This post is written in partnership with Beaches Resorts and also includes affiliate links. Click here for full disclosure statement. Long-time readers may remember an alter ego I created some years ago: The Saucy Mom’s Travels. My objective was to merge my passion for travel with my affinity for finely crafted beers, spirits, and cocktails. While there may not be a dedicated section of the blog anymore, The Saucy Mom is still alive and well. So, when Beaches Resorts asked me to share recipes for the resorts’ five most popular cocktails, I welcomed the opportunity! When you think of vacation ..read more

In late 2020, the Year of the Dumpster Fire, my family and I resolved to plan a trip for 2021. A big trip. We all needed something to look forward to. During our discussions, one destination kept coming up: Gulf Shores, Alabama. None of us had ever been, though it had been on my radar for a number of years. We all know several people who vacation there and love it, so we decided that’s where we would go, too. When I say “my family”, I mean my WHOLE family: my mom, my two siblings and their spouses, me, and all of our kids. Six adults and 6 children. We knew exactly what we wanted as far as acc ..read more

Written by special contributor, Hayley Jennings So far during the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 40 million Americans have filed for unemployment. This crisis is bound to have an impact on the world economy, and on our quality of life, for years to come – not just through virus transmission, but through the ripple effects of poverty, economic crashes, and businesses failing. It is safe to say, a good portion of the population was not prepared for this sort of hit. If you have been directly affected by COVID-19, either physically or financially, there’s no doubt that your life has changed dramati ..read more

Written by special contributor, Eric Tress Going with your children on vacation is enjoyable, but after a divorce, it can be tricky. It’s no longer as easy as buying the tickets, packing the bags, grabbing your passports, and heading to the airport.  Why is it harder to travel abroad with your kids after a divorce? United States authorities want to prevent situations where children are abducted by one parent and taken to a foreign country. Therefore, ex-spouses need to cooperate based on their divorce and custody agreement to ensure they are on the same page with regard to taking kid ..read more

My trip to Idaho, including accommodations and fly-fishing experiences, was sponsored by Visit Idaho and its partners. All words and opinions are 100% my own. Click here for full disclosure statement. They say that nature heals. The calm and quiet environment allows us the opportunity to reflect. The fresh air and closeness to natural wonders are rejuvenating. It’s no wonder that, during difficult times, we tend to retreat to the outdoors. We also seek out the familiar to ease our minds and recall memories tied to happier times. All of these elements recently came together for me when I ..read more

My stay at Kishauwau’s Starved Rock Area Cabins was complimentary. All opinions are 100% my own. Click here for full disclosure statement. As the world is slowly attempting to return to pre-pandemic life, folks are starting to think about traveling again. There is still so much uncertainty, though; therefore, many people are looking to plan getaways closer to home. Travelers are also considering trips they may not have done otherwise, like RV camping or renting a secluded cabin. According to Dr. Emily Landon, epidemiologist and infectious diseases specialist at University o ..read more

I’m struggling. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t. I know so many are having similar experiences. It’s been an absolute struggle for me to even sit at my desk and turn on my computer, let alone write an article. What follows isn’t so much an article, though. It’s something I’ve been thinking about doing for several months, long before the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted life as we knew it. It’s more for me than anything. You see, I’ve had zero motivation to write and I’m hoping this exercise of putting my fingers to the keyboard and putting some words out into the universe will give me a little pu ..read more

My Localgrapher experience was provided as a complimentary service. All words and opinions are my own. See full disclosure statement here. Photographs make the best travel souvenirs. They don’t break and they don’t have an expiration date. Even during a pandemic like we’re experiencing today, photographs allow us to look back at happy memories long after the trip ends. It is for this reason I make it a point to capture as many photos as possible when I travel. The only problem is, other than the awkward selfie, I usually don’t make it into the photos. I know I’m not the only one this happens t ..read more

This post is written in partnership with The Voyageurs Collection. Read full disclosure here. “I wish we could take a trip like that.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that, or something similar, from other parents. They often tell me they wish they could travel more with their families. When asked why they don’t, the common response is that traveling with children is too stressful. That isn’t inaccurate; travel can be inherently stressful for everyone. The good news is there are people and organizations that exist to make travel for families as enjoyable and stress-free as possible ..read more

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago is offering a sale on Ultimate Annual Passes. Through March 6, 2020, the Ultimate Annual Passes are $35 each. To help spread the word about this fantastic deal, I agreed to partner with LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago to give away a 4-pack of Ultimate Annual Passes for one lucky reader! The annual passes would be perfect to experience five new events taking place at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago this year: — LEGO® Trolls World Tour (March 21st-May 3rd): Join in a celebration of the new Trolls World Tour movie! — Pirates Ahoy! (May 9th-June 28th): J ..read more