excursions do cost a bit extra to do, but they are well worth the price you pay. Oftentimes, when you book them ahead of time before you are set to go on the cruise, you can get them for a discounted price before the day of departure. When you are on the cruise, you can also book these before you dock right at the front information desk. They have many to choose from and they welcome everyone to try something new while they’re in a new place. The Bahamas has plenty to offer the cruiser when it comes to excursions and fun for the whole family.

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Should You Use Kids Clubs & Babysitting at the Resort? http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/should-you-use-kids-clubs-babysitting-at-the-resort/ http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/should-you-use-kids-clubs-babysitting-at-the-resort/#respond Fri, 24 Aug 2018 14:11:46 +0000 http://samanthamskinner.com/?post_type=a3-portfolio&p=2061 Kid’s clubs are specialized clubs for children usually under the age of 12 that can visit and go there while their parents have some down time. These clubs generally have […]

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Kid’s clubs are specialized clubs for children usually under the age of 12 that can visit and go there while their parents have some down time. These clubs generally have older teenagers or adults within them that watch the children while the parents are away. They are thought of as a babysitting type of service, without having to pay for it, while also being fun for the children that are a part of the club.

 

Each club has its own set of activities to make use of, while also being age appropriate. The smaller children are oftentimes placed into different clubs than the older ones. This provides them with more age-appropriate activities. Using them is up to personal choice, but here is some information to help you make a more informed decision.

 

It Can Be Reliable and Pre-Certified Child Care

Before you decide to leave your children anywhere, with anyone, it is important that you find out more regarding the background of those that are working inside the club. Use only those that have certified and did background checks on their workers. Reputable, recommended children clubs are the only clubs you should trust. Of course, each resort can provide further information regarding their clubs and those that run them so that parents can be put at ease knowing who is in control of the room and the children within it. Asking ahead of time is recommended, it can help you choose which resort provides the most activities for everyone.

 

Child-Centric Experiences

There are many clubs that have fun, exciting adventures and activities for the children to enjoy. Many of the larger resorts have unique experiences that children can go along for the fun with when they sign up for the club. Some examples include the Sea Squirts Program with Atlantis where children get up close and personal with sea creature or the Splash Kids Club in Punta Cana which allows children to go out into private water spaces and splash pads and explore the great watery outdoors.

 

Everyone Enjoys Their Vacation Time

When using the kid’s clubs to your advantage, not only can you have a more fun experience as an adult, but family time also becomes more valuable to everyone. You are not constantly around one another throughout the entire vacation and everyone gets to explore different areas of the resort. Leaving your kids with a reputable caretaker provides parents with peace of mind while also opening up more doors to better activities that are happening.

 

It is always good to give everyone memories and experiences that they wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else. Kid’s clubs provide not only the professional childcare that you need to travel with kids and give them their own activities to enjoy, while also having the ability to take a breather yourself. Everyone benefits from kid’s clubs and when kids visit them, they want to go back to them because they had so much fun!

 

 

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10 Great Ways to Enjoy Your Summer http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/10-great-ways-to-enjoy-your-summer/ http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/10-great-ways-to-enjoy-your-summer/#respond Wed, 01 Aug 2018 15:25:43 +0000 http://samanthamskinner.com/?post_type=a3-portfolio&p=2027 When it comes to enjoying more from the summer, you want to be prepared for everything that life throws your way. This is a beautiful time of the year, and […]

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When it comes to enjoying more from the summer, you want to be prepared for everything that life throws your way. This is a beautiful time of the year, and with it comes the ability to do many things outdoors. You no longer have to sit inside your home wondering what you’re going to do. There are plenty of ways that you’re able to enjoy your summer to the fullest and not have to worry about anything else in the process. Here are some of the ways you can make your summer one to remember.

Eliminate the Stress

Put on your designer sunglasses and let the stress melt away this summer. By removing many of your stress factors, and putting yourself in your happy place, you’re much more able to enjoy the time that you have in the sun. Let the small things go, as you embark on some journeys of your own. You do not have to worry about what is going to come next since you can just let the summer unfold in front of you as time moves forward. Take each day by the hour, and do something fun for yourself.

Even if you still have to work, make this a time where you become more organized and once work is finished, you can then begin to have fun. Let yourself enjoy a little, relax a little and get more out of the world around you.

Spend it With People You Love

When you spend any amount of your time with the people that you love, family and friends; you can make the most of your time. Not only that, but you’re able to make memories that you would not normally be able to make. Head out in the beautiful weather, do something nice and make the most of your time when you get together and enjoy everything that comes with it.

Call up those relatives and friends and start a cookout, complete with lawn games and we promise, this can be the most exciting and stress relieving ways to spend your weekend!

Travel a Little

Don’t forget to pack the essentials, including those fashionable glasses and hit the road! You can plan out a trip coming up, or just wing it but taking at least one or two vacations during the summer away from home can be good for you. Go to a new state, a new country, down the road, or to an amusement park. Grab your camping gear and head out on an adventure. Whatever it is that you love to do, you’re able to do so with the help of a vacation and a little imagination for the road ahead.

Soak Up the Sun

Soaking up the sun can, not only give you a boost, but it can make you feel like an entirely new person overall. Put on those aviators sunglasses and lay on the hot sand under the sun. You’re sure to feel like a much more, new and improved you when you have to take on the rest of the day. Bring a book, take a nap but get those vitamins that only the sun is able to provide you with. It is something that can be worth it when trying to get a bit more from your summer than what you’re used to getting.

One of the biggest tips that can be given for you to fully enjoy your summer is to not spend all of your time inside the home. You need to make sure that you leave the home, explore the great outdoors, laugh and smile in the sun.

Sunglasses and Accessories: Must Haves for Summer

Enjoy summer 2016 with stylish accessories, and protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. There are many stylish options to choose from. You always want to ensure that you wear sunglasses to protect your eyes during summer travels, and through the most loved brands and styles, you can do just that. With many online outlets providing you with name brands, quality frames and styles you can trust, there are many ways to grab discounted sunglasses that make you look like you’re ready to take on the summer days ahead.

With the right accessories, the right mood and the right frame of mind, you can be sure to take summer head on and have the best one that you’ve ever had. This is one of the most loved seasons of the year. Don’t let it pass you by, and make sure that you have all that comes with it when you’re prepared for the long haul. There will be plenty of time to spend indoors and sleep when the colder months come knocking, but for now, the summer is where it is happening, and you can be in the middle of it all.

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8 Beautiful Sights Worth Visiting in Dallas, Texas http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/8-beautiful-sights-worth-visiting-in-dallas-texas-2/ http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/8-beautiful-sights-worth-visiting-in-dallas-texas-2/#respond Wed, 01 Aug 2018 15:12:26 +0000 http://samanthamskinner.com/?post_type=a3-portfolio&p=2015 Dallas Texas is home to more than just big steaks, cattle driving and pork barbecue. It’s also home to some truly stunning wildlife and beautiful architectural features. During your visit […]

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Dallas Texas is home to more than just big steaks, cattle driving and pork barbecue. It’s also home to some truly stunning wildlife and beautiful architectural features. During your visit to the historical city, you’ll be captivated by the sights and drawn in by all the natural and man-made beauty that it has to offer. Snap some photos and make memories for yourself while visiting.

Caddo Lake

Get out to Caddo Lake and marvel at the glassy smooth water that weaves in and out the cypress trees covered in Spanish moss. It’s truly a sight to behold. You can fish, boat, picnic, and camp at the site and the lake prove a good solid destination for when you want to get closer to nature.

Dallas Arboretum

Explore more than 66 acres of beautiful gardens, take a bunch of gorgeous photos and become acquainted with many of the native plants and wildlife in the Dallas area while exploring this lush location. It’s open year-round and is an enjoyable destination for everyone.

Nasher Sculpture Center

Head over to the Nasher Sculpture Center for a look at some of the most exquisite sculptures in the Dallas area. Not only is this 2.4-acre exhibit a beautiful location to snap some photos and while the day away, but it’s right next to the museum of art providing you with more art opportunities.

Fair Park

Check out the home of the Texas State Fair while getting a look at a beautiful collection of art, history, and wildlife at the Texas Fair Park. It’s home to the Children’s Aquarium, the Discovery Garden and this lagoon that features a stunning set of walking paths that are captivating.

Adolphus Hotel

Enjoy the taste of luxury while marveling at one of the most exquisite structures in Dallas by booking a room in the top-rated Adolphus Hotel. It was founded by Adolphus Busch, the famous beer tycoon, and it’s worthy of a night’s stay or two. The interior of the hotel is lavishly decorated throughout and truly breathtaking to behold.

Omni Hotel

The Omni Hotel is an impressive spectacle to witness in the dead of night. It’s like a piece of outlandish Las Vegas transported to Dallas. Snap photos in front of the massive glowing structure, or enjoy the luxury offered within. It’s a true icon of the Dallas area and fun to visit.

Reunion Tower

Take in all the beautiful sights of Dallas from the observation deck of Reunion tower, an impressive 561 feet up above the city itself. You can see most of the city from that height and will marvel at all the different landmarks that come into view from far down below.

Cathedral Santuario de Guadalupe

This Catholic church is a beautiful place to celebrate religion and to take in a beautiful piece of architecture at the same time. The church features a collection of towers and other intricate features that make it well worth visiting, even if the visit is just for a photo op.

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