Summer is just around the corner, and after a long, rainy winter, and a not so good summer last year, I'm looking forward to this one. Nothing says summer to me like vacation! Now who doesn't love going on vacation?!?! I know I do....that's what we work so hard for, to take time away with our family and friends, let loose, and enjoy!! So here's the question.....what is your favorite vacation? Whether it's a favorite vacation place or memory, please share with us where it is you love to kick back and enjoy some time away from work. We're going to do the same....
I could go on forever about vacations...I love them!! Alas, Pascha and I decided to narrow it down to 2 of our favorite vacations of all time....so hard to choose! My first pick to share would have to be my honeymoon, which we spent in Costa Rica for 2 weeks. It was amazing!! We stayed the first week in Tamarindo, partying it up, playing in the surf, relaxing in the sun, drinking cocktails, horseback riding and ziplining! The ziplining was awesome, through the tops of the trees in the rainforest...what a thrill! The second week we traveled over to Manuel Antonio, which I must say, everyone needs to go here sometime in their life! Here, there are some of the most beautiful, hidden beaches....one of the only places in the world where the rain forest meets the sea! We stayed in a gorgeous hotel and were totally pampered....we had multiple massages! We took an amazing hike/nature tour through the rainforest, where we saw all kinds of monkeys, sloths (they're so cute!), tree frogs, bats, and even a viper snake! We wished we could have stayed another week....or forever!
Second on my list are the Rios family vacations we do every summer. My parents always rent a big house somewhere (we've done Lake Shasta a few times, Cape Cod, San Clemente) and invite all of my brothers and me, our partners, our kids, and friends. We have the best time together!! My family has to be one of the most fun there are, we look forward to these vacations all year long. As a matter of fact, our family vacay is just around the corner...this year we're heading down to San Diego, which coincides with a wonderful childhood friend's wedding. After the wedding, we'll settle into our 2 week vacation, swimming, eating, drinking, talking, laughing, exploring, basically having a great time. Can't wait!!
Here's just a few of us...from left to right: my brother Jason, my husband Doug, me, my Dad, my Mom, in front of me is my daughter Ava, and above Doug is my nephew Xavier.
Okay Kristin, you've got me ready to pack my bags and leave on a jet plane now!
The word vacation brings to mind blue skies, nice warm or hot weather on my sun kissed skin at a beach or poolside with a refreshing drink; yes people this is my paradise. These fond moments bring to mind two of my favorite get-a-ways. First on my list is Cancun, Mexico. Why? Well besides being able to spend it with my husband for our seventh year anniversary, we partied like Rock Stars and took a ride on Mexico’s fantastic voyage!
We couldn't skip the club-hopping package, which took us to all of the night clubs downtown. Who doesn't know about Sr. Frogs, where the art of pure craziness goes down, Coco Bongo with trapeze artists flying through mid air and live dancers, or Fat Tuesdays giving us all brain freeze, and lastly DaddyO's, where people drop it like it's hot on table tops. I'm pretty sure you've guessed by now, I love to party!
Our fun didn't stop there; we also went on a four-hour boat excursion. We snorkeled in the ocean with colorful schools of fish around and through our legs. We also saw barracudas and a nurse shark up close and personal (a tad scary). It was amazing!
Speaking of amazing, Puerto Rico with my girls has to be one of my vacations. The staff at our resort was very warm and friendly; we experienced notable hospitality. We also had a great time during our hike and hanging out at Luquillo Beach.
Luquillo Beach had warm clear water and I felt like I was taking a bath, we were all giggly splashing around like little kids--good times! I felt relaxed; I definitely had sunbathing moments. Speaking of soaking up the sun, please be advised to apply ample sunscreen while visiting this beach (some of us left close to the color of red crayons and some resembled burnt bacon). Yes I know, not healthy.
I also have evoking visual images of our hike at the El Yunque Rain Forest. The tall green mountains, the various plant life and the sounds of the Coqui tree frogs singing to us; Coqui! Coqui! (in my frog voice). And the best part... drum roll please... splashing into the cold, yet refreshing waterfall at the end of our hike (walking through the slippery rock obstacle course to get there). It was gorgeous!
Okay, I can go on all day about every detail of my vacations, but now I want to hear about yours. Help me plan my next vacation and tell me some of your best travel tips!
