Vacations | Mom Blog | From Dates to Diapers™

Travel Photography: Kid Edition #TMOM #KidTough

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on November 3, 2011

As a mom I love to take photos of my kiddos. As a blogger it’s almost a requirement! Julia has come to love taking photos and will grab my phone, camera or Flip any time she can. She always thinks about how she can turn our outings in to a blog post, just like her mommy!

Well, as most of you know, Ray and I love to take the kiddos on a road trip each year to San Diego. One of our favorite places down there is the San Diego Zoo. You can bet that Julia and I are on the lookout for any chance to grab a good shot. But, as you know, trying to take photos of kiddos is a challenge, especially when there is just so much demanding their attention. You know, like gorillas and such! Honestly, I just love those candid shots – shots that capture their wonderment and enthusiasm.

There was one trip to the zoo, in particular, that we will always remember. This trip is etched in to our memories for a lot of reason, but also because of the slideshow that I created. I created a montage using all of our snapshots and even some video clips that the twins took.

Take a look ::

Have you ever handed your digital camera or video cam over to your kiddos when on vacation? What do they take pictures of?

Join Traveling Mom, some blogger friends and me, THIS MONDAY, Nov 7^th, at 9pm eastern for a Twitter party, so we can talk about taking great pictures of your kids. RSVP for the party to be eligible for some great prizes, follow me on Twitter @YoungMommy, and I’ll see you at the party!

I am being compensated by TravelingMom.com for this post and my participation as a panelist at the Twitter party. All opinions and experiences expressed, however, are my own.

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Costa Rica :: An Affordable Tropical Vacation Destination For The Whole Family

by Ray on January 3, 2011

Most people love visiting Hawaii, but have you ever thought to compare Hawaii to Costa Rica?

I suspect many haven’t. I sure didn’t, at least not until 2005 when I visited this gem of a Central American country.

About the size of Vermont and New Hampshire combined and with a population of only 4.5 million, this country’s overwhelming natural beauty lived up to its billing.

I spent nearly five days hidden away in Costa Rica’s lush mountain rain forest while visiting La Montana Christian Camps.

It was a fantastic experience being greeted every morning by the calls of howler monkeys swinging in the nearby canopy and exotic birds chattering to one another. What’s more, the miles of nature trails, rivers, zip lines and other tree top activities gave a thrill unlike any other I’ve experienced.

View of some of La Montana Christian Camp

Posing on a rain forest trail bridge

Before heading back to California and my family, we spent a day at the base of Mount Arenal at Tabacon Grand Spa. It was one of the most unique and amazing experiences. Imagine sitting in shallow rivers and under waterfalls of 100 degree water; water heated by the nearby volcano. It was the most relaxing thing ever. And anything you wanted was at your fingertips – drinks, food, a massage.

One of the Many Waterfalls at Tabacon Grand Spa

Enjoying the 100 degree volcano heated waterfall

One of the pools and bars at Tabacon Grand Spa

But there was one thing on my trip to Costa Rica that I didn’t get to do: the beaches and snorkeling. However, if they’re anything like the rest of the country, I’m sure I wouldn’t have been disappointed. Many surfers and vacationers consider Costa Rica’s sandy stretches among the best in the world.

So why might Costa Rica be a better choice than Hawaii?

Because it’s a fraction of the cost to visit. You get the same tropical experience – maybe even a more diverse one with the volcanic spas thrown into the mix – and you can do it for much cheaper than notoriously expensive Hawaii.

It’s also important to keep in mind that Costa Rica has a very stable government, is very friendly to the United States and because most vacation spots cater to Americans, English is understood and your dollars are accepted with pleasure.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Hawaii (having been twice), but for our next tropical vacation we’re seriously considering Costa Rica. I’d love to return and we’d save some serious cash on a fantastic vacation with our large family.

The view from my lunch table at Tabacon

Right now, you can win a trip to this beautiful country. The Costa Rica Tourism Board, together with the National Aquarium and Los Angeles Zoo, just announced the Get Going Costa Rica Family Adventure Sweepstakes that will send two lucky families of four on an all inclusive family eco- adventure to Costa Rica for six nights and seven days in the summer of 2011.

This is NOT a compensated post.

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Sounds WonderFALL!

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on June 24, 2008

With wild fires close by, the hot air has turned gross, and we are running out of fun things to do indoors. I have found myself daydreaming of a vacation. Not from the kids, mind you, but from every day life at home – laundry, dishes, cooking, cleaning. How I long to grab my hubby and the kids and run off to some place tropical….

From what I hear Beaches provides the ultimate family vacation in paradise! Now, I’ve never been on a Beaches vacation, but I do know that the best of everything in a family vacation is included. Not only are the standard meals part of the package, but kids and parents can have access to “anytime snacks” and beverages. I hear the food is excellent!

Ray will be happy to hear that Beaches offers snorkeling and scuba diving with all equipment and instruction included. But heck, that pool looks pretty inviting, to me! From wading pools for the littlest tots to awesome Pirate’s Island Waterparks sure to keep the big kids entertained, and amazing pools that feature swim-up bars where parents can relax with friends, Beaches has something the whole family can enjoy.

Parents can even schedule a nanny for the kids, for some relaxing time alone, and there are top-notch accommodations, from ocean view and beachfront rooms to lavish one and two bedroom suites, some including your very own personalized Butler Service. Even roundtrip airport transfers, hotel taxes and all gratuities are included.

Now, that’s MY kind of vacation!

WonderFALL Logo If this all sounds good, just wait until you hear about Beaches’ WonderFALL Celebration and special fall discounted prices… If you book by June 26th you can save up to 45% off on your vacation in September and October! Join Elmo and his friends for Fall Family Fun!!