Happy Travels, Let's Go

07/04/2022

Hope everyone is having a safe holiday.

Many families spend their holiday here at Splash-n-Dash at Lake McSwain in Snelling California, like we did lasy year. We camped with family while enjoying some fun in the water. Here is all that you need to know about the Lake, the water park and camping out here.

Camping- you can do cabin and tent camping. You can camp at Lake McSwain, Lake McClure, and Barrett cove. Reception is really limited and almost non in most of the campground.

The lake- even though it was HOT (probably got to 100° or more) the water was cold! The shallow part of the lake didn't feel as cold after a while but the deeper parts were very cold.

The water park- Splash-N-Dash is an inflatable on water obstacle course water park. Water shoes and life jackets are required. There are three splash zones: Lil splash - that is for those 7 yrs or younger and can be accompanied by a parent. Big splash, for those 7 yrs or older, at least 45" tall and a good swimmer. Colossal splash- same as the Big Splash.

You can purchase preferred seating, premium seating or a cabana. They offer birthday and party hosting.

There are lifeguards out on the obstacle course and they rotate regularly. When they do everyone needs to sit and believe it or not everyone out there follows the rules. They provide life jackets if you don't have one and they check to make sure you are securely tied in. If you bring your own they check that it is coast guard approved.

The water park is located in the day use part of the park and there is an $8 entrance fee.

Have you been to a water park like this? Do you have questions?

Since we were there during the holiday weekend, they had a DJ playing music both days we went (Saturday and Sunday).

You can purchase, an hour pass, an all day pass and a season pass.

All the kids in our group has SO much fun, we had a hard time keeping them from going back in when it was time to go.

Splash-n-Dash Aqua Park

05/12/2021

Have you been?Disney World ir really that, a World of Disney fun and excitement.

At Disney World there are four different parks and two water parks. There is Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom and Disney's Animal Kingdom.

We spent the day at Disney's Animal Kingdom and it was SO MUCH FUN! Our visit was pre covid so things are a bit different now.

Pandora- The World of Avatar is amazing! In the Valley of Mo'ara you will find Windtraders. There is DinoLand USA and if you know my kids, you know they loved it! Rafiki's Plant Watch is an interactive learning center and has petting zoo.

I can help you book Disney travel if your ready to head to the park. Remember there are changes due to covid and if your a special needs family I can give you some pointers to help make the day in the park a smoother one.

05/05/2021

May the 4th be with you!
The force is strong with this Jedi.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland pre covid or now that the park is open?

What are your thoughts on the world of Star Wars?

If you haven't been and you are Star Wars fan, its a must! You get to Build your own droid, you get to ride the Millennium Falcon, you can sip on green or blue milk and much more.

Nothing like being at Disneyland if you are a Star Wars Fan! Do you agree?

04/27/2021

It's !
Are you ready to explore places? Are you ready for amusements park fun?

Everyone's comfort level is different, if you're not ready for amusement park fun, it's ok! But, if you are, then the parks are open!

There are some things to keep in mind before you head to the park...

1) In addition to your ticket you need to make park reservations, Disneyland Park and California Adventure are both now open.
2) Until further notice, only California residence may enter the park, proof of residency may be required.
3) To follow state guidelines groups no larder than 3 households are allowed.
4) Face coverings are required
5) Temperature screenings are required at some locations
6) Certain hotels, restaurants and locations may limit capacity and restrict availability based on guidelines of health officials.

Disney is taking enhanced meassured when it comes to keeping guest and cast safe and healthy.

If you are ready to visit the park make sure you know before you go and understand the changes and new requirements.

If you aren't ready, don't worry, you are not alone!

This picture was pre-COVID. We miss the park, it really is a happy place for us. Send me a message if you have questions.

And, if you are a special needs family don't forget about their DAS (Disability Access Service). If you don't know what I'm talking about then definitely send me a message and I'll give you all the 411 on what you need to know to help make a Disney trip a bit smoother.

04/21/2021

... yay!
This was our very first trip since COVID hit. It was our first trip in over a year!!!
We traveled with all the necessities to make sure we were safe. We're we stayed at also did a great job at helping all the guest stay safe.

We stayed at and it was beautiful! They have so much to do on the property that everyone had fun. There is a number of play areas for the kids. Watching the sunset while at the pool was magical. The rec center was super helpful helping us find places to fish (luck was not on our side that weekend tho). Cabins were cozy and there are different sizes as well as ones with accessibility for those that need it.

We drove to Hetch Hetchy reservoir to fish. The fish weren't biting but the views and the hike was so pretty. It was warm when we went so the walk through the tunnel was refreshing.

We also drove to Yosemite National Park. Went to Yosemite Village to shop and eat. Then we walked to the lower falls. It was just like I remembered it. See, it's been over 20 yrs that I've been to Yosemite and I finally went back with my family. Relived a childhood adventure and it felt so nice to be back. The parks beauty hits different when you grow up and take your own kids.

03/27/2021

Have you been to Yosemite?
We are headed to there soon, first trip in a LONG time!

I remember going to Yosemite with my parents when I was younger and it would always be like the first time.... breathtaking! Any time of the year it's beautiful.

This is where we'll be staying, check it out.

Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite

03/16/2021

Can you see yourself here?
Warm evenings in Hawaii means splashing in the warm ocean water while watching the sun set.

COVID has changed travel plans for most of us. It has changed our comfort levels for many things and especially traveling. We are all still eager to get out there, I know I am. And, we slowly are. I am hopeful that we will all be traveling in the near future.

Hawaii is on my list of many places to go when travel resumes.
Where do you want to go when travel resumes?
Is there a place you haven't been to or a place you want to visit again?

03/09/2021

It's FB!
Sometimes you need to be a tourist in your backyard. Ours is the amazing City of San Francisco. You can always find something to do and no matter how many times you go it's always fun.

Have you been to San Francisco? What are some of the things you like to do when you go there?

Taking a cruise on the Bay and getting to go under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge is so fun!

So many fun things to see and do at when you go to San Francisco.

* Fisherman's Warf, the food... so good!
* Taking a trolley is a must if you've never taken one before.
* Golden Gate Park is beautiful.
* Alcatraz Island is so cool
* Lombard Street, don't get dizzy.
* Coit Tower has amazing views.
* The Painted Ladies.... have you seen Full House? Or Fuller House? Those are the houses.

Those are some of the top places that tourist go to when visiting San Francisco, but there is SO much to do, SO much to see and SO much to explore when you visit San Francisco.

Share with me what amazing city is in your backyard?

03/08/2021

Here's to all the strong women how have inspired us, continue to inspire and will become inspiring women in the future.

Keep shining, keep being persistent and keep believing in yourself.

Being a woman isn't always easy but we manage to make it look effortless.

03/03/2021

Can you see yourself here?
Warm evenings in Hawaii means splashing in the warm ocean water while watching the sun set.

COVID has changed travel plans for most of us. It has changed out comfort level for many things and especially traveling. We are all still eager to get out there, I know I am. And, we slowly are. I am hopeful that we will all be traveling in the near future.

Hawaii is on my list of many places to go when travel resumes.
Where do you want to go when travel resumes?
Is there a place you haven't been to or a place you want to visit again?

03/01/2021

🌟 We are now in March!
March is the month where we not only acknowledge National Women's History Month but it's also Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

Sending you all hope for this month. We are slowly getting to the light at the end of the tunnel. This month marks a year since we all had to take shelter in place due to COVID-19.

Don't let go of hope.

02/15/2021

Congratulations to the three winners of our Valentines getaway giveaway! Take a look at who won.

Stay tuned for the next giveaway. You never know when it will be and what we'll be giving away.

Hope you had good Valentines Day.

02/09/2021

Today is National Pizza day.
What's your favorite kind? Thin crust or deep dish?

Will you have pizza for dinner tonight?

02/09/2021

Do you go to water parks? When you go do you prefer the pool or the lazy river? What about the water slides?

You'd find us at the pool and the lazy river, not the slides. We like fun, we like water and we like adventure but the crazy slides are a no for us.

Water parks are usually inaccessible for individuals with disabilities but more places are becoming Certified Autism Centers (CAC).

There is a hand full of CACs in the United States as well as Advanced Certified Autism Centers (ACAC) Internationally.

Vacationing and traveling should be accessible for all.
I can help you find a CAC, ACAC, ACC or a CAD for your next vacation.

02/02/2021

It's Travel Tuesday and we are in the month of love and friendship.
I know so many of us are ready to start traveling. I know we are!

Well with Valentine's day a couple weeks from now I'd like to announce I have another giveaway 🎇

Rules for entry:
🌴like post
🌴tag a friend
🌴DM your email address

Details of giveaway.....
3 days/2 nights for two. You can pick to stay at one of dozens destinations worldwide.

There will be three winners. Winners will be announced on IG live on Sunday Feb 14th in the evening.

Winners of the giveaway will need to register their travel by June of 2022, so you have plenty of time to book your travel. Travel is for two adults and can include up to two children.

Good luck to all!

02/01/2021

Hello February!

Yup, we are now in the second month of 2021! Can you believe it?!

With a new month comes new starts, new goals and new wins.
What are some things that you are looking forward to this Month?

I don't about you but I'm ready to get up and go somewhere. Are you feeling the same way?

If you could get up and go right now, where would you like to travel to?

01/26/2021

Facebook it's another food day!

If you like sweet, salty and crispy then today is your day.
National Peanut Brittle day is a here and peanut brittle is all of that... sweet, salty and crispy!

Another food day on a Travel Tuesday!
I have a recipe on my Travel Tuesday newsletter that I sent out today, if your interested send me your email and I'll send it to you.

01/26/2021

When Princess Elena from Avalor says lets play hide and seek, you play hide and seek and it's so much fun!

Disneyland and California Adventure remain closed, Downtown Disney begins the reopening phase with some shops and restaurants open for take out and restaurants that do not offer take out are closed. Hotels of the resort remain closed until further notice.

Have you used their Disability Access Service?
If you don't know what I'm talking about let's chat! Disney's Disability Access Service can be a game changer if you have a child with special needs.

Disney's Disability Access Service can't be obtained ahead of time, you need to speak with a cast member at guest relations to get accommodations.

You do need to keep in mind that Disney's DAS can't be used for character meet and greets. If there is a character you or your child really want to meet you will have to wait in line and be creative while you wait or do do like us and keep it moving unless the line is short.

Things to keep in mind when you are ready to visit Disney or any other park:
- Do your research before your visit.
- Involve your child: Your child can benefit from a visual learning tool before your visit. Let your child select any attractions that they find interesting. Look over the map so you are all familiar where things are at.
-Expect the unexpected.

Do you see those faces! The excitement and the joy is real. Disneyland has truly been the happiest place every time we visit. It can be for you too.

01/19/2021

Travelers, grab some popcorn and chill!

It's National Popcorn Day and my kids are excited.
We enjoy popcorn, it might be one of our favorite snacks for any occasion.

We enjoy it on road trips, at amusement parks, at shows, movie theaters, parties and of course at home.

What about you guys?

Do you like popcorn?

Popcorn is a good source of fiber, it's high in antioxidants and minerals. But above all, it's tasty!

Do you like to add different toppings besides butter to your popcorn?

Enjoy some pop today.

01/19/2021

Happy Tuesday Travelers!

🌄It's Travel Tuesday. This is South Yuba River in Northern California.
Pre covid we had come to this river a couple times, but ding a pandemic summer we came here a lot.

This picture gives the place no justice. It is beautiful! The water was warm, never that many people, the weather was nice (it was always HOT) and it was relaxing.
My water babies enjoyed floating down the river and swimming back up.

The area includes the longest single-span covered bridge in the world (currently closed for restoration), the steep rugged canyon of the South Yuba River, and the Independence Trail - the first identified wheelchair-accessible wilderness trail in the country.

Aside from hiking and swimming you can bird watch and pan for gold, yes! You read right, you can pan for gold.

The South Yuba State Park that stretches 20 miles of the river is part of California's gold rush history.

If you like real warm weather then head up to the river in the summertime.

01/14/2021

My birthday was yesterday (1/12). It fell on a Travel Tuesday so I'm giving one lucky person a gift. A gift to use on your next travel or adventure.

The gift includes....
- A travel toiletry bay
- Chapsticks
- An inflatable travel pillow
- Luggage tag
-Moisturizing face wipes
- A protein snack

I will pick a winner at random. Tomorrow (Thursday 1/14) at 6 pm PST is the deadline for any entries. Please send me your email address in a private message to enter. The winner picked on Friday (1/15) in the evening in IG live so stay tune.

IG is

01/12/2021

🐠It's travel Tuesday.
This is Hanauma Bay, have you been?
Like any place in Hawaii this place is beautiful and breathtaking. Did you know that this was a place where Hawaiian royalty used for fishing and recreation?

Hanauma is on the island of Oahu. Because of COVID it is currently closed but when it's open you will find snorkelers of all levels, beginners and experienced. There are hundreds of topical fish and marine life.

In 2002 they opened the marine education center where first time visitors watcha a short video before entering the park. The video is part of the conservation plan and to help teach visitors about preservation, marine life and the safety rules of the park.

the dark room and the crowd that id directed to the video room may be uncomfortable for visitors who are sensitive to noise, changes in lights and being close to others in crowds. If you think these are challenges that you may come across speak with a staff member.

We enjoyed our time while we were there. Share in the comments if you've been.

01/12/2021

Happy Birthday to me!
On this Travel Tuesday that also happens to be National Glazed Doughnut Day I am giving one lucky person a gift. A gift to use on your next travel or adventure.

The gift includes....
- A travel toiletry bay
- Chapsticks
- An inflatable travel pillow
- Luggage tag
-Moisturizing face wipes
- A protein snack

I will pick a winner at random. Tomorrow at 6 pm PST is the deadline for any entries. Please send me your email address in a private message to enter. The winner will be notified by email on Thursday by 6 pm PST.

01/08/2021

Good Morning Facebook!

🎇 A little late but ... HELLO JANUARY!
We came into a new year still dealing with a pandemic and all the stress, insecurities and fears we had last year. But with a new year come new beginnings and fresh starts to things we wan to do better and improve. Along with those new beginnings and fresh starts remember to be kind to yourself.

Take more self care days when you can, it's ok to disconnect and unplug if you need to. Enjoy all the joys and wins that you and your child has during these times. Take a deep breath and let it go.

If you are feeling a bit stressed getting into the swing of things or stressed because you need to jump back into things, be kind to yourself. Your not alone!

Enjoy this month, there is light at the end o the tunnel and we will get there together.

12/31/2020

We made Facebook!!

We made it to the end of 2020!
How happy and excited are you?

I can't wait to get out there and start traveling and help you all get your trips together so you can go out and explore too!

To a better, brighter and healthier year!

12/23/2020

Facebook, Berny Lou Who wishing you a Merry Who-Bilation on this Travel Tuesday!
Universal Studios Hollywood during this time is so much fun!
Currently the park is closed but City Walk is open with limitations.

If you have ever thought of going to Universal Studios during the holidays, I highly recommend it. During the season there is a huge Who-Bilation celebration where you can meet characters from the movie, The Grinch. There is character interaction throughout the holiday celebration, a tree lighting ceremony, snow fall, and of course you get to meet The Grinch himself!

If you have thought of visiting the park but not sure that it's something you are able to do, keep in mind that just like other parks Universal Studios Hollywood has accommodations that can help your visit be a little smoother.

Universal Studios Hollywood offers many accommodations for individuals with disabilities. All attractions have designated entrances for guest with disabilities.
*The park provides an attraction assistance pass that is very similar to passes that you get at other parks where you get a return time to ride the next ride you'd like to go on.
* For guest who are hearing impaired there listening devices free of charge at guest services.
* There is also sign language interpretations for guest and this is free of charge. To arrange for a sign language interpreter you must call guest services at least a week before your visit to the park.
*Guest who are blind or visually impaired, you can find show scripts with large font and embossed braille that can be found at guest services.
*Stores and dining areas are wheelchair accessible and wheelchairs are available for rent.
*There are different options for guest who have dietary limitation or allergies.
* If you have a guest who is too young to go on a ride or not up to going on a ride, there is the child switch program.
* For nursing mamas you can find nursing stations at the first aid station in the park.
Whether you choose to visit Universal Studios during the holidays or not, there are lots of accommodations to help make your visit smoother.

12/16/2020

Crab your favorite cupcake because today is National Cupcake Day!

Lets celebrate all our wins, big or small let's use today to help us celebrate the good that we've had during these hard times.

Today I celebrate the happiness and internal peace I feel. Looking forward to brighter things in the new year.

12/15/2020

It's Travel Tuesday Facebook!

Does your child like to play in the snow? Snowplay is so much fun at any age!

These two love to play in the snow, they enjoy snowball fights and sledding. I'll be honest and say that when it comes to building a snowman is my thing. Everyone helps but they soon lose interest and I'm left to finish the snowman on my own. Does this happen to anyone else?

COVID has taken so much from us and I can't wait for it to be over. It's been a little bit of a challenge to try and keeps things as normal as possible for our kids during these times. So this year we will be missing our annual snow trip and no one is happy about it.

Every year we head up to Lake Tahoe, it's beautiful all year round but when it snows it looks like a winter wonderland. It is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, about half of the lake is in California and the other half is in Nevada. The lake is a freshwater lake and has many beautiful beaches. Oh Lake Tahoe how we will miss you this winter.

Does it snow where you live? If it does we are a little jealous of you right now.

12/10/2020

What is magic for you?

I know that this COVID has us all feeling unsure about traveling, but let's look at the brighter side... this too shall pass and when it does where would you want to tgo? Maybe it's not Disney, maybe it's somewhere else or maybe its Disney and somewhere else.

There is light at the other side of the tunnel, I know it.

To all who have been longing for this happy place, we’re thrilled to say: Magic is here.

12/08/2020

Happy Travelers, sending you some dessert ideas for tonight of just something sweet to eat today.