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Hey there Happy Travelers! We have a guest post today for you that I'm really excited to share. This post is coming to you from April who is an online publisher for The Cabins at Grand Mountain in Branson, Missouri. She often writes about Midwest traveling, and log cabin experiences. I actually grew up only a few hours from Banson and remember it being a favorite destination for a lot of my friends' families. If you're thinking about making a trip to Branson, be sure to visit Branson Missouri Cabins for help planning an unforgettable family vacation. Now, let me turn it over to April! A Family Vacation in BransonSpending your family vacation in Branson is certainly time well spent. This small town is located at the heart of the Ozark Mountains in Missouri. Despite being a rather small town, it has blossomed into a major tourist attraction for families looking for wholesome and unforgettable vacation destinations. Even though most of the Midwestern destinations tend to focus solely on cowboy and country flavored activities, Branson is different. There is a great variety of small town and big city entertainment to delight a cross-section of travelers. Therefore, it is the best option for your family if you are longing for a getaway for the holidays. In the winter, Branson comes to life. A rather quaint and quiet part of Missouri for most part of the year, it transforms into a magical winter landscape for the holidays. And it is not just the natural landscape that transforms – all attractions join in with the Christmas spirit and adorn the theme parks, shows and other destinations to remind one of the holidays. Surely, seeing all these lights and hearing the festive music will stir the kid in everyone’s hearts. Caving at Talking Rocks Cavern If you’ve been to Branson before, chances are you’ve heard about this particular attraction. But if you aren’t drawn in by the idea of exploring a cave, wait until you see this during winter. You and your family can head underground and escape the cold winter. During your cave tour, you get to explore gemstone mining from below the ground so you get to experience it first-hand. There is also a rock shop at the Talking Rocks Cavern for those who like to bring home souvenirs. Along with the tour is an educational guide that will provide a glimpse into the geological history of the area within the Ozark Mountains. Who knew learning would be so fun? Silver Dollar City This is no doubt a family favorite – kids and adults alike are sure to have fun exploring the rides and attractions at Silver Dollar City! Quite possibly, this is the most popular tourist attraction in Branson. But for an unforgettable time, visit during the winter wherein the park literally transforms into a winter wonderland. It is also a good time to learn or sharpen up on your skating skills as an ice skating rink is open for the winter. If you’re an ice hockey fan, or someone in the family is, this is also a great time to catch a game of the Missouri State Bears! Acrobats of China This is an experience that your family will not forget for years to come. When in Branson for the winter holidays, don’t miss the New Shanghai Circus show. This is a popular show that features Chinese acrobats perform acrobatic tricks and death defying stunts! There are over 40 performers showcasing their impressive talents during the show that includes contortionists, people walking on a trapeze or aerial ballets. This is no doubt a show suited for people of all ages! When traveling to Branson with your family, expect no less than a Midwestern extravaganza. There is so much to see and do around this famed Midwest town! Hopefully, these ideas will help your family plan an unforgettable vacation. Thanks April! It really looks like no matter what time of year, there's a fun vacation to be had in Branson for the whole family. To start planning your family getaway, give Branson Missouri Cabins a call, and don't forget to travel happy!
Skeeter
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When in Rome, do as the Romans do, right? When I travel, I do my best to blend in. I try to speak the local language and I try to observe local customs. I find this fun, partly from a fashion perspective. I love to see how people dress, and the Italians are pros. Even Pat, who is not all in to fashion commented on how well everyone was dressed, and that he might have been under dressed for Italy. So, here are a few tips if you'd like to blend in a bit. 1. Tailored. Italians look like ever piece of clothing was made specifically for them. Pants hit at the right spot, sleeves are the perfect length, and clothes are not baggy. They are wrinkle fee, and perfectly put together. 2. Polished. From their hair, their manicures, and their squeaky clean shoes, they are polished from head to toe. I was surprised by the number of men that I saw who clearly had their eyebrows done, and who probably spend twice as long getting ready as I do. Men and women both give attention to even the smallest detail of fashion. 3. Classy. Think "Would Audrey Hepburn wear this", rather than Kim Kardashian. There were plenty of slim cut pants and all that, but Italian fashion is classic beautiful, not gaudy. Think coordinated outfits, and classic cuts. 4. Comfort. While I did see women wearing heels, the majority wore sensible shoes. They walk a lot, and heels and cobble stones don't always mix. Plus, if you're on vacation, you're going to be walking a ton, up a million stairs, think comfort and sensible first, but also stylish. Just say no to crocs and Uggs. 5. On that note, don't worry about blending in too much. There are going to be tourists everywhere, and unless you speak fluent Italian, you're going to give yourself away at some point. Here are some things to not do, if you want to not draw attention to yourself as a foreigner, but also don't want to buy a whole new wardrobe:
1. Don't wear white socks with sneakers. If you're wearing shorts, wear no show socks. If you're wearing pants, match your socks to your pants. 2. Don't wear baseball caps, or halter tops. Halter tops are generally a no, because many churches, museums etc have dress codes. Baseball caps are just more of an American style. 3. Anything too casual. Here in the U. S. you can go out anytime of day and find someone out in their pajamas. I never saw anyone even remotely that casual. Don't wear workout clothes as clothes (yoga pants, baggy tanks, tear away pants). If it could be worn as workout/pajamas/a day at the pool, reconsider it. 4. Don't go overboard with trying to be someone you're not. In the end, you are on vacation, have fun, and be comfortable...but not too comfortable. In the end, most of us can't buy a whole new wardrobe for each trip we take. But, we can always put our best foot forward, and be respectful of the places we are visiting. Have a great week, and happy travels! Skeeter Happy Friday! Isn't summer just flying by? It always seems to do that to me. If you haven't been able to get out of town yet this year, hopefully these deals will help! Also, you may have noticed that I've been using Skyscanner a lot lately for travel deals. I've kind of fallen in love. It's great because, if you don't know where or when you want to take a trip, you can search from your airport, and select Everywhere as an option and dates as long as the whole year. Skyscanner then gives you the best deals to everywhere for the whole year. Talk about a travel inspiration generator! Now, on to the deals!
2. Stockholm, Sweden. You can fly from New York to Stockholm on February 4, 2015, return on February 13th, for $437 round-trip with Norwegian Air. Under $500 for round-trip airfare to Europe is pretty awesome. This was also found using Skyscanner.
I hope these are some inspiration to get out there and make the most of your vacation time. The other day, I heard on the radio that most Americans don't use all their vacation time each year. Now, unless you're stockpiling it for an epic sabbatical, don't waste it! Many employers cap out how much you can accrue...which means you are effectively losing out on a benefit. Don't let that happen. Use that vacation, see the world, and have some fun!
Have an awesome weekend, and happy travels! ~Skeeter |
Skeeter
Hi there! I'm Skeeter. I grew up moving a lot and that makes me a bit restless for travel and exploration. I started this blog with my husband Pat when we decided to backpack New Zealand for a year. We are always looking for the next adventure and are loving life. We're just your average couple with two sassy dogs and a love for travel. We're sharing our travels and the tips we pick up along the way. LIZHello! I'm Liz. Blogging is very new to me, but I'm so excited to finally write as much as I talk! Archives
December 2016
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