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Cunard Embraces Solo Travellers

cruises, ROAM By July 25, 2014 Tags: , , , , , , , , , No Comments

Single Staterooms on CunardSingle staterooms are now available on Cunard Line cruises as Cunard embraces solo travellers with special amenities.

Cunard is recognizing the increasing popularity of solo travel, they are pleased to announce the addition of single staterooms on board Queen Elizabeth.  There will be eight outside staterooms and one inside, available for booking beginning with the 16 December 2014 sailing (voyage number Q422).

The addition of these staterooms is not the only thing being done by Cunard to cater to this growing audience.  Passengers travelling on their own can look forward to special activities organized by the ships’ social hostesses, including a welcome reception on embarkation day, coffee and cookies every sea day morning, and specially organized meeting points and excursions on port days.

Single ladies who enjoy dancing will love Queen Elizabeth’s Gentlemen Dance Hosts, who know all the formal ballroom dances and are available during evening balls held in the Queens Room.

These expansions are merely additions to Queen Elizabeth’s myriad of activities for all guests, including Cunard’s signature afternoon tea service, Cunard Insights speakers and enrichment programmes, world class retail shopping and fine dining, on board casino, spa, library and many more.

Single stateroom features include:

Ideal mid-ship location in close proximity to the social areas of the Empire Casino, the Royal Court Theater and the Queens Room
Single bed with generous width of over 47”
Large windows (outside staterooms only)

For more information about Queen Elizabeth or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Agent, call Cunard Line at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

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The Disneyland Surprise

Disney, ROAM By March 28, 2014 Tags: , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

Disneyland Surprise

Nothing like Valentines Day to announce to the kids that we are off to Disneyland! I was honoured with an invitation to Disney Social Media Moms in April and decided to do a reveal to the kids on a romantic Valentine night.

We showed the kids our enthusiasm with Mickey hands, sparkly red heart balloons and mouse ears.

Mickey Mouse Grilled Cheese

They ate Mickey Grilled Cheese and extra special cookies. I am such a kid!

Have you done a special Disney reveal for your kids? Tell us about it!

Mickey Mouse Cookies

 

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The Fairmont Palliser Calgary

Canada, ROAM By March 25, 2014 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

Fairmont PalliserWhen you have the opportunity to travel with just one child, magic things can happen. As a huge fan of Canadian history, I chose to stay at the Fairmont Palliser on a recent mom-son trip to Calgary.

Entering its 100th year, the Palliser is an icon – how I wish the figures framed on the walls could share their secrets!

We arrived during the holiday season and my son’s eyes bugged out at the stunning lobby displays. Then he saw the hand-painted cows used to fundraise for Ronald MacDonald House Charities, which UrbanMommies supports wholeheartedly. Moo-ing (of course) ensued and he was desperate to bid on a cow in the silent auction.

Fairmont Palliser CalgaryOpening the door to the room he exclaimed, “Now THIS is a good hotel room!” He then proceeded to jump on the bed and approved of the bounce. As a Fairmont President’s Club member, complimentary sneakers and workout gear in my size are automatically delivered to the room. One less thing to pack and worry about. Oh – and internet is complimentary as well.

Palliser 1The highlight of the whole experience was the gold floor lounge. At the top of the hotel, it mixed tradition with new cuisine and comfort. The hors d’oeuvres in the evening were not only kid-friendly, but delicious and healthy. My son was able to mix his favourite concoction of juices (in a wine glass) and grinned at the stunning view as snow fell in the heart of the city.

My favourite memory was teaching him how to play cribbage on an antique brass and wood board. After an successful outing to the Glenbow Museum directly across the street (they had exhibits on rocks and gems as well as military uniforms from all era which thrilled both of us!) we came back to the hotel and my son made a beeline for the cribbage board. We will forever be joined in cribbage and I will smile and think of that night every time I think of the Palliser.

Disclosure: UrbanMommies was not compensated for this review though we received a lovely welcome basket in our room. As always, our opinions are our own.

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The People and the Snow at Big White Resort

Canada, ROAM By February 21, 2014 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

Big White ResortToday Kelsey Serwa took Silver at the Sochi Olympics in ski snowcross, and I am willing to bet the Bullwheel at Big White Resort is packed already. Kelsey’s grandfather was a founder of Big White Ski Resort, and I can’t imagine a better hill to breed an Olympian.

Apres Ski Big WhiteLast month I visited the resort with Kimberly Clayton-Blaine to film a ski show for TheGoToMom.TV. Though I had been to the hill before, I feel as if it became part of my soul during this trip. I can’t quite pinpoint why. So many reasons, but more than anything, it was the people. Kind, helpful, happy residents and employees who love life and adore their hill took my breath away every day. There was an aura of gratefulness for being gifted with the snow and the facilities that was felt by all – especially the visitors.

It didn’t hurt that there were blue skies, incredible apres ski and kickass coffee in the Village Centre Mall (VCM) every morning. After darting through the trees caked in snow, the kids and I would warm ourselves in the open fire pits at the new outdoor venue called ‘The Woods’ as a DJ played. Telus fed us all hot chocolate and gave us funky glasses as the sun shone on world ski day. The new kids’ gear and candy shop in the village was a daily hit – and we even got a new ski suit for our picky son. In Happy Valley, a quick gondola ride away, both boys scaled the ice tower using ice climbing equipment while they were tethered to a rope. The younger son was a few months off from being the youngest person to ever scale the tower and ring the bell at the top. (My mother saw a photo on facebook and thought I had let them scamper up on their own. I assured her that Big White is incredibly responsible and safe.) Early on our final morning, the boys borrowed hockey sticks and a puck and hit the Happy Valley ice rink. I stayed by the fire taking photographs with tears in my eyes at the beauty of this magical Canadian experience.

Kids at Big WhiteCarnival nights happen twice per week, where kids can play games and do fun musical activities in the VCM. It felt as if the entire staff of the resort is involved somehow, and they live to get smiles from the children. The Loose Moose made an appearance when we were there and the children squealed. He’s just as recognizable to them as Mickey Mouse!

Al Reid The BullwheelMany a lunch, dinner and apres ski were spent at The Bullwheel. Al Reid is one of the most personable managers I have ever met. Plus he serves Nova Scotia donairs making The Bullwheel the only place outside of Halifax that makes them correctly. (Believe me – I’m a conoisseur.)  During our visit, Al and other fun-loving gentlemen had flooded an area at the top of the mountain and staged a hockey game on Hockey Day in Canada in order for skaters at Big White to play the ‘Highest Hockey Game in Canada’. Lovely, crazy and wonderful.

Whether it was the (cute) guy on the snowmobile who took the kids and I home after a wrong turn, the babysitter who made an everlasting impression on the boys, John Mooney, owner of a few great Big White restaurants who drove the kids and I home when their legs were too tired to walk, or Jim Lloyd, Director of Sales whose elegant care and attention left us wonting for nothing – it’s the people. No wonder Kelsey Serwa grew into a powerful athlete with the stamina to medal at the Olympics. She has incredible support in her Big White community. And wicked champagne powder.

Disclosure: UrbanMommies was hosted at Big White Resort for three nights. As always, all opinions are our own and are only biased based on of love of skiing and delight with the resort.

Want other BC Ski Resort roundups? Here you go!

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Kid-Friendly Ski Resorts in BC

Canada, ROAM By January 15, 2014 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Kid friendly Ski Resorts in BCPicking the perfect ski resort for families in British Columbia is tough – because there are so many incredible options! I am a pretty avid skier and haul the kids everywhere in order to truly test the slopes and activities. Over the past year we have traveled the province to learn about the kid-friendly ski resorts in BC. I think you’ll love the options!

Big White Resort

Near Kelowna, Big White has more powder stashes that I’ve ever seen.  A fab place for intermediate skiiers and boarders, there are wide glades and fast lifts. The Village Centre Mall -“VCM” to locals – is the main lodge which houses equipment rentals, Beano’s awesome coffee, ticket sales and the ski school. Everywhere you look throughout the resort there are family activities, play spaces off runs and instructors gently guiding kids. Last year, Big White introduced the Flaik system to track every child in the moment via GPS. One staff member in the ski school watches the lighted map that indicates if any child it too far away from their instructor. That’s peace of mind for parents!! During the holidays kids can visit with Santa, in March there’s a festival to ‘Cruze the Blues’, encouraging visitors to check out intermediate runs over the entire hill and receive prizes. In my experience the music and vibe was addictive and Big White felt like a true community for young and old.

Kids Pizza Making BullwheelThe food on the mountain is exquisite. From the famous breakfast egg benedict at the Sante Grille to a higher-end gourmet and wine experience at Six Degrees, Okanagan wines and an internationally inspired menu may have you thinking you are on a continent other than North America. For lunch we loved the kid-friendly, healthy selections at the Globe Cafe and Tapas Bar all lovingly prepared by owner Jude Brunt. In the evening and for apres you should check out The Bullwheel. Chef Christopher Thomas has worked with Cirque Du Soleil and his talents can be tasted in every course. (He doesn’t do trapeze though). The pizza making for kids activity was a huge hit with the little ones.

Ice Climbing Tower Big WhiteThe only one in British Columbia, the ice climbing tower is not to be missed. At a height of 60 feet, it is made with four telephone poles doused in water. Crampons on your boots and clipped into a bulay system, the experience is completely safe (but still got my blood rushing and having me feel like a Bond girl). In the evening, family activities abound in the Moose Lounge in Happy Valley Lodge at the bottom of a short gondola ride. A bonfire melts marshmallows as you sip hot chocolate by the outdoor skating rink and inside there are games, music and Kettle Valley Steakhouse restaurant which you must not miss.

Stonebridge Executive LodgeWebsite: www.bigwhite.com
Stay: Stonebridge Executive Lodge
Eat: Six Degrees, Kettle Valley Steakhouse
Apres: The Bullwheel
Climb: The Ice Tower
Relax: Beyond Wrapture Spa

Sun Peaks Resort

Sun Peaks Resort ViewsThirty minutes north of Kamloops, Sun Peaks Resort is modelled on an Austrian village and you can ski right through the centre to hit the Rocky Mountain chocolate factory, the Delta for apres or Oya for sushi. Made up of three distinct mountains, you can actually follow the sun to ski in a 360 circle throughout the day. The umbrella cafe at the base of Mt. Morrisey is a fun place to warm up, and at the top of Sunburst chair stands a restaurant – you can smell the fresh cinnamon buns baking from miles around. Kids at any age are fed like royalty at Masas, where they even offer mashed vegetables for really little ones. Older toque-wearing family members may want to hang at Bottoms and hit The Club at the Delta on the weekends.

winter-festival-of-wine-Sun-PeaksThe typical ‘interior’ snow is light and fluffy, and romance abound as you pass through a covered bridge and take a horse-drawn sleigh ride around the resort.  The terrain is very well-balanced and yet there are green runs off each main lift. Morriseys pub and Masas have great patios for the many days when the sun is shining.

Website: www.sunpeaksresort.com
Stay: The Delta
Eat: Mountain High Pizza
Apres: Masas
Do: Winter Festival of Wine
Relax: Sun Peaks Spa

Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb ViewsWith the look of the alps and a bar scene to rival Aspen, Whistler is a well-established, exciting mountain. The Peak 2 Peak gondola joins the two mountains giving you even more ways to structure your day. I have been to the hill with and without kids and I honestly can’t say which I prefer. When kids and dogs are in tow, the apres at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is incredible. The hotel offers sleds so the kids can toboggan on the hill behind the hotel while adult rest their feet while having a fancy cocktail on the heated outdoor patio. The Four Seasons treats their mini guests to inexpensive gourmet treats and during special occasions will organize activities like magicians and fire dancers. The ski schools at both Blackcomb and Whitsler have the Flaik system so you can track your child’s route at the end of the day. On each hill there is a kids’ snow place – the tree fort or the castle – which delight the little ones.  Between full days on the slopes, swimming at the hotels and a few inevitable snowball fights.. my kids always sleep very well at Whistler.

Without kids, Whistler becomes a different beast. Bouncers at the door may have you on the guest list for Dub-Step night at Maxx Fish and you will have to make a tough decision at the Bearfoot Bistro about whether to sabre champagne or don warm coats in the icy cold vodka room. Fresh tracks can be had if you book a breakfast at the top of the mountain if you’re able to skip the clubs and get to bed early.

Olympic Rings on Whistler MountainBiathalon at Whistler Olympic ParkWebsite: www.whistlerblackcomb.com
Stay: Four Seasons Resort
Eat: Barefoot Bistro
Apres: Garibaldi Lift Company (Whistler) / Merlins (Blackcomb)
Do: Try your hand at Cross Country skiing and biathalon at Whistler Olympic Park
Relax: Scandanave Spa
Nightlife: Buffalo Bills

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Photo Tips for Family Vacations

GEAR, ROAM, tech By November 5, 2013 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

We’ve all been there.  You know, the one where you drop big bucks on a great camera and when you see your special vacation photos later you cringe.  I thought it was sunny in Cancun.  Wow little Suzy’s face looked splotchy.  That photo would have been so great if I had only….. Vacations are expensive.  Here are a few photo tips for family vacations so that your pictures are as bright as your memories.

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12 Tips for Taking Kids to Portland Oregon

ROAM, USA By September 10, 2013 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Portland by train is possibly the best idea I could ever have had.  Kind-of.  Participating in the Travelocity ‘Go Seize the Summer’ challenge, I was given a credit towards travel with the family and tasked with a summer excursion.  As readers know, I like to do educational trips and was in a conundrum as to what to do.  My husband was away for most of August whilst climbing Kilimanjaro so I had a number of opportunities for the boys and I. In the end we decided on three nights in a Portland, Oregon hotel and we would pay for an Amtrak train and expenses ourselves.  Booking the hotel was simple.  We chose the city and dates, and I selected different options on Travelocity.ca to fit into our price range.  It was confirmed immediately and very easy to do.  (When I was contemplating a cruise for the same period I actually called and the customer service was very good as well.)  With a few hours of relaxation on the train, my boys helped put together this list of 12 tips for taking kids to Portland, Oregon.

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Things to do in Montego Bay, Jamaica

International, ROAM By August 21, 2013 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , 5 Comments

I was a virgin to Jamaica.  And with a crazy hectic schedule I hadn’t had the time for preliminary research.  (I actually prefer it this way.)  I go in blind, with no feedback or opinions and can allow my artistic personality to sense everything without bias.  At first I was taken aback by the similarities with West Africa: corrugated steel, cement blocks and a native economy that was more advanced than I had seen in Liberia but not quite New York. My best advice?  Go off the beaten track in Montego Bay, Jamaica. And watch your children flourish.

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Sibarth Villa Rentals on St. Barth

International, ROAM By August 2, 2013 Tags: , , , , , , , , No Comments

I’ve had the experience of traveling to the French leeward island of St. Barth, located 35 miles south of St. Martin in the Caribbean.  I’ve never been the same since.  The white sand on 22 beaches with shallow reefs coupled with the 2,500 acres of marine reserve make this a pretty special place.  For a family vacation, we’d advise looking into a villa.  At 2-4 bedrooms, sharing with extended family or a group of friends is a fabulous way to experience ‘les Anses’.

Sibarth represents the best villas on St. Barth and has created a collection of villas that are perfect for a family vacation. Despite its jetset reputation, St. Barth is a perfect family destination with calm beaches, casual beach-side restaurants, and water sports such as snorkeling and paddle boarding. But the jetset reputation also doesn’t hurt.  Nor do the Parisian influences.  Bon Voyage!

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Gansevoort Park Hotel

ROAM, USA By August 1, 2013 Tags: , , , , , , , , , No Comments

International Woman of Mystery: elusive and mysterious.  The goal of any urban mommy I would think.  If this is how you define yourself and insist on introducing your kids to the funky and luxurious accommodations, you must stay at the Gansevoort Park. The new Gansevoort Park is in Manhattan’s NoMad district is the second property in the chain.  The original meatpacking district location frequented by A-list celebrities who party on the roof has helped to define downtown and flanks our favourite strolling place: The Highline Park. This newer property is like an uptown oasis with a twist of sass.

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