Video: Costa Rica Jungle Water Slide

So, funny story.  I have booked a few clients every year I have been an agent for a trip to Costa Rica.  I have never been to Costa Rica.  It's not unusual for me to book families to places I haven't been - I mean really I haven't been everywhere - but the fact that I have done several trips out there is funny to me.

After watching this video... I've decided I should probably go to Costa Rica!

Check out this slide - THIS is something I would absolutely love to do!  The waterslide zips you through the rainforests in Buena Vista.  Perfect for thrill seekers like myself, who like to keep their feet on the ground!  Take a look at this awesome video from Culture Trip.

What do you think? Would you do it?

Joyful Travel

There are so many benefits to travel - we all know this!  But sometimes, travel can be overwhelming and exhausting.  Here are a few tips on how I get excited and remain zen about the places I am visiting.  The best way to find JOY in all the travel I do!

Music - before going somewhere new, I like to listen to music from that area.  This especially applies to Hawaii.  I get excited about the trip, learn about new bands and new types of music... and then it even acts as a souvenir when I get home.  My husband and I still put on our old Hawaii playlists on the weekends...  it takes us right back there!

People - it is also so important for me to meet and talk with people when I am in new places.  This is funny for me because I don't particularly like talking to strangers... but that's different when I'm traveling.  I like to talk to other travelers, I like to talk to locals...  some amazing friendships have been formed with people I have met while traveling.  My parents actually met one couple on an airplane when they started their trip - and ended up hanging out with them and sharing several meals together during the trip!  And - they're still friends to this day!

Do Something Crazy - step out of your comfort zone!  One of my favorite memories from my honeymoon: my new husband and I were spending the day at the Polynesian Cultural Center.  We had the opportunity to sit down and play this old Polynesian stick game.  I thought to myself there was no way he was going to do it... and he sat down and was the most enthusiastic stick-game-player in the bunch!!  He was able to completely let loose - he wasn't going to see any of those people again - so he had no problem acting like a total kid!!  (I hope this is the same story when we take Salsa Lessons on our upcoming cruise this April!!)

Eat - well, we know you have to eat.  But you know what I mean.  Eat something local, try new things... I ate a green tree aunt in Australia once.  And alligator.  I ate oysters in New Orleans.  I about died and went to heaven the first time I had Mole in Mexico.  I blindly tried whatever they put in front of me in China.  (I may draw the line if I am ever able to try Haggus though...)  You aren't going to get the chance to eat the way you can eat while you travel.  Don't miss out on that opportunity!

Remember to Find YOUR Joy - if this list that I wrote out sounds dumb and awful - don't do any of them.  Everyone is so different, things that are important and wonderful to me may mean nothing to you... and the same the other way!  You know yourself better than anyone.  Know what brings you joy - and find it when you travel.

For me, joy isn't something that happens... it's something I work for.  I need to make the conscious effort on almost a daily basis to bring it into my life... and I hope you do the same!

Three Apps to Make the Airport a Little Less Annoying

I originally posted this blog over in our News section of my agency website Park and Preston Travel.  I thought this would be a great place to post it again!  I didn't really think much about apps when it came to travel until recently.  It was brought to my attention that there are a lot of them out there - and some of them are actually quite helpful!

I can't think of one single person who enjoys airports.  Well, that's not true, I actually really like airports (best. people. watching. ever!) ... but getting IN or OUT of them is another story.  Since getting TSA PreCheck or Global Entry has been on my to-do list for a few years now... and I still don't really want to spend the money... I am all about these apps to help make the airport just a little less of a beating.

1) MyTSA

So, did you know that the Transportation Security Administration has an app?  And they actually want to help you?  They do!  MyTSA has some historical data on how busy certain areas are at any time of day.  If you are so lucky to have TSA PreCheck - the app will help you find the right checkpoints.

2) Mobile Passport Control

This app is brought to you by U.S> Customs and Border Protection.  You can create a profile and add family members... submit customs declaration forms, and head straight for the designated Mobile Passport line!  Most major airports have a Mobile Passport line, but not Las Vegas, Charlotte, Detroit or Philadelphia.

3) MiFlight

So how much do you love Waze?  Same idea.  This app uses information from other passengers standing in line to help figure out what the heck is going on at the airport!  Sometimes, it will even tell you that walking to the other end of the terminal could be faster.  But be sure to pay it forward - share your time once you make it through security!

So, what do you think?  Will you download these apps for your next trip?  Are there any apps you love to use at the airport that you would add to this list?

Day Trip: Waco, Magnolia Silos

Just like any warm-blooded Texas girl... I love me some Joanna Gaines.  I also love what that family, and that show, has done to the sweet town of Waco!  I spent a lot of time there when I was in college (no, I didn't go to Baylor... but my boyfriend in college lived there!)

When I watched the construction of the Silos on TV... saw the pictures online... heard the stories from my friends... I knew we had to make a trip out there. 

So, we scheduled a stop for lunch when we were planning our most recent road trip from Dallas to San Antonio... and it did not disappoint!

We went with absolutely zero expectations - it was really, really hot... and we had two little ones with us.  So if we could only handle 20 minutes... we were going to spend 20 minutes at the Silos!

Parking was... rough.  So plan for that. 

The line to get in the actual store was... long.  So for this trip, I just had to skip it.  Next time (and yes, there will be a next time) I will plan to get there a bit earlier and wait!  I do like that they only allow so many people in the store at once, I'm sure that makes for a much more pleasurable shopping experience...

The first thing we did once we got there was find something to eat.  I was on a pretty restrictive diet at the time, but we decided on the crepe food truck.  It was delicious (even though the 1-year-old and 2-year-old didn't really eat at all...)  I loved all the options... and it was my first time at any sort of "food truck park"!

We took some pictures, let the girls run around on the lawn, played on some (ridiculously expensive) bean bags... and then headed back to the car.  It was actually really quick and totally uneventful... but a blast.  I think if it were a little cooler, I didn't have my kids with me, and I had a good game plan... it would have been really cool.

I'm glad that we stopped, but really it just got me excited to go back!

Enter to Win: Coco Premiere

You and your family can be among the first to see Disney Pixar's upcoming film, "Coco" - before it reaches your local theater this Thanksgiving! 

In "Coco", you’ll meet aspiring musician Miguel and charming trickster Hector, and embark on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

I, for one, am really excited for this film.  I absolutely love Dia de los Muertos - and am pumped up that Pixar is taking a stab at it.  I've already entered to win this - and you should, too!

The winner and THREE guests will get:

• Roundtrip travel to the Los Angeles area
• Tickets to the premiere and party for Disney Pixar's "Coco" in Hollywood
• Two-night hotel stay
• $1,000 VISA gift card for travel expenses

Travel will occur Nov 7-9, and the winner will be notified on or around October 26th... so keep an eye on those emails!

Click Here to Enter

Family Bucket List: Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale, Arizona 

This photo of Scottsdale is courtesy of TripAdvisor

How to Get There?

Drive time: 15.5 Hours*
Flight time: 2 Hours, 25 Minutes*

Where to Stay? 

Splurge: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
Save: Best Western Plus Scottsdale Thunderbird Suites

What to Do?

Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the country. They are extremely committed to conservation and want to inspire their guests and motivate them to care for the natural world. Tickets will cost around $20 for an adult, and $10 for a child 13 and under. They have several different educational programs for kids - starting at 18 months old! The programs do come at an additional cost. One of the coolest things I want to add to our to-do list is Lunch with a Keeper… you get to eat pizza with the zookeepers, ask all the questions you can think up, and then get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Zoo!

MacDonald’s Ranch 
It doesn't get more Western than this, guys. Horseback rides, stagecoach rides, cookouts… and even a pumpkin patch during the fall! Admission is $10 during the week, $12 on the weekend… and kids under the age of 2 are free. (Bring a can of food and get $1.00 off your ticket price!) You can visit the petting zoo and meet miniature donkeys, pigs, goats, sheep, miniature ponies… and lots of other critters. You can pan for gold in the Gem Mine - along with a prospector to show you how to do it. (& you get to keep what you find!!!) There's also a Hay Maze - stacked one bale high so don't worry about losing the little ones. There's games, an old western town, hayrides… train rides… and even a mechanical bull for children and adults.

Butterfly Wonderland
Three. Thousand. Butterflies. … AND reptiles. It is the largest indoor butterfly pavilion in the country - providing an ideal tropical rainforest habitat where thousands of butterflies from around the world fly freely. Tickets are about $22 per adult, $15 for children aged 3-2… and kiddos 2 and under are free. Butterfly Wonderland is a part of Odysea in the Desert… a destination that includes 3 world class live animal attractions and over 15 dining and shopping establishments. You're sure to stumble on a fun event when you make a trip out there… like Free Movies in the Desert (Frozen is showing on December 9th!)

And that's not all… it was hard stopping at these three attractions! You can also check out the Musical Instrument Museum, Goldfield Ghost Town, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, CrackerJax, Old Town Scottsdale... there is so much to see and do!

*Drive Time is from Collin County, Texas... and Flight Time is from the DFW Airport!

My Family Bucket List series is a list of places that you wouldn't necessarily think to have on the top of your "bucket list" - I hope to provide a little background information on fun places to visit that are more affordable and more attainable to the average family! 

Flying with Toddlers

Everybody loves kids on airplanes.

Just kidding.  You're the most hated and most pitied person out there.

You know those stories you hear about a stranger walking a crying toddler up and down the aisle of an airplane?  Or a kind lady holding a lap baby for an hour on a flight so mom can get some sleep?  You know why those stories make your Facebook News Feed?  Because they are RARE.  Do not expect help.  From anyone.  Including flight attendants.  I'd love to insert a story here to warm your heart - but I have none.  People are awful, so set your expectations LOW.