October 1, 2017 - Tanya's Trip to Florida and Bahamas Cruise - Day 8 - Tanya goes to Animal Kingdom

Elisa's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 6 DAYS

Travel Gift Suggestions

Hello Hello!!

Another Saturday here on Long Island and I'm writing to you from the wonderful Tanger Outlets in Riverhead.

Today, however, because the weather is pretty gross and wet, I'm sitting like a mutant in my car, along with my faithful companion, Punkin, (sitting "shotgun"), tapped into the Tanger WiFi, writing to you.

Ugh - the things we do for our kids.  Not only do I drive out here all the time for these little brats to ride their beloved horses, but, then, because I don't have a home base, and I have my doggie in tow, I end up being a nomad for 5 to 6 hours.

In all honestly, the time goes pretty quickly. The only time it's a bit inconvenient is when the weather is not great and I'm unable to sit outside.  If I didn't have this little, lovable, beast, I could sit inside the food court.  Oh well, nothing is perfect.

Before I talk about some "shopping" stuff with it being Shopping Saturday here on TC, let me tell you about my evening last night.

I have really got the "travel" spirit lately.  Now, that I'm starting to get back on track mentally, and my kids are truly in a wonderful place with the new school year -- kicking butt with grades and socially -- I've indulged myself in a bit of travel research and planning for the next few years.

We all know how fast time goes - it literally flies by.  So, I figure, let me get some great stuff on the calendar, no matter how far ahead it seems, because unfortunately, before you know it, that time will be the present.

I've become a bit obsessed with Israel lately.

It's always been on my bucket list but since a friend mentioned to me just how gorgeous and memorable it is during Easter time, I just can't seem to get that out of my head.

As a result, I've been researching itineraries and the events that happen during Holy Week.  And boy, does it seem beautiful to be a part of the celebration beginning on Palm Sunday straight through to Easter Sunday.

I'll tell you more about that on Travelin' Tuesday as I've already got a "tentative" itinerary for myself.

Since the kids had like no clue or desire to visit the Holy Land, I spent the past two days looking at pictures on the internet of the various places and talking to them about Israel and of course, the kind of food they have.  By the way - YUM to the mediterranean food offerings!!!!

As a travelin' girl, I can tell you that there are lots of fun things we enjoy getting as gifts.  With Christmas not far, here are a few of my personal favorites, if you are looking for great items to get for the traveler in your life or for yourself!

ELISA'S TOP 5 TRAVEL
​GIFT SUGGESTIONS

1. Toiletry Bag

Tumi Toiletry Bag (tumi.com)

I have one of the best toiletry bags you could find (if I do say so myself.  I got it at Tumi a few years back and it's still going strong!

It folds up and had a handle so it's easy to stow, but the best part is that it opens up and can hang.  With a number of compartments, you can stuff it with all your necessities from lotions, creams, dental hygiene, hair products and every other item you may need for your daily regimen.

Mine is pink, but Tumi has a variety of colors and patterns and update them all the time.

Suggested Retail Price: $155.00


2. ALL-PURPOSE, LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACK

Tumi Halle Backpack (tumi.com)

I know this is the second Tumi item I'm suggesting, but they truly do make great products.  And when you  buy something for an avid traveler or even an infrequent traveler, for that matter, you want it to last.  

I have had my Tumi backpack for about five years now and it's as good today as it was when I purchased it.  It is lightweight enough to take everywhere - it was my go-to bag while traveling all throughout Europe on every single trip I've taken in the past five years because it fits a great deal but isn't cumbersome.  

Additionally, it's stylish enough to use everyday for going shopping or just going to the local internet cafe, since it has a flap that can fit a laptop.

I do not travel anywhere without my back pack.  Now, while the price may sound steep compared to other backpacks on the market, the quality is much better, it has a high end look and it's very comfortable to carry. Kelsey, at 8 years old found it manageable to carry on her back because of its petite size and comfortable strap design.

Suggested Retail Price: $219.00


3. Compact High Quality Camera

Canon PowerShot n100 (cnet.com)

Can I tell you how much I love this camera. It's the Canon PowerShot N100!

Actually, Gianna did all the research and discovered this great picture taking machine!  She got her's first and then Mommy followed and purchased one.

This is a powerful little camera, but small enough to fit in a pocket or hold on your wrist without being too heavy.

Of course, many seasoned travelers, like me and Tanya walk around with several cameras, in an effort to get those amazing and memorable photos. But, for everyday and, yes, for traveling anywhere, the Canon PowerShot is just perfect.

We have used it for still photos as well as videos and the quality is fantastic.  There are many features as well including built in wifi, multi camera card slots, dual capture, creative shot mode and so much more!

​Suggested Retail Price: $349.00

​
4. Ebags Packing Cubes

E-Bags Packing Cubes (ebags.com)

Now that I’ve given you some relatively expensive gift suggestions, this one is more economical and under $50.

I love these!  Been using them for years.  What’s great about them is that you can divide and separate everything in your suitcase into specific categories and color code them.

It makes unpacking and re-packing a breeze as well as you can simply move the cube from your suit case and put in a hotel draw. The variety of sizes are helpful as well based on how much room you need for the various belongings you are bringing. 

3 pc Set includes 3 different sizes
Suggested Retail Price: $39.98


RAVPower Portable External Battery Charger

RAVPower Portable External Battery Charger (digital trends.com)

We have become so dependent on our electronic devices.  But, they are extremely important, especially when traveling.

We depend on them to communicate, take photos, record, hit a deadline and work away from home,  and yes, for safety. 

I love this item - I was doing some research and came across a great article on digital trends.com, 30 Best Portable Battery Chargers, which I'm linking for your further information

However, this particular item caught my eye and is something, I believe I may buy myself if I do not get it as a gift this year (hint, hint!).

This versatile charger has three output ports. There are two USB ports, both rated at 2.4A, but one of them supports Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 3.0 technology. There’s also a USB Type-C port that can deliver up to 3A for your laptop, tablet, or phone. There’s a big power button up top with four blue LEDs to show remaining power.
 
According to the article, "You can expect at least five full charges for an average smartphone, and it can even charge an iPad Air with change. If speed is important to you and you have devices that support Type-C or QC 3.0, then this is a must-have."


And there you have it folks, my top 5 Travel Gifts.

​I am so happy, it is October!! This is my favorite month!  Not only is it the best weather of the year, in my humble opinion.  Not only does it have Halloween and the best time to view foliage.  But, it also happens to be my birthday month!!

We'll be celebrating in Disney because both me and Cosette are October babies!!

Have a fabulous day folks!!!

-E
xoxo

Tanya's Daily Scoop
CURRENTLY TRAVELING IN: FLORIDA

Animal Kingdom Fun

GOOD DAY EVERYONE & GREETINGS FROM ORLANDO, FLORIDA!

​First off, let me apologize to you for not having the opportunity to get on here yesterday and give you any SCOOP.

Second, let me tell you how crazy yesterday morning went and how the rest of the day turned out.

​Well as you know I can be a night owl...we all can.
And on Thursday night, after arriving and getting all settled, we decided to go see Stacia (my cousin's ex wife). Having a great time catching up and so forth, we stayed out too late and by the time we got back to our hotel and hit the sack it was already after 2:30am!

Not the biggest deal, except that we had a big/long day ahead of us yesterday and needed to pick up Dave C, Andrea, and Jayson from the airport at 6am!!!

So after a couple of hour "nap" we awoke for the day and we headed to MCO (Orlando International). Finding the gang already waiting for us (we caught just about every light getting there) we loaded up, squished in, and hurried back to our resort.

The timing was close, but luckily it was on our side to catch the 7:30a shuttle to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, as we quickly grabbed what we needed for the day and ran to the shuttle stop. Dave wasn't even in he seat as the driver prompts drove away at 7:30a on the dot!

​And off we went for a day at Universal's Islands of Adventure:

On the shuttle to Islands of Adventure (c)travelincousins.com

Arriving at Universal Citywalk (c)travelincousins.com

At Islands of Adventure before the doors even opened (c)travelincousins.com

Walking into Islands of Adventure (c)travelincousins.com

The Big Top in Seussland (c)travelincousins.com

About to take a train ride and surprise Cosette (c)travelincousins.com

Cosette is happily surprised with our park to park passes (c)travelincousins.com

So excited, she's about to burst! (c)travelincousins.com

Wanna go to London? Why yes we do! (c)travelincousins.com

Our group for the day (c)travelincousins.com

Dragons and Wizards (c)travelincousins.com

Where to go next? (c)travelincousins.com

Going into the "bank" (c)travelincousins.com

Hogwarts Hogsmead and Cosette in Hog Heaven (c)travelincousins.com

Now in Jurassic Park! (c)travelincousins.com

These guys are EXHAUSTED!(c)travelincousins.com

Going straight from a Red-Eye to all day at the park had Dave beyond beat. So we gave him a rest, as we went to go find some water rides and got SOAKED!

We were soaked to the bone and my hair just DID NOT survive! 

I've got more to update ya with, but time is short and we need to hustle now to get out of here and on our way to Disney's Animal Kingdom.

I hope to get on and fill ya in more later - believe me it is worth it!!!

For now, I've gotta run,
​-T