travel with kids

Driving into summer vacay

Greetings ~

Wowzers!! What a crazy couple of months!! Can you believe the last week of school has come and gone (at least here in NE FL) and we are headed face first into summer. Like so many of you our summer vacations were completely derailed by a virus. We have put those plans into action for next year and still working on some ideas for this. I thought I would share a few options with you this week!

My goal was to find driveable locations with outdoor activities for all ages. (remember our family ranges from kindergarten to high school)

Today we will start with Fl because the need for vitamin sea during the summer is still real!!

St. Pete/Clearwater Beaches

About 1 ½ hours from Orlando is the #1 and #2 Beaches in the US (ranked by Trip Advisor). This is the Clearwater and St. Petersburg beaches. This fun beach town is perfect for families. You can hop in the car and drive down via I-95 or I-75.

Clearwater Beach courtesy of Google images

Clearwater Beach courtesy of Google images

Some Resort Options -

Tradewinds Island Grand Resort

Tradewinds Island Grand Beach Resort

These resorts remind me of Beaches Resorts. There are tons of things to do for families. It is not an all inclusive, so you have to pay for the activities, but it is a good one for after the quarantine to just relax at the beach with your family.

Click on the links below for recommendations in St. Petersburg/Clearwater, including an online magazine with recommendations. And I am happy to make any necessary arrangements for you!

So here you have it - the 1st option of the week!! And I would be honored to help you plan your summer get away!

Universal Resort Hotel Review

Endless Summer Resort Surfside Inn and Suites (Universal Studios Orlando) - Review

Greetings ~

Over the summer our family stayed at the newly opened Endless Summer Resort Surfside Inn and Suites in Orlando. Universal Studios newest resort to hit the scene. Touted as large family and budget friendly it truly got the attention of this family!! The resort itself is actually located off of International Drive which is just a quick drive over to the Universal Resort. They do also offer shuttles to their theme parks as well as City Walk. Now let’s get down to business.

The rooms do truly accommodate families of 6 and allow for breathing room. The picnic table with the kitchenette area is a great place for a quick breakfast in the room or a late night pizza snack! The shower and toilet is set apart from the sink and mirror which for a family is FABULOUS!!! The beds are comfortable and under bed storage for suitcases.

A Starbucks in the lobby and a great quick service restaurant make it a perfect spot to lay ones head after a busy day making magic or riding the movies!! Want to know more? Please feel free to reach out to me I would love to help plan your next trip!!

P.S. The sister resort Dockside Inn and Suites to Surfside Inn and Suites is opening soon right across the street.

What a fun welcome into the resort

What a fun welcome into the resort

A comfortable lobby

A comfortable lobby

Starbucks and a comfortable seating area who could resist?

Starbucks and a comfortable seating area who could resist?

Need to work a tad or charge the phone no worries the lobby has you covered!

Need to work a tad or charge the phone no worries the lobby has you covered!

Grab a seat or take a short walk to the grab n go quick service area around the corner!

Grab a seat or take a short walk to the grab n go quick service area around the corner!

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A comfortable place to grab a family meal

A comfortable place to grab a family meal

The pool as seen from our room

The pool as seen from our room

The room as you see it when you enter the door

The room as you see it when you enter the door

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