https://www.thereandbackagaintales.com/blog daily 0.75 2024-07-31 https://www.thereandbackagaintales.com/blog/3thingslearnedondisneycruise monthly 0.5 2024-05-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/505b07e3-0561-40a2-8493-6fad488a8769/IMG_4354.JPG Blog - 3 Things I Learned On My First Disney Cruise - We were some of the first people off the ship that morning and came upon so many fun characters! And here’s a little hint from me: meeting the Disney characters was SO MUCH easier on Castaway Cay than it was on the ship itself, but you have to get up and out there early in the morning - they’re not out all day. But I was able to just happen upon Goofy and get an easy picture while the characters on the ship had long lines each day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/51a9602b-a8b0-4f60-988d-ab816df238e1/IMG_4378.jpg Blog - 3 Things I Learned On My First Disney Cruise - The beautiful Disney Wish docked in Castaway Cay My mom and I got to sail to Nassau and Castaway Cay as well as have one extra day at sea. We’d avoided sailing with Disney for years because we were afraid it wouldn’t be made for people traveling without kids. Boy, were we wrong! Here are a few of the things I learned on my first sailing:. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/1b936096-398a-4299-9973-1bf12531395a/IMG_4457.JPG Blog - 3 Things I Learned On My First Disney Cruise The wait staff during our dinners were absolutely phenomenal. With Disney’s unique “rotational dining” model, you rotate to a different themed restaurant each night but your wait staff follows you so they truly do get to know you by the end of the trip. I was amazed at how personal this all felt and we felt like we became friends with them! https://www.thereandbackagaintales.com/blog/travelwithmigraine monthly 0.5 2024-05-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/c079a325-5166-4813-83c8-484494604a44/image-asset.jpg Blog - Traveling with Migraine - Make it stand out Girl covers her face to try and ease her headache https://www.thereandbackagaintales.com/blog/2019/3/11/toxic-5n59l monthly 0.5 2023-08-21 https://www.thereandbackagaintales.com/blog/2023/shakespearefestival monthly 0.5 2024-05-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/2dca9d3e-1d9f-4a35-8de5-7a4acfae2c45/IMG_5223.JPG Blog - Utah Shakespeare Festival Here’s a pro tip: the festival is also famous for their tarts. They’re provided by a local bakery and sold all around the festival, including the concession stands in the theaters. Do not miss out on these. They are always delicious and the first stop that I make when I arrive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/6f9d7774-0a96-48df-b3b2-ae09cf3b25dc/IMG_5234.JPG Blog - Utah Shakespeare Festival - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/0a58e808-dc19-4363-96f4-83806febfa46/IMG_5224.jpg Blog - Utah Shakespeare Festival It’s a treat to experience some of the historical Shakespeare stories in an outdoor theater atmosphere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/e48ebe6f-59ad-4196-b7cd-857b6f3e5a64/IMG_5230.JPG Blog - Utah Shakespeare Festival - William Shakespeare Statue When done right, and explained correctly, Shakespeare shows are amazing. (Clearly, that’s why they’ve lived for hundreds of years). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/125e8438-f8bb-4e1e-8ece-eab703b8a3a9/IMG_5221.JPG Blog - Utah Shakespeare Festival Stop here for your tarts! https://www.thereandbackagaintales.com/blog/happy-halloween-2023 monthly 0.5 2023-11-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/1698772626461-J6RDV1YTB240WXHJM0AY/Halloween+Card+2023.png Blog - Happy Halloween 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/1698772626016-XQAYTER6FJP4G8G4W0FM/Halloween+Card+2023+%281%29.png Blog - Happy Halloween 2023 https://www.thereandbackagaintales.com/blog/the-magic-of-dollywood-a-tennessee-treasure monthly 0.5 2023-11-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/256199fc-780b-4171-bd8a-059dc0d8b54e/IMG_7287.JPG Blog - The Magic of Dollywood: A Tennessee Treasure - The iconic Dollywood sign right out front. Let’s explore the magic of Dollywood and why it continues to capture the hearts of millions of visitors year after year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/dd030fbe-9d7b-4197-a764-42a6f81e827c/IMG_7314.JPG Blog - The Magic of Dollywood: A Tennessee Treasure - Wild Eagle was an incredible coaster, and my first “wing” coaster experience! Attractions: For thrill-seekers, Dollywood boasts an impressive lineup of roller coasters and rides, such as the Lightning Rod, Wild Eagle, and the Tennessee Tornado. These attractions combine adrenaline-pumping excitement with scenic mountain views. I was constantly astounded by the beauty of this park because you can’t really see the coasters! Each new experience took me off guard because most of the coaster track for each ride was hidden up over the mountain through the trees. It was incredible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/fc9496f4-bbbd-45de-8787-f1b0ab883cdd/IMG_7213.JPG Blog - The Magic of Dollywood: A Tennessee Treasure - Cinnamon Bread at the Grist Mill Food: Dollywood doesn't disappoint when it comes to food. The park's eateries serve up mouthwatering Southern cuisine, including fried chicken, barbecue, and savory smoked turkey legs. We found a little spot called Ham & Beans and fell in love with their food. So much so, we visited twice! Don't forget to indulge in the famous cinnamon bread at the Grist Mill, a must-try treat for anyone visiting the park. I’d heard about this bread for years and it was worth the entire trip across the country. Smothered in butter and cinnamon, then dipped in frosting, it was a heavenly treat. We ate three loaves of this bread while we were there for two days! You can find the Cinnamon Bread in several spots along the park, but the Grist Mill is the original spot, and I recommend it. At night, we’d see a throng of people lining up to take several loaves home with them. It’s absolutely a park staple. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/abb254d7-1547-4a0e-829f-16fadcdaf443/IMG_7119.JPG Blog - The Magic of Dollywood: A Tennessee Treasure As Dolly herself might say, "Come on down to Dollywood, where the fun and magic never end!" https://www.thereandbackagaintales.com/blog/anakeesta-tennessee-a-mountain-oasis-for-adventure-and-relaxtion monthly 0.5 2023-11-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/f6f80658-105f-4543-b405-5e8c6498bfaf/IMG_6742.JPG Blog - Anakeesta, Tennessee: A Mountain Oasis for Adventure and Relaxtion - Top of the world The Cliffside Restaurant seen here, was delicious and had the most incredible view from the top of the mountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/bf315f16-e177-4fc2-a992-e42892ad8d79/IMG_6771.JPG Blog - Anakeesta, Tennessee: A Mountain Oasis for Adventure and Relaxtion - Treetop Skywalk and Canopy Walk For those looking to get closer to nature, Anakeesta offers the Treetop Skywalk and Canopy Walk. The Treetop Skywalk is a series of 16 connected sky bridges that allow visitors to traverse the treetops with ease. The Canopy Walk provides an immersive journey through the forest, making you feel like you're walking among the trees. This was one of my most favorite parts of Anakeesta as we literally got to walk through the tree tops on bridges. It was gorgeous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/2a80f607-72d5-4ca4-ac0b-62fbee64e3e2/IMG_3242.JPG Blog - Anakeesta, Tennessee: A Mountain Oasis for Adventure and Relaxtion - Gardens and Natural Beauty Nature lovers will appreciate the lush gardens and natural beauty that surrounds Anakeesta. The attraction is committed to preserving the environment and features beautiful landscaping that showcases the region's flora and fauna. And I stumbled upon my newest favorite friend, Willow, seen here. https://www.thereandbackagaintales.com/blog/buccees-gas-station-a-lone-star-legend monthly 0.5 2023-11-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/0d0c602c-d4d5-4438-adc6-d61b5ec51897/IMG_3112.JPG Blog - Buccee’s Gas Station: A Lone Star Legend - Iconic Beaver Mascot: The Buc-ee's beaver mascot is hard to miss. The friendly beaver, often seen wearing a red hat and an engaging smile, has become an enduring symbol of the brand. The mascot, with its large buck teeth, is as memorable as the store itself. And let me tell you, he is everywhere! Shirts, plush, keychains, mugs, cups, nail clippers, bottle openers, you name it! I had to grab a plush beaver to bring home with me because I don’t know when I’ll get to see another Buccee’s again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/68bc789b-bdd2-4ee1-b85d-09eb147a3e2c/IMG_6614.JPG Blog - Buccee’s Gas Station: A Lone Star Legend - Food Galore: Buc-ee's is known for its vast selection of freshly made food. From barbecue to kolaches, jerky to fudge, you'll find an array of delicious snacks and meals that cater to all tastes. Their Beaver Nuggets, a caramel-coated puffed corn snack, have a devoted following. I still dream about the brisket sandwich I experienced here and we brought home tons of jerky for my brothers (they all approved). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/66a5350c-e713-42ea-9829-ad7737f7a6b1/IMG_6617.JPG Blog - Buccee’s Gas Station: A Lone Star Legend - Souvenirs and Unique Finds: Buc-ee's is not just a gas station; it's a retail wonderland. The stores feature an eclectic mix of Texas-themed souvenirs, clothing, home goods, and more. Whether you're looking for a quirky Texas-themed T-shirt or a unique gift, Buc-ee's probably has it- and our location even had Tennessee specific shirts which you know I had to grab. https://www.thereandbackagaintales.com/blog/crafting-comfort-exploring-the-benefits-of-crocheting monthly 0.5 2023-11-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/64282840-d6c6-4f86-9a62-94caf555b33d/IMG_6653.JPG Blog - Crafting Comfort: Exploring the Benefits of Crocheting Crocheting is a versatile and rewarding hobby that offers a multitude of benefits, from stress relief and enhanced creativity to a sense of accomplishment and stronger social connections. This craft provides an avenue for self-expression and personal growth while simultaneously allowing you to create beautiful, functional items. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crocheter, the benefits of this timeless pastime are well worth exploring. So pick up your crochet hook, choose your favorite yarn, and embark on a journey of relaxation, creativity, and personal fulfillment. Happy crocheting! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/7daa1e7c-c054-4066-a175-9df45d37d509/IMG_6706.JPG Blog - Crafting Comfort: Exploring the Benefits of Crocheting - Stress Relief One of the most immediate benefits of crocheting is stress relief. The repetitive, rhythmic motion of crocheting can have a calming effect on the mind. It allows you to focus on the task at hand, diverting your attention away from worries and anxiety. Crocheting can be a form of mindfulness, bringing a sense of peace and tranquility to your life. I’ve even started traveling with my yarn. That’s right, if you see me in an airport, you know I’ll have some yarn and a hook in my backpack so that I can keep my restless mind busy while on long flights. I’ve also found it super fun to have my craft to do while on vacation. Recently I was crocheting while staying in our “hobbit hole” in Ancient Lore Village and also loved crocheting from the balcony of our cruise ship this summer. https://www.thereandbackagaintales.com/blog/embrace-the-season-discover-the-many-benefits-of-traveling-in-the-fall monthly 0.5 2023-11-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/5937950a-a3bc-40b5-bc85-85bdfca7afcf/IMG_3171.JPG Blog - Embrace the Season: Discover the Many Benefits of Traveling in the Fall - Breathtaking Scenery: One of the most apparent benefits of fall travel is the stunning transformation of the natural world. As the leaves change colors, landscapes come alive with brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Whether you're exploring the quaint streets of a European city, hiking in the Appalachian Mountains, or taking a scenic drive through New England, the fall foliage promises unforgettable vistas and incredible photo opportunities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/86e5d831-4a58-48e1-b8fa-50d2cc735f90/IMG_3207.JPG Blog - Embrace the Season: Discover the Many Benefits of Traveling in the Fall - Fewer Crowds: Fall travel means fewer tourists crowding popular destinations. With schools in session and many people back to work, you can savor a more relaxed, intimate experience at iconic landmarks and hidden gems. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy popular attractions without long lines. While it may be impossible for some, I always believe if you’re going to spend the money on vacation, do it right. This may mean that you wait and miss a few school or work days and enjoy theme parks with their smaller crowds or national parks in a more laid back way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/64e04583-cc5c-4e12-a407-cbd58f2c7757/IMG_7344.JPG Blog - Embrace the Season: Discover the Many Benefits of Traveling in the Fall - Seasonal Delights: Fall is a culinary delight. Savor the flavors of pumpkin spice, apple cider, hearty stews, and other seasonal dishes. Many destinations also host food festivals and events celebrating local harvests, providing you with the chance to enjoy authentic and delectable cuisine. While we always try and make the trek out to Disneyland to see Halloween out there and experience the Oogie Boogie Bash, this year we opted for some place we’d never been before- Dollywood! We knew we wanted to wait to see the park at Halloween time and we were so impressed by their amazing décor and ambiance for this time of year. https://www.thereandbackagaintales.com/blog/unleashing-superhero-magic-a-journey-through-avengers-campus-at-california-adventure monthly 0.5 2023-11-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/882ac683-e054-48f7-a5c8-6bb48c5dfa9c/IMG_0569.JPG Blog - Unleashing Superhero Magic: A Journey Through Avengers Campus at California Adventure https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/7bf3bfa8-576f-4890-b88b-e5e94420a1a8/IMG_0635.JPG Blog - Unleashing Superhero Magic: A Journey Through Avengers Campus at California Adventure https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/5d1a57ca-c0c8-459b-9ef6-f71bdd7bfbfc/IMG_0650.JPG Blog - Unleashing Superhero Magic: A Journey Through Avengers Campus at California Adventure https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/ce56af59-b3d3-4a3c-a61f-fba1cee4f58c/IMG_0570.JPG Blog - Unleashing Superhero Magic: A Journey Through Avengers Campus at California Adventure https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/08e26c18-e3b4-4ca4-bd64-2ff8d22ed7ff/IMG_0633.JPG Blog - Unleashing Superhero Magic: A Journey Through Avengers Campus at California Adventure https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/45258b55-b25c-4bf4-a0e4-da148ece9cdc/IMG_0670.jpg Blog - Unleashing Superhero Magic: A Journey Through Avengers Campus at California Adventure https://www.thereandbackagaintales.com/blog/bittersweet-farewell-navigating-the-emotional-landscape-of-leaving-the-office monthly 0.5 2023-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/c10b355c-201f-4a97-923f-953994960993/IMG_7958.PNG Blog - Bittersweet Farewell: Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Leaving the Office https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/e183df96-cc9c-49c2-9278-f72547ce580e/IMG_7957.PNG Blog - Bittersweet Farewell: Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Leaving the Office https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/6aa04fe7-77d9-4700-a2d6-93cefdf86ecd/IMG_7959.PNG Blog - Bittersweet Farewell: Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Leaving the Office https://www.thereandbackagaintales.com/blog/my-brutally-honest-review-of-atlantis-resort-bahamas monthly 0.5 2023-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/5ba5ab04-c56e-440b-99dd-cce1ab0b2ecd/IMG_4216.JPG Blog - My (Brutally) Honest Review of Atlantis Resort - Bahamas The food at the park that day was… fine. It was generic, simple, resort style food. It wasn’t bad, but I don’t know that I’d want to eat it for a week if we were vacationing there. So before this blog starts to sound like me complaining, let me wrap it up this way. We had a fantastic day! But was it the world’s best water park? Not in my opinion. Disney Water Parks or Universal’s Volcano Bay are much cleaner, better themed, and have better food. The sentiment we had when our day was over was that we were so glad to say that we’d been able to experience it, but we don’t think we’d ever book a vacation solely at that resort. If the accommodations and rooms are in the same state as the rest of the grounds, I bet I would end up slightly disappointed for the price tag we were paying. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/70cf82ec-ef6a-4706-a98a-b4fecc78be0d/IMG_4213.JPG Blog - My (Brutally) Honest Review of Atlantis Resort - Bahamas The day pass for the water park was about $190 each, and we knew that going into the experience but also wanted to see it. While the resort offers many different experiences, we were just there to do the Aquaventure Water Park. At the heart of Atlantis lies a true aquatic wonderland - the Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park. With thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and interactive play areas, it's a paradise for water enthusiasts of all ages. Brave the iconic Leap of Faith, a daring slide that plunges you through a clear tunnel submerged in a shark-filled lagoon, providing a rush of adrenaline like no other. https://www.thereandbackagaintales.com/blog/how-the-disney-college-program-changed-my-life monthly 0.5 2024-06-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/6f59a69e-5b72-4705-b563-b496aad9bec3/IMG_7974.JPG Blog - How the Disney College Program Changed My Life - Me in my costume, 2008 Another thing to note is that the interns get the worst hours on the schedule. That’s expected right? My job was a little different because we did crowd control during the parades and fireworks, so we were all there at the same time and left at the same time. But some of my fellow Disney Girls had it rough. Some of them had to be to work at 3 AM, or didn’t get off until very, very late into the night. Mackenzie and Shirley were roommates and tell stories about how they were never at home together, ever, because of their opposite schedules. And don’t forget that Florida is HOT! For those of us who had jobs outside, there were many days we were trying to beat heat stroke while wearing our very thick costumes. The jobs aren’t always glamorous either. I know Maggie about lost her mind from time to time walking on a conveyor belt at her attraction, and Sarah had her fair share of dirty work to do as a lifeguard out in the summer sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/0307618e-2004-4f2f-a656-d964a0e911b4/IMG_8889.JPG Blog - How the Disney College Program Changed My Life - Disney Girls 15 year reunion, February 2024 From left to right we have Mackenzie (entertainment), Tawni (park operations), Charlotte (quick service food), Maggie (attractions), Sarah (lifeguard), Shirley (food), and Liz (Disney Quest). https://www.thereandbackagaintales.com/blog/stepping-into-fantasy-in-hobbiton monthly 0.5 2024-05-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/ea50a246-9872-4a70-8ad3-0d195ec884fc/facepalm-lotr.gif Blog - Stepping Into Fantasy In Hobbiton - New Zealand - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/103f2dc1-c4d5-4261-9d56-579c70f11209/IMG_5510.JPG Blog - Stepping Into Fantasy In Hobbiton - New Zealand 3. The Tours Are Absolutely Amazing - The normal day tours of Hobbiton are absolutely incredible. You’ll come and park at the Shire’s Rest which is where the office, gift shop, and little cafe are all located and then you’ll board a bus with your tour group. It’s only about a 15 minute ride across the street, but they’ll tell you all about the history of how it came to be on the way over there. The guides are all Lord of the Rings superfans, and you can tell. They don’t fuss at all if you want to stop and film something special or take your one thousandth photo of another round door. They love that you love it. While they lead you through the amazing little village, they’ll tell you about the movie magic of making people look either bigger or smaller than the houses, as well as some of the lore of which families live in which hobbit holes. And remember, they offer many different types of tours including their normal day tour, an evening banquet tour after hours with dinner, an early morning “second breakfast” tour and many other seasonal events. https://www.thereandbackagaintales.com/blog/why-a-day-at-castaway-cay-is-worth-the-entire-cost-of-a-disney-cruise monthly 0.5 2024-06-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/ee5a6b61-bad6-4f4d-a7f5-4e9810586968/IMG_4378.JPG Blog - Why a Day At Castaway Cay is Worth Going On a Disney Cruise I’ve told many people who’ve asked that this day on Castaway Cay was probably one of my top 10 favorite days on planet Earth. I would’ve been completely content to stay here for DAYS. It felt very akin to how I think Aulani is set up as well. It’s a luxurious tropical setting, with just a dash of Disney sprinkled around. One of my favorite things about Castaway Cay is they had TONS of exclusive merchandise for the island itself. We’re talking ears, Spirit Jerseys, and experience exclusive t-shirts (there was a t-shirt dedicated to Cookie’s BBQ that I still kind of regret not purchasing). Mom and I were one of the VERY LAST people off the island that day. We soaked it in for as long as we could and boarded the boat only after they started stacking chairs and shooing people back toward the gang plank (PS, that’s another perk of having the late dinner time, more time at your destinations!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/505b07e3-0561-40a2-8493-6fad488a8769/IMG_4354.JPG Blog - Why a Day At Castaway Cay is Worth Going On a Disney Cruise I was so excited that morning, that I was one of the first off the ship. I just couldn’t wait to step onto those perfect white sands and see what a private island would have in store for me. But an unexpected surprise by doing all of that was seeing my Disney character friends in their island garb ready for a beach day. These photos ended up being super unique and very fun. I did notice, however, that the day got hot very quickly and these friends did not stay out very long, and definitely not all day. So if that’s something you want to experience, you may need to get out there sooner rather than later. https://www.thereandbackagaintales.com/blog/how-i-had-dinner-in-the-green-dragon-hobbiton-nz monthly 0.5 2024-05-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/cc5e2d49-b98c-45f9-9248-bddd7e9bf501/IMG_9636.JPG Blog - A Feast Fit For a Hobbit in The Green Dragon - Hobbiton, NZ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/c3ea74d0-b2bb-4e42-9610-59fd72f085fc/IMG_9655.JPG Blog - A Feast Fit For a Hobbit in The Green Dragon - Hobbiton, NZ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/30079a77-8a4d-40d0-8d00-05dcf88410ce/6A863C07-7F68-486B-BF84-72F491678D5C.jpg Blog - A Feast Fit For a Hobbit in The Green Dragon - Hobbiton, NZ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/898cb76f-add4-4d0c-b5d3-0ddfa61cb6df/IMG_9700.JPG Blog - A Feast Fit For a Hobbit in The Green Dragon - Hobbiton, NZ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/6eb44764-0d9e-4884-9d2e-9e61e8caf2bc/IMG_9440.JPG Blog - 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Packing Cubes I have absolutely fallen in love with these packing cubes. I’m one of those “stressed out” packers who overthinks everything and always, always forgets something. But since I’ve started packing in these cubes, I’ve been so much more organized and ready to go! You can use these many different ways from packing daily outfits together, or organizing them separately. This is one of those items that I keep packed away in my suitcase, so that any time I go to pull it down and pack again, they’re waiting for me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/de731f86-3636-42f6-adb4-e417c6a0551d/Screenshot+2024-06-11+092714.png Blog - Five Things You Need To Pack On Your Next Vacation - 5. Travel Blanket/ Pillow Combo Airline travel can get really uncomfortable, really fast if you’re not careful. When I’m flying somewhere, especially for long periods of time, I tend to pack a lot of “just in case” items. I’d rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. But I also have to remember to use my space wisely! These little travel pillows are awesome. They’re small enough to fit two very easily into a backpack. And the best part is, if you don’t want to use them as a pillow, they unzip into blanket (because airplanes are always cold right?!). When you order them this way, they come in a pack of two, so if you’re a solo traveler, you could have one pillow and one blanket to use. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/91489c6a-fa06-49ea-8861-79730ee72edf/Anker.jpg Blog - Five Things You Need To Pack On Your Next Vacation - A Portable Charger If you’re like me, you’re going to be taking hundreds (if not thousands) of photos and videos while you’re on your vacation. Well, that can eat away at your cell phone battery life super quick! And don’t forget about having to keep your social media audience updated with every activity you’re experiencing in real time. I know that a lot of places will have portable chargers that you can get from a vending machine that you can exchange throughout the day, but I’ve found those chargers to not be as robust as I need. I carry around an Anker charger (there’s many different sizes) because they can hold a ton of juice. This way, I can charge not only my phone, but whoever else I happen to be with that day as well, without having to stop and get another power bank during the day. These little guys are absolutely awesome. Plus, I’ll keep one like this in my car for road trips just in case we were to have car trouble or get stuck somewhere, I’d always want my phone to work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/83a748c2-a58b-462a-81ef-2c2c3293ebc5/Lock.jpg Blog - Five Things You Need To Pack On Your Next Vacation - 2. Extra Door Lock Ok this one may seem a bit “overkill” and I’ll admit, when my mom found it and insisted on ordering it, I rolled my eyes. But the truth is, typically we’re two women traveling alone and that can be intimidating sometimes. We’ve traveled from small country towns, to big bustling cities, all alone and I’ve never been in an unsafe situation. But we’re careful about it right? There are certain places we’ve been that we don’t go wandering the streets after dark, or hanging around the wrong type of areas. We always make sure that our hotels are in safe places, near people and towards the center of towns. A couple of years ago we started packing this “extra lock” in our suitcase to use when we could. It’s simple to use from the inside of your hotel door and makes it so that no one (not even staff with a key) can enter your room when you’re in it. The mechanism attaches from the inside of the door and slides down to block the door from being opened and then you simply remove it when you leave the room for the day. Again, we’ve never been in a situation where we felt like we absolutely had to have this, but it’s given us peace of mind to just use. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/332cebc9-1c68-4986-93b0-8039ce739876/Screenshot+2024-06-11+092226.png Blog - Five Things You Need To Pack On Your Next Vacation - 4. Travel Hair Straightener I absolutely love this little BaBylissPRO Nano straightener for traveling. It’s only 0.5” and is the perfect size for throwing in a suitcase. I’ve used it for years and it’s great for everyday use as well because you can get all the way to the root of your hair with it’s compact size. While it’s not the flashiest and doesn’t have setting options, it will do the job for a few days while I’m away from home. It gets plenty hot and cools down quick as well. Because it’s so small it also won’t take up much of that precious counter space in your hotel room. I tend not to pack my own hair dryer for space reasons, so it’s nice to have a reliable little straightener that doesn’t eat up my suitcase packing space. https://www.thereandbackagaintales.com/blog/why-i-sometimes-prefer-disneyland-to-walt-disney-world monthly 0.5 2024-07-17 https://www.thereandbackagaintales.com/blog/how-to-enjoy-the-vacation-you-planned monthly 0.5 2024-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64a5b469a0def40c3655de46/86403ccc-f444-4db4-a51c-f3dd96d970f5/DDE90BF7-C479-44B5-B9B3-503C3BD1ECA6.jpg Blog - How to Enjoy the Vacation You Planned - Document Your Trip Take photos, keep a travel journal, or blog about your experiences. Not only will this help you remember your trip, but it can also be a fun way to reflect on your adventures and share them with others. And traveling in a group is such a great way to do this! 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