Previewing Our Summer Travel Plans for 2017
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Hey, party people! Welcome back.
Do you love planning vacations like I do? When we worked at our regular 9-5 jobs, planning ahead was a necessity. Since we worked for a very small business, we had to plan almost 12 months ahead just to secure the time we wanted off. These days, I just holler at Greg in the next room to see if he will let me escape my responsibilities for a while. Seriously, I’m glad we don’t have to deal with that anymore.
Even though it’s not as crucial as it once was, I still enjoy making plans. I work really hard, and having something to look forward to helps keep me motivated. Call me crazy, but combing through hotel options and checking flight deals is how I relax. I love finding the best deals, and – for me – planning the vacation is almost as fun as the trip itself.
It shouldn’t surprise you, then, that I’ve already packed our travel calendar for the rest of the year! We’ve got some really fun trips planned, and I can’t wait to share them all with you on the blog. For now, here’s a sneak peek at what you can look forward to reading about this summer.
Germany, Italy, and Switzerland
If you follow us on social media, you’ve probably read that we’re taking an 18-day trip to Europe in June. I’m so excited for this trip to get started I can hardly stand it! This is the biggest and longest trip we’ve ever taken, and planning it has been a beast, so I can’t wait for it all to come together. We’re also taking both the kids with us (ages 8 and 6), and it will be their first time to Europe. (Fingers crossed they’ll sleep on the plane.) We’ve enlisted the help of my brother, who will be coming with us as our guest and nanny. In theory, a third set of hands and eyes will help keep everybody sane!
Anyway, this trip begins with a whirlwind tour of Munich, Germany followed by a quick stop in Verona, Italy. It’s unfortunate that we don’t have more time in each, but our anticipated train schedules and pricing got changed after we’d already booked flights. After Verona, we’ll spend five days in Rome and four days in Florence. In addition to sightseeing in Rome and Florence, we’ve also booked an out of town excursion from each. From Florence, we head to the Swiss Alps for five days – including a stay at the famous Hotel Villa Honegg near Lucerne. I can’t wait to share a view of the pool!
Of course, we’ll write a review of the entire trip when we return. If you want to follow along in real time, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We’ll be doing some live broadcasts and sharing photos as we move along!
Aruba
I’ve wanted to visit Aruba since the very first time I planned a trip to the Caribbean. In fact, I’ve included it as a finalist for almost every beach vacation over the last 5 years. It’s gotten so bad that Greg actually asked me to plan a trip there so we can, and I quote, “get it over with.” Well, he’s in luck. Almost 20 trips to the Caribbean later, we finally have flights to Aruba booked.
In July, Greg and I will be dropping the kids off at his parents in Minnesota and flying to this “One Happy Island.” We’re beginning our trip by staying one night at the Holiday Inn Resort Aruba using some extra IHG Rewards points. After that, we’ll pack up our shit and move down the beach to the Barceló Aruba for a 5 night stay. There will be plenty of kid-free relaxing, swimming, and probably a trip to the casino or two. We’ve also rented a car, so we’ll be sure to share some awesome pics of the island with you.
Punta Cana
Speaking of my first trip to the Caribbean, Greg and I will be returning to the first place we ever traveled internationally together – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Little did we know that our first trip to Punta Cana would be a life-changing experience. Not only was our stay at the Majestic Colonial our first trip to the Caribbean, it also introduced us to all-inclusive resorts! Who knew that this one trip would have such a profound impact on our lives?
Anyway, we’ll be heading back to Punta Cana in early September. Again, we’ll be kid-free, sipping cold drinks as a belated birthday present for hubby. This time, we’re staying at the Club Med Punta Cana! It’s our first time at a Club Med, plus it’s a relatively new addition to their portfolio, so I’m really looking forward to checking it out. We’ll be sure to include all of the details in an exciting review after the trip!
Bora Bora
It’s official: We’re going to Bora Bora! We had planned to take a break in August, but this is an opportunity that’s too good to pass up. Bora Bora is a bucket list destination for me, and I honestly can’t believe it’s happening.
So, Greg and I will be making the trip by ourselves, flying from Indy to L.A., then on to Tahiti. It should take a total of about 18 hours flying to get there, so it will be one looooong day. We’ll be staying at the Four Seasons… in the over-water bungalows!!! They look absolutely incredible!!! I’m sure we’ll be the biggest hillbillies there, but I don’t care. I’m going to Bora Bora!!!
Wrapping Up
I’ve actual got several more trips already planned for the fall and winter, including another trip to Europe, a Winter Break beach getaway, and a stop at my favorite bloggers’ convention! We counted them all up last night, and we’re making a total of 7 different international trips this year to a total of 12 countries. It’s a tight schedule, but somebody has to do it, right?!?
Anyway, I hope you’ve enjoyed this brief preview of our summer travel plans. Remember, if you need help creating a rewards plan that makes travel cheaper, contact me at my FREE Travel Advice page. Until next time, happy traveling!
Do you have any big summer travel plans? What are you doing to save? Let us know in the comments below!
Wow! That’s a lot of trips to a lot of cool places. We love the beach so those definitely look appealing to me. As for us we’re just doing our usual summer routine, which is towing our camper around to a bunch of Michigan state parks. All with lakes and beaches of course 🙂
Michigan lakes are beautiful! I hope you have a blast. Actually, I would like to do a Michigan lake trip soon as well!
Wow. I’m slightly jealous of Bora Bora. Somewhere I’d love to go too. Our girls are still very young but we’re trying a family trip to Portugal this year. Who knows, if all goes well it could be Bora Bora next year!
Hehe, maybe I’ll see you there!
Amazing plans! Lots of great destinations. I see the snorkeling photo. Have you tried scuba diving yet? We’re off to California to visit family and get some surfing in at someone point this summer.
We haven’t done scuba yet, but Greg really wants to. We need to get certified!
Your travel plans sound amazing!
Our big thing this summer outside of normal traveling is that we’re going to sail the BVIs for 2 weeks. I’m excited to live on a sailboat and see if it’s for us!
Michelle, that sounds amazing! It’s smart to try it for a few weeks before you make a big commitment! Are you going alone or with someone?
Exciting trips! So happy for you guys. Post lots of pics, okies? We’re going to NYC, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand this year. Our NYC / Canada is next week. Been searching for tips on how to survive the 10-12 hour flight. Love the trips, NOT the looooong plane ride. If only we can teleport, right?
Yes, teleport. That would be great. I’ve been on several 10-12 hours flights – not fun. Having movies helps, but it’s still a long time!
We loved Aruba and I think you will too.
It was the first Caribbean Island we went to and is still one of our favorites.
Have a great trip!
I’m sure I will. I have been to most islands in the Caribbean and haven’t been disappointed yet! =)
OMG I want your life, haha!!! But seriously!!
Ok, so when did you start actually enjoying traveling with your kids?! Ours still seem like so much… work, lol … that I just can’t justify spending money on an experience I may or may not enjoy.
I do think I need to plan a trip for just my husband and I, though!! Our family is in Arizona, so we’d have to fly my mom out to watch the kiddos, but I’m sure she’d be willing. Hmmm…you’ve got the wheels turning haha!
Anyways, your summer truly sounds fantastic!!! Happy to be able to follow along via social media! 🙂
Honestly, we didn’t do much travel with our kids until our youngest was 3. Before then, we mostly rented beachfront condos in Florida and drove. Our kids never flew until they were 3 and 5! =) It does get easier, though. The older they get, the easier it is to have fun without all the hassle and stress.
Amazing list and honestly being Italian I can say that in my country there are so many hidden gems that only one holiday is too few:P
Ha, I’m sure! Yes, we love Italy!
That is an insane list! Wow, that is a lot of trips. Totally jealous over Bora Bora. Have fun!
Thanks Leana! It’s a bucket list destination for sure. =)
Wow guys, you definitely need a larger suitcase! You can’t fit me in the one you have!
You just need to learn to bend a little better! Try yoga! =)
I’m trying to be like y’all when I grow up. That’s a heck of a list. As of right now, I’m going to Vegas and Detroit. If I can find a deal to London from Atlanta, that will be added to the list.
Sounds amazing! Next year we’ll make our first foray into traveling as a family. The farthest we’ve taken our 3,6, and 9 year olds has been 5 hours away to Cleveland. We are going to the beach near Tampa and spending a few days at Disney. I’m hoping to do a girls-only trip every year with a couple of friends who are childfree and love traveling to hit my bucket list trips, and my husband and I want to take the kids to every National Park as a family.
Nice! That sounds like a lot of fun. We’re going to be doing some more national parks as a family in the coming years as well. I’d love to do a big trip out West sometime in the near future 😀
Bora Bora and Italy are two of my favorite places in the world. There’s just something so magical about them. I’m glad you guy had the opportunity to experience so many diverse cultures in one trip!