Traveling! Traveling is such an enjoyable and educational experience. It allows you time to discover new things, try new foods, and see new places. It gives you a chance to relax, rewind, and rejuvenate. The benefits of traveling go far beyond just adding pictures to your scrapbook or social media app. You create memories! You experience things you never have before! You can even visit the same place every time you travel because you enjoy that location and atmosphere so much!
What’s even better is that traveling is possible for anyone! Budgets can be used, coupons can be clipped, and travel arrangements can be made. It takes planning, but it is well worth the effort!
Welcome to our new Mountainside Hideaway
October 23, 2022 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 2 Comments
My husband and I have played with the idea of owning vacation property for well over ten years. However, we…
The Best Attractions at Holiday World for Little Ones
July 11, 2022 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
If you’re looking for a great place to take your young child for some summer fun, Holiday World is the…
The Ultimate Road Trip Scavenger Hunt for Young Kids
June 16, 2022 Kristyn Jones | Leave a comment
Traveling with kiddos is a great way for them to learn new things and have new experiences! However, long road…
The Best Family Activities in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
June 10, 2022 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
If you’ve not made the trip to Gatlinburg and/or Pigeon Forge yet, you are missing out! The area is beautiful…
Exciting Family Adventures at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg
May 28, 2022 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee are fantastic family destinations in the midwest. There is so much to see and do…
The Top Six Reasons You Need to Visit Top Jump
May 16, 2022 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
We love visiting Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in Tennessee! There is so much to see and do for everyone of…
The Ultimate Packing List for Your Next Ski Vacation
February 15, 2022 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
My eighteen-year-old son asked to go skiing for his 18th birthday and I thought why not! I had never planned…
The Best of Carnival Magic
February 13, 2022 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
My husband and I originally booked our cruise on Carnival’s Magic in 2019 to celebrate my husband’s 50th birthday in…
Traveling the US: 20 out of 50 States in One Year!
January 22, 2022 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
My goal for 2021 was to see how many states I could visit. Let’s see what I’ve been able to…
What You Need to Know About Crystal Mountain’s Cottages
January 17, 2022 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
We had the pleasure of spending a few weeks at Crystal Mountain Resort in Michigan recently. My boys had a…
What You Need to Know About Crystal Mountain Michigan!
January 13, 2022 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
If you are looking for a fun and family-friendly ski resort in the midwest, then Crystal Mountain, Michigan is a…
The Most Amazing Route 66 Stops in Arizona
January 6, 2022 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 22 Comments
We had an amazing out west adventure this past summer! We saw and learned so much. I definitely believe that…
The Best Reasons to Visit The Opryland Resort
December 23, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
Nashville, Tennessee is one of my favorite cities to visit. It’s less than three hours from our home and has…
Top Reasons Not To Skip Petrified Forest in Arizona
September 5, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
We have visited several National Parks recently and my favorite so far is the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona!…
The Best Stops in Yellowstone National Park
August 4, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 34 Comments
My husband, youngest son, and I went on a two-week out west road trip this past summer! It was absolutely…
Buffalo Bill Dam is Amazing and Worth the Stop
July 31, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
If you are heading from South Dakota to Yellow Stone, make sure to stop by Buffalo Bill Dam! It’s a…
Activities Your Teen Will Actually Enjoy in Vegas
July 5, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
Las Vegas is an amazing city that is known worldwide for casinos and alcohol, as well as dazzling views and…
Your Ultimate Guide to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
July 2, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
With over thirty years of traveling experience behind me, I believe I’m very good about finding amazing places to visit…
Must-See Roadside Attractions in South Dakota!
June 17, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
If you are heading down I-90 through South Dakota, there are several can’t-miss roadside stops you have to hit! The…
The Ultimate Packing List for Your Next Road Trip
June 7, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 44 Comments
Road trips can be an amazing adventure! You can go anywhere and see just about anything you want to see!…
The Top Waterpark in Indiana: Splashin’ Safari
May 25, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
Splashin’ Safari is located inside Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana. You pay one ticket price and get admission to…
Family Fun at Holiday World in Santa Claus, IN!
Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari is a family-owned amusement park in Southern Indiana. It’s been around for 75 years and…
Lions, Zebras, Pandas, and More at Zoo Atlanta!
April 25, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
We ventured to the Atlanta area recently and spent the day at Zoo Atlanta! It was a large and beautiful…
Pandas! Twin Pandas!! Need I say anymore?!?!
Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
I was excited to be able to visit Zoo Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia recently! The main attraction I was looking…
The Most Amazing Activities in Atlanta!
Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
Ready for a fun weekend stop? Check out some of the many fun things to do in Atlanta, Georgia! There…
History, Secrets, Milestones, & More at World of Coke
April 18, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
There are so many fun activities to do in Atlanta! We used City Pass to be able to do several…
Top Reasons for Visiting The Georgia Aquarium
April 17, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 40 Comments
The Georgia Aquarium is one of the best and largest aquariums we have been to! One of the best ways…
History and Family Fun in Southeast Virginia
March 29, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
Guest post by: Daphne Reznik There are so many wonderful, historic locations to visit in Virginia and some of our…
Ripley’s Life, Exhibits, Oddities, and More!
March 25, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
I have always been a fan of Robert Ripley and Ripley’s Believe It or Not museums! They have such fun…
Fun for All Ages at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
March 21, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
If you are looking for something fun the entire family will love when you are visiting Gatlinburg, then check out…
Stroll the Boardwalk & Swim the Beaches in Ocean City, NJ
March 13, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 10 Comments
You need to find the time to Stroll the Boardwalk and Swim the Beaches in Ocean City, NJ! It’s an…
The Best SeaWorld Deals for 2021
March 1, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
SeaWorld is one of our favorite theme parks! Like Disney’s Animal Kingdom, SeaWorld is a combination of the things I…
The Best Free Wine Trails in Tennessee
February 28, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 18 Comments
Are looking for a relaxing vacation spot? Somewhere where you can be close to nature and enjoy free activities? We…
The 5 Best Activities in Gatlinburg
February 6, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 38 Comments
So, what is there to do in Gatlinburg?!? What is there for adults to do in Gatlinburg? Are there things…
The Amazing Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Melissa A Jones, PhD | 10 Comments
Are you looking for amazing views of the Smoky Mountains? How about adding a little adventure to those views?? My…
10 Things We LOVE about Disney’s Animal Kingdom
January 27, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
There are endless reasons why we love Disney’s Animal Kingdom, even though it always feels about 10 degrees warmer there…
The Cheesecake Factory: So much more than just amazing cheesecake!
January 18, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
The Cheesecake Factory is WAY more than just cheesecake. The cheesecake is amazing, but the entrees are even better! They…
Gatlinburg & More: Fun for Adults
January 4, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 46 Comments
Looking for a great weekend getaway for adults only? How about a fun week-long adults-only trip? Check out Gatlinburg, Pigeon…
Your Ultimate Guide to Disney’s BoardWalk Resort
December 7, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 32 Comments
There are endless things to love about Disney’s Boardwalk Resort! It is a very nice resort that has great proximity…
Everything You Want to Know Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort
November 15, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 2 Comments
We loved Walt Disney World and all it has to offer! Some of our most enjoyable times outside the parks…
The BEST of Disney’s Magic Kingdom
September 27, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 36 Comments
Magic Kingdom is just that…Magical! It’s often the first place people think of when someone says Disney World and the…
My Favorite Disney Magic Shots and More
September 20, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 26 Comments
Magic Shots are just one of the benefits of Memory Maker. Many people debate about whether or not Disney’s Memory…
What You Need to Know About Disney World after COVID-19 Shut-Down
August 10, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 33 Comments
It really is still magical! I had the opportunity to visit Walt Disney World with my second youngest son in…
7 Easy Ways to Travel For Less
July 16, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 14 Comments
I love traveling and I have raised my children to enjoy traveling, but it can get expensive fast! With having…
What Do I Pack to Disney This Trip??
July 7, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 31 Comments
I am so excited that Disney World is about to reopen! I have three trips planned during the rest of…
Disney Springs
June 14, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
Disney Springs opening is a start! We have not been here for almost nine months and after three canceled/rescheduled trips…
5 Things We LOVE Near Clearwater Beach, Florida
June 12, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
We live in Indiana but have been to Florida several times. We have tried various beaches and found the beaches…
Niagara Falls Fun
June 3, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
We arrived in the rain We weren’t sure what to think about it. It was raining when we arrived. The…
Disney World REOPENING
May 27, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
UPDATED 7/14/2020 The Governor of Florida has confirmed Disney World will be reopening as scheduled!! We have UPDATED information about…
Disney Re-Opening Begins
May 7, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
Disney Springs will begin phased reopening May 20, 2020. We are super excited! It’s a first step!! Disney Springs will…
My 10 Favorite Things About Disney World!
May 2, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 41 Comments
We have been taking family vacations to Disney World for over ten years. We have made amazing memories! There are…
Disney Face Masks!
Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
Here is the information Disney has shared about their face masks! Disney is committed to serving the communities where we live…
Fun Favorites–Great Disney Restaurants for kids
April 11, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 3 Comments
Here are some of my family’s favorite Disney World restaurants! They all offer great food and a fun atmosphere and…
Seaworld Deals
February 9, 2020, Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
I love to travel. I love seeing new things and doing new things and showing all of these new things…
Why Do You Travel So Much?
February 6, 2020, Melissa A Jones, PhD | 30 Comments
I get asked this all the time! Why do you travel so much? Where are you going this time? You’re…
Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge
January 6, 2020, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
Boma is the sit-down (table service) restaurant at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It is a buffet that offers a wide…
Disney’s 1900 Park Fair Breakfast
January 1, 2020, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | 30 Comments
Our last trip to Disney World was amazing! Disney’s 1900 Park Fair has a wide variety of offerings…both with food…
The Characters at Hollywood and Vine at Disney Studios
December 26, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
Minnie’s Hollywood and Vine is a character buffet that is perfect for all ages! This has been a staple during…
The Grand Floridian’s Two-Story Gingerbread House
December 15, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
During the Christmas season, the cast members at the Grand Floridian in Walt Disney World builds a two-story gingerbread house…
Five Benefits of Trying New Foods
July 21, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | 2 Comments
I’m a picky eater, but I’m also a believer in trying new things and trying new things includes trying new…
What do you do when the Mom of Boys doesn’t like camping?
June 15, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
I was a single mother when my children were very young. Due to that, I decided I must make sure I…
My Disney Backpack
June 8, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
I often hear people in various Disney Facebook groups and other social media outlets asking about what they need to…
When Rain Does Not Go Away on Vacation
May 27, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
So you made plans months in advance, traveled a long distance to arrive at your vacation destination, and…..then it rains…
How can I make my money stretch further?
May 20, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
My husband and I have seven biological children between the two of us so stretching our finances has always been…
How do you travel so much with so many kids???
May 20, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
First and foremost…I LOVE TO TRAVEL! Seeing new things, trying new foods, and enjoying the drive or flight on the…
How do you pack for so many people?
May 20, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
I have a ton of kids and love to travel! I have always loved traveling, leaving the country for the first…
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