Renee Virata, Quick Weekender TravelingMom, Author at Traveling Mom

Complete Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Discounts

Posted by Renee Virata, Quick Weekender TravelingMom | May 13, 2017 | 0 |

Snagging that reservation for Be Our Guest at 180 out or scoring a table at T-Rex Cafe at the last minute gives a WDW planner an adrenaline rush. Now that you have all those fantastic dining reservations, the reality of cost starts weaseling its way into your thoughts. But, our TravelingMom, Renee, is here to help you discover Walt Disney World dining discounts so you don’t have to sacrifices your hard won 180 days out victory! Complete Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Discounts Whenever I plan a trip I look for ways to save money. Walt Disney...

Kid Tested (and Approved) Adventures in Julian California

Posted by Renee Virata, Quick Weekender TravelingMom | Mar 22, 2017 | 0 |

Known for its apples, the small town of Julian, California was once a “booming” mining town. To this day the people of Julian embrace the town’s history with mine tours, panning for gold and even small historical skits on Main Street. Our Quick Weekender TravelingMom shares kid tested (and approved) adventures in Julian adventures. Kid Tested (and Approved) Adventures in Julian California We are a family of explorers. Give us quaint, unique or even, down-right weird and we’re there! So, ever since I heard about Julian, California, I knew it was just the place for us. When the day...

How to Take Care of Your Dog While You Travel

Posted by Renee Virata, Quick Weekender TravelingMom | Feb 28, 2017 | 0 |

Dogs might be “man’s best friend,” but being a dog owner and travel lover don’t always go hand in hand. Dream vacations can turn stressful when it’s time to plan what to do with a furry four-legged kid. Do you take Fido along? Hire a pet sitter? Kennel him at a dog boarding facility? Try to find a pet friendly hotel? Our Quick Weekender TravelingMom breaks down the four most common travel options for dogs. Travel Options for Dogs Being the owner of two adorable, but rambunctious boxers, December Belle and Kylo Finn – I get it. Each trip...

How to Make the Most of One Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Posted by Renee Virata, Quick Weekender TravelingMom | Feb 24, 2017 | 0 |

Far off places, daring sword fights, magic spells and a prince in disguise – it all comes to life at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Do your teens love roller coasters, but your youngest wants to see Anna and Elsa? With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming trying to hit it all in one day. Never fear! Quick Weekender TravelingMom shares her ultimate one day touring plan for Hollywood Studios. How to Make the Most of One Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Hollywood Studios is my family’s favorite Disney park. I adore the shows, my daughters and...

4 Reasons Why Solvang is the Perfect California Getaway

Posted by Renee Virata, Quick Weekender TravelingMom | Jan 30, 2017 | 1 |

Hidden in the hills of California lies the picturesque city of Solvang. As the sister city of Alborg, Denmark, Solvang embraces the Danish culture with gorgeous architecture and delectable Danish cuisine. On their anniversary road trip, Quick Weekender TravelingMom stopped at this small village. Here are 4 reasons why she says Solvang is the perfect California getaway. Why Solvang is the Perfect California Getaway On our quest for unique places to stop on our anniversary road trip to San Francisco, a friend recommended Solvang, California. After a little research, this little Danish town seemed like the perfect way to kick...

6 Reason Families will Love Gulf Breeze Zoo in Gulf Breeze Florida

Posted by Renee Virata, Quick Weekender TravelingMom | Dec 26, 2016 | 0 |

Visiting Gulf Breeze, Florida and looking for an adventure away from the sandy beaches? Look no farther than the Gulf Breeze Zoo. This zoo is kids tested and mom approved! The Gulf Breeze Zoo offers a wide range of activities, including hands on exploration of farm animals, up close and personal giraffe feedings, and so much more. Why Families Will Love the Gulf Breeze Zoo My husband was in Pensacola, Florida for Navy business, so the kids and I packed our bags and hit the road for a quick weekend visit. We adore a relaxing beach trip, but we...

Point, Click, Save: Using Deal Websites for Travel

Posted by Renee Virata, Quick Weekender TravelingMom | Dec 11, 2016 | 1 |

Travel is all about the adventure and many times that comes with a price tag. Not everyone has an overstuffed wallet, so when budget is a concern deal websites can be travel-savers. With the wide range of deal websites available to consumers nowadays, getting discounts on inclusive travel packages, experiences and restaurants is easy as pie. How to Save Money on Travel Using Websites When we travel I’m pretty budget conscience as we do not have unlimited funds. I try to save throughout the year, but let’s be honest. Most of the time life gets in the way. I...

GIVING THE GIFT OF TRAVEL – TOP 4 DESTINATION IDEAS

Posted by Renee Virata, Quick Weekender TravelingMom | Nov 23, 2016 | 1 |

Toys, electronics, clothes – Oh my! It seems like kids have everything nowadays. Which makes finding that perfect gift a daunting task. If you are looking for a gift that won’t be forgotten in a week, but will instead provide lasting memories – look no further. Give the gift of travel. My kids are getting older and coming up with gift ideas gets harder each year. It is coming to the point that they struggle to make a wish list. I have always wanted to surprise them with a trip on Christmas, but it never seems to work out....

8 Easy Tricks to Prevent Lost Luggage

Posted by Renee Virata, Quick Weekender TravelingMom | Nov 2, 2016 | 14 |

There you are at the luggage carousel, watching it go around as you wait for your luggage to show up. The crowd slowly dissipates. You’re still waiting. Nothing puts a damper on a vacation faster than lost luggage. Follow some simple ways to help prevent losing your luggage. We’ve all heard the horror stories of lost luggage. I’ve been lucky and have never lost my luggage during travel (knock on wood!). But lost luggage is my biggest traveling fear. I have researched and researched ways to prevent it from ever happening to me. Read on for 8 easy tricks...

4 Tips For Traveling With Elf on the Shelf

Posted by Renee Virata, Quick Weekender TravelingMom | Oct 24, 2016 | 1 |

Does your family participate in the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon? We all know the drill. Elf on the Shelf drops in, causes havoc and reports back to Santa. The thought of Santa knowing all their daily ups and downs can make even the most mischievous child behave. But that little guy or gal can throw a wrench into holiday travels plan. These tips can make traveling with your Elf just a little bit easier. Traveling? Elf on a Shelf Ideas Our elf, Narky Norman, invaded our home a few years ago much to my children’s delight. I’m still trying to figure...