Blog Posts
Here is where you can find blog posts from DFS Travel!
A Fairy Tale Visit
If you have ever wanted to walk back in time and stroll through a fairy tale type land, then Bruges is the place for you. It is located about 2 ½ hours outside of Amsterdam and it is worth every second spent getting there.
We met our tour guide in a bus park area outside the city and walked about 5 minutes through a park like setting into the medieval city. As we entered the city across a foot bridge, I felt like I stepped though a portal back in time. The bridge crossed over a lake with swans gliding across the water and a beautiful church at one end. There were trees and flowers creating a stunning picture that film would not do justice to.
Within the city is a large square garden that was inhabited by the Beguines for many years. They were a group of single, or widowed women, belonging to a larger movement, who wanted to live in a pious way but not behind the walls of a monastery. Although that order no longer exists, there are nuns living there now.
In addition to the history, there is so much lovely architecture to see, this is truly a town that shouldn’t be missed. And, please, don’t forget the chocolate! A trip to Bruges simply wouldn’t be complete without the tasty treat they are so well known for.
Traveling with Children
Traveling with little ones can be a challenge but, through personal experience, we have found ways to make it easier. We hope some of these tips will help you out on your next trip!
We all know that traveling by plane with kids can be difficult; waiting in line to check in, waiting in line to board, then waiting until the flight has landed. To keep our little one occupied, we had Plane Presents. We would go shop at store where everything was a dollar and pick out several items. We would then wrap them and give them out during the flight. The idea is to keep them busy with unwrapping, yet knowing they have to behave until the next present is given out. We would give the first one out after we got in the air then about every 20-30 minutes later, based on how long the flight was.
Also, be prepared with a drink or snack your little one can have during take off and landing. The swallowing helps equalize the pressure so their ears are less likely to hurt.
We found traveling with a car seat helpful while our girl was very little. Although we had to buy a ticket for her to do so, sometimes it was a huge help when she didn’t want to be held during a flight.
For children a little bit older, we repurposed old DVD cases into mini art kits. Our girl would decorate them them before the trip, and fill them with paper she had cut up to fit inside, in addition to crayons and stencils. Not only was she very proud of her creations, they were easy to pack and would fit into a purse or backpack easily so they were readily available.
For the beach, always have a bottle of water handy to wash sand out of eyes. It is also helpful to visit your local every things a dollar store and pick up a mesh laundry bag. You can put all the beach toys in it and rinse out the sand either in the water, or shower, and not worry about loosing any of them.
The Perfect Day in Cozumel Mexico by Karen Owens
Are you a beach person? If so, I have a wonderful little piece of paradise to share with you.Our family took a fabulous cruise to the Western Caribbean on Norwegian Cruise Line. Our ship was the Escape and it was booked by my favorite travel agent Lisa Davis, owner of DFS Travel, LLC. Each family member took a port and chose an excursion. My port was Cozumel, Mexico. My list of must haves was very long. I requested a relaxing, quite day on a beach with breathtaking views of the sea, the capability to snorkel at our leisure, while having someone bring us our drinks (the margaritas were scrumptious) and provide a tasty lunch. After careful consideration I went with Playa Uvas beach club whose beach is part of the Federal Marine Park.
This was about a 10 minute cab ride from the cruise piers. The cab was around $10 each way, very reasonable. Roger, our personal waiter greeted us on our arrival set us all up with our padded lounge chairs. Our chairs were front roll, only steps away from the gorgeous blue green waters of the Caribbean. The four of us immediately stretched out in our comfortable chairs and felt the warm Caribbean sun on our faces, let out a sigh and we felt as though we were in heaven. (At least a picture of what we believe heaven would be) Our waiter was great, especially with my children.
Roger gave us the run-down of the place telling us everything our all-inclusive day included, and of course wanted to take our drink order right away. It really did feel like paradise. He let us know the schedule for a guided snorkeling tour. The day included a life vest, mask, fins and snorkel. Our guide pointed all the sea life out and helped everyone enjoy the tour. (We tipped him generously) The best part about this beach is that is it right on the reef. Be sure to wear your water shoes as the entry into the water is a bit rough.
We returned back to ship a little sunburned but relaxed and extremely happy. Nothing like the feeling of sand between your toes to make you smile. My children raved about this day for weeks after we returned home. I would recommend Playa Uvas to any beach person.
