I needed something epic and I needed it fast. And epic family vacations are not easy to pull off at the last minute. The one thing I have (for the time being, anyway) is money thanks to the sale of my home, so that helps. I needed a reset and I need(ed) for my kids to not see me as a mess anymore. I’ve lost my sense of self and I was really afraid of losing my connection with my children.

So I made a decision that is wildly irresponsible on paper and was deeply necessary for my soul… I took us to the middle of the Pacific Ocean, to a place and on an adventure so removed from our everyday lives that healing felt maybe, just maybe, like it might be possible. An eight-day cruise on an eight-cabin boat with at least one snorkeling excursion and one hike (and often three or four) everyday onboard the Beluga. Our days would start with breakfast at 7 a.m. and end with a briefing for the next day at 8 p.m. and be completely full in between.

The absolutely crushing buyers’ remorse was immediate and the anxiety was almost all-consuming. It was non-refundable, so we were going. My last vacation was the summer before my marriage ended and the only reason I went was because I thought we were staying together. I hadn’t flown since before the pandemic. I’ve been literally frozen in trauma and grief so badly that I basically walk my dog and that’s it. How on Earth was I going to manage this trip?

A light day on the Beluga! Incredible whiteboard marker art by Darwin Alvarez

I expressed to my kids that there would be no judgement if they wanted a day or two to check out and remain on the boat for their wifi/scrolling needs. They didn’t do that once. They showed up for me and (despite still repeatedly saying, “What the f*ck am I doing? What the f*ck have I done? over and over to myself even while waiting for our third flight connection) I showed up for them.

I had no expectations. And the Galapagos would have blown away any that I had. Giant tortoises. Sea lions EVERYWHERE. Penguins! Interesting and silly birds that are as curious about you as you are of them. Schools of rays and hammerhead sharks. Our fellow passengers were beyond lovely. A married couple like I thought I’d be part of forever, an extended family like the one I’m blessed to belong to, with an active grandma like the one I would like to be one day. Two incredible children (not just mine!) Millennial friends on their own personal journeys. And a wonderful crew who supported and cared for our group led by the incredible Darwin, who is the perfect person to guide you through the absolute wonder of the Galapagos with respect for the creatures and the environment.

We snorkeled and swam and played with sea lions daily. Dolphins chased our boat. One day, penguins swirled all around us while we explored a reef straight out of a Disney movie. On that same excursion we saw white tip sharks. The next day there were hundreds of rays and small hammerhead sharks. We hiked landscapes like I’d never seen before, with lava lizards everywhere and really big iguanas just chillin’ here and there.

The grief crept in from time to time. This should be an epic FAMILY vacation, my brain would sometimes scream. But I was able to remind myself that the only reason we were on that trip is because we weren’t a family anymore. Every happy memory I have from the past 25 years is tainted. These new memories I’ve made are just tinged. There’s a difference. And some of them are truly pure and sweet.

Three adorable sea lions playing in the surf on Espanola Island

Now, back at home, I feel lost at sea in an apartment that is lovely but that I do not love (yet) amongst boxes and possessions I have nowhere to put. I’m adrift in a life where I can’t even see my next stop, let alone my next destination. On the Beluga I knew where I was going and what I was doing every day, and I slept better and for longer than I have in over a decade. I haven’t been the captain of my own ship in almost 25 years; I truly loved being first mate. They do say it’s the journey that matters, not the destination. Although for me, for now, my next journey and destination is an ashram in the Bahamas because even though we’re in a heat wave, I feel frozen again. Healing isn’t linear. I remind myself of that hourly.

Healing Isn’t Linear

And healing doesn’t happen all at once. It’s not a vacation. It’s not a checklist. It’s a slow and uneven process filled with starts and stops. I needed to go to the end of the Earth to start and I have no idea when I’ll finally stop. Probably when the money runs out haha.

One night in Quito, Ecuador… Not nearly enough!

But our time on the Beluga reminded me of what I’m capable of: joy, curiosity, connection. Our trip was ten days of beauty and adventure and (randomly) the most incredible hotel breakfast we have ever experienced at the Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel. So even if the afterglow didn’t last as long as I hoped it would, there is a spark again.

I’m certain my kids will remember the sea lions and the boobies and the bickering over wearing sunscreen (sorry, no, that never seems to end). And I truly hope they always remember the feeling of being fully seen and fully loved by me.

Because I will never forget what it feels like to give that to them. And to myself. They are excited about mom’s next nervous breakdown and where it might take them! Kidding! Kinda

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I’m also a parent of little kids and have a very strong desire for my weebles to understand how amazing and beautiful their country is – and just how darn lucky they are to be living here.

I want my kids to see Canada. But I’m also kind of bad at planning. If I’m going to head to Vancouver (for example) I want to know what the top things are to see that I can’t miss, as well as some cool facts or interesting side trips.

But I want someone else to tell me all the details.

Enter the book: 25 Places in Canada Every Family Should Visit. Written by award-winning freelance travel writer and blogger Jody Robbins (who is also conveniently a Mom), the book covers just that: the top places in Canada to see as a family.

You’ll find destinations that are to be expected, like Vancouver, Banff, Toronto, and Halifax. But you’ll also find little details about each place to add extra adventure and value to your trip. For example, if you’re heading to Vancouver – you’ll know how and where to check out a flightseeing tour, or where to spot eagles.

I love that each destination concludes with sections called Taste, Nap, Getting Around, Fun Facts, and ‘Get Excited About Your Trip’, where you’ll get restaurant and accommodation recommendations, tips on transportation, some interesting facts about the region and a few resources to check out with your kids to introduce them to where you’re going.

Let’s face it – there’s a lot to see in Canada. And if you’re not a seasoned traveler, it can be hard to know where to start. Who would ever think to make Avalon Peninsula a destination for a family trip? I hadn’t before reading “Looking over the steely grey waters of the Atlantic, we watch fishing boats carefully maneuver around imposing icebergs… There’s a feeling of remoteness in Newfoundland and Labrador, like you’ve reached a secluded corner of the world.”

Now I can’t wait to put it on my list.

Saguenay Fjord, Dinosaur Provincial Park, and Penticton make up just a few of the other places described in detail that I now can’t wait to discover. If you’re looking for the more popular spots, you’ll find write-ups on Victoria, Blue Mountain, Quebec City, and PEI, to name a few.

The book also includes helpful travel tips for families including money-saving advice and a section on camping.

For any parent who loves to travel and wants to share this incredibly beautiful country with their kids – this book is an awesome and helpful resource. And one that you should definitely pack in your carry-on.

Find some more details on the book and the author here.

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But just what do you need to know when it comes to being one with nature when you have kids in tow? While I was a heavy backcountry camper before having kids, our family has been camping since my oldest was four and my youngest was one. Here are the things we’ve found key to successfully camping with kids.

Tips for Successfully Camping with Kids

Pick a destination

Perhaps the most important factor when it comes to camping with kids is choosing the right destination. If your kids are little or get car sick easily, a spot within a couple of hours of home is probably the best. If your kids are older or don’t mind spending time on the road, you can choose a destination a little further afield. Wherever you land, be prepared to take plenty of breaks for when nature calls or people are hungrier for more than their car snacks. (Side note: pack car snacks.)

When picking a camping spot, consider how remote you want to go and what sort of experience you’re looking for. There are plenty of provincial parks and crown land that offer a rugged, disconnected camping experience. There are also those with electric sites, flush toilets, and showers, that are close to major centres. You can backpack or canoe your gear into a remote site, or simply drive up and set up in a campground. The options are endless, though I must say Ontario has some phenomenal provincial parks.

If you’re new to the idea of camping with kids, a backyard vacation is a great place to start.

Make a list

Just like Santa, when camping with kids you should be making a list and checking it twice (or even three times!) to make sure you have everything you need before heading out. There’s no worse feeling than getting to your site and realizing you’ve left something important – potentially hours away – at home. (This happened to us one year when we got to our site and realized we’d left our youngest’s walking cast for his broken leg at home and had to make the two-hour drive home. Don’t be like us, make a list!)

Start with the big stuff – your tent, sleeping bags, and stove with fuel. But don’t forget the little things either – like bandages in case of scrapes and falls, or dish soap for cleaning up after meals. With Care has an excellent and very thorough essential family camping packing list on their website, for free download.

Pack the night before

Pack as much of your gear the night before, so that you can hit the road early and aren’t dealing with any unexpected fit problems with impatient little travellers hounding you about when you’re leaving. Make sure to pack in-car entertainment for the kiddos, as well as snacks. An iPad comes in handy for longer trips, and magnetic board games offer plenty of fun. You can always stick to the classics like red car blue car, or I-Spy if that’s more your style. Snacks such as granola bars and fresh fruit are perfect for on the road, and a refillable water bottle is great for in the car and at the campsite.

Meal planning when camping with kids

I cannot stress enough how important meal planning is when camping with kids. It can take longer to cook things on a camp stove or over a campfire than at home, and kids (at least mine) have no patience. You can’t go wrong with basics like cereal for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch. Lots of snacks (chips, cookies, fruit, veggies) will fill in the gaps until dinner. Getting the kids involved in coming up with some meal ideas ahead of time will also get them excited for the adventure.

Some pro camp food tips I’ve picked up over the years include:

• Cook dinners at home before you go and freeze them in containers/storage bags. Once you’re at your site, you only have to heat and eat, and they double as an ice block in your cooler.
• Do not plan to cook dinner your first night. You’re going to be worn out from the trip and setting up your gear, and the last thing you’ll want to do is cook dinner as the sun is setting. Stick with something easy the first night.
• Costco sells huge packages of precooked bacon. Take the precooked bacon. You won’t be dealing with grease in potential bear country, and you can scramble up your eggs that much quicker in the morning.
• Use blocks of ice instead of cubes. When packing your cooler, put a layer of blocked ice on the bottom. This will stay colder and last much longer than cubes.
• Skip the bottled water. If you’re camping at a provincial park, you’re mostly safe to drink the water. There may be a water advisory where you’re heading, so it’s always best to check before heading out. If you’re heading backcountry camping, a water filtration system is worth the investment so you’ve always got safe drinking water without the weight (and waste) of packing in your own water.
• Don’t be afraid of disposable. If you don’t want to mess about with dishes while camping, there’s no shame in taking along disposable plates and cutlery. (Plus, you can burn paper plates in your campfire.)
• Camp food doesn’t have to be boring. Finally, there are so many delicious recipes available online for camp food – whether you’re cooking foil packets on the fire or want something you can walk about with – don’t be afraid to settle for boring food just because you’re camping.

Plan activities

If your kids think they’re “bored” at home, just wait until they’re out in nature, with nary a Netflix show in sight. This is why it’s important to plan activities to keep them busy. Card and board games are always a favourite, as are things like lawn darts or croquet. Check out maps ahead of time to see if there are any hiking trails around.

Provincial parks often run daily visitors programming geared towards families that is informative and fun. At some places you can rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, or even bicycles. Some parks have playgrounds (always a must, for our family) where kids can play and make new friends. One thing we’ve found helpful as our kids have gotten older is a good set of walkie talkies. They can have a bit of freedom around the park, and we can check in regularly.

You don’t have to plan every minute – otherwise it won’t be a relaxing vacation – but make sure you have a few fun activities in your back pocket to keep them entertained should boredom set in.

More tips for camping with kids

This certainly isn’t an exhaustive list, but is what our family (and friends) has found helpful while camping with kids. (And camping with a baby is a whole other ballgame.) Some other tips to consider for a smooth experience camping with kids include:

• Pack a favourite toy
• Practice camping in the backyard at home
• Get kids involved in packing, setup, and tear down
• Dress in layers
• Anticipate (and prepare for) potential challenges
• Don’t forget safety
• Keep a positive attitude
• Be flexible
• Embrace the dirt!

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Tips to Make the Most of a Disney Cruise

What to Bring and What to Leave at Home

A day bag: If you’re travelling to your cruise from a Disney resort, expect to have your bag ready to go hours before departure. The cruise line will arrange for your bag to be transported onto the ship, so you’re free to travel light for the day in transit. Having a day pack with a change of clothes, swimsuits, and your electronic equipment is essential. A small backpack for kids and diaper bags for babies will also helpful. These bags will also be perfect for any day trips you take while at port.

A light jacket or sweater: You never know what kind of weather to expect at each port. It can be quite chilly and windy at Port Canaveral, so pack a light jacket or sweater for each member of your family.

Snacks and drinks for your stateroom: Disney is one of very few cruise lines that allow guests to bring snacks and alcohol from shore to be enjoyed in your stateroom. Non-perishable snack foods are fine as long as they are sealed and in their original packaging. All alcoholic beverages you bring aboard must be kept in your room. You can purchase drinks to be enjoyed by the pool or in restaurants from staff.

Important documents: You will not be able to board the ship without you family’s travel documents, so ensure you have passports, boarding passes, etc. with you.

Good to know: Be prepared to tip for your stateroom host and wait staff on your final day on the ship. Tip voucher cards are provided by your steward in your room. Click here for Disney’s suggested guidelines for gratuities.

If You’re Travelling with a Toddler or Baby…

Your baby must be at least 6 months old on the day of sailing. The minimum age for Transatlantic, Hawaii, and Panama Canal itineraries is one year of age on the day of sailing.

Leave your travel crib or pack ‘n play at home. If you’re travelling with a small child, your stateroom host will be your best friend on the trip. Each evening the steward will come and set up a ship-provided pack ‘n play for your child and (if you wish) will fold it down to make more room during the day.

Bring your stroller. The ships are massive. Having a stroller will make getting to and from meals and activities much easier to navigate. The restaurant cast members (all Disney staff are called cast members) are more than accommodating and will help make room for your stroller in the restaurants—especially if you have a sleeping baby with you.

Kids clubs and babysitting services are available for kids of all ages, although some charges apply for babies and young toddlers. If you’re itching for a grown-up night out you can book a reservation in an adults-only restaurant and the kids will be taken care of by the excellent Disney cast members in the kids and baby clubs.

The pools do not allow babies in swim diapers. That doesn’t mean leave the swim diapers at home. There are splash areas for toddlers and if you’re in the Caribbean you won’t want to miss out on swimming in the ocean with your little one while at port.

If you’re travelling with young kids, request the early seating for dinner. Your time slot stays the same each night, but your assigned restaurant changes (your wait staff rotate restaurants with you).

Staterooms Are Definitely the Way to Go

Staterooms might appear small in photos, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how spacious they are once you’re settled and unpacked.

Once upon a time they provided “wave phones” to keep in touch while on board. Now everyone is expected to use their own mobile phones to access Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to keep in touch.

Staterooms have all the essentials to make you feel at home. Provided are: hairdryers, high-quality shampoo, soaps and creams, flat-screen television, mini refrigerator, super comfortable beds, closets to hang your clothing, safe for travel documents, alarm clock/stereo speaker and more. Bonus, the beds are raised high enough for your suitcases to slide underneath, so you won’t be tripping over them while in your room. If you’re celebrating a special occasion on board, bring decorations to dress up the door to your stateroom.

Get to Know Your Ports of Call Before You Leave Home

A little research before embarking on your trip will save time and allow you to make the most of your days on port.

Castaway Cay is the Disney-owned port-of-call in the Bahamas. If you’re spending a day at Castaway Cay be prepared to simply relax. All meals and non-alcoholic beverages are included as are beach chairs, some activities and more. The beach is breathtaking if you choose to simply sit and watch the waves and make sand castles, for the more adventurous types there are playgrounds on shore and in the water for kids, bikes for rent and water-sport activities and rentals.

In 2024, Disney introduced Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point (or just Lookout Cay) that features three beaches, one for families that includes a water play area for kids and a splash pad for tots, and extensive adults-only offerings including a beaches, dining, bars, and beachside cabanas.

It’s All About the Princesses!

Book character experiences as soon as you get on board. Reservations to meet princesses fill up fast, so booking early is essential.

Each ship offers different character experiences, so prep your child before the trip so they are not disappointed if they don’t meet their favourite character.

Go early. To meet characters, be prepared to get there early and wait in line.

Don’t miss the character dance party! It’s a ton of fun for young and older kids.

Each evening your stateroom host will leave an information booklet listing all the next day’s character experiences and entertainment. It’s a good idea to read it over and plan your day the night before so you don’t miss out on any of the fun.

The post Thinking About a Disney Cruise? Here’s How to Make the Most of It appeared first on SavvyMom.

An afternoon of playing a round or two of mini golf is great because everyone can play at their own pace or all together, giving your group space or togetherness, depending on how the summer, day, or hour is going.

Travelling this summer? Be sure to put some of these great courses on your list. Most are outdoors but sometimes Canadian summers can mean uncooperative weather so look for the * to denote indoor facilities.

Best Mini Golf Courses in Western Canada

Riptide Lagoon, Parksville, B.C.

A beautiful and elaborate course that mimics a quaint little fishing village, complete with monster fish, seaside homes and a lighthouse. Little golfers will enjoy posing for pictures and checking out the plane suspended over the 18^th hole. Additional on-site activities include an arcade and laser tag bumper cars. |  riptidelagoon.com

Family Adventure Zone, Whistler, B.C.

It will be tough to find a more beautiful backdrop for your mini golf experience than stunning Blackcomb. Nestled at the bottom of the mountain, steps from the vibrant Whistler Village, is the Family Adventure Zone featuring mini golf, a bouncy castle, rope zone, bungee trampoline, go karts and more. Who says Whistler is just for skiiers? | whistlerblackcomb.com 

For more mini-golf courses in and around Vancouver, CLICK HERE

Dragon’s Tale Blacklight Mini Golf, West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton, AB

Slay the bad guys and save the dragons one putt at a time as you make your way through this 18-hole sensory experience. For something less intense, try the nearby Professor WEM’s Adventure Golf, better for littles who might find Dragon’s Tale too scary. |  Dragon’s Tale Blacklight Mini Golf

Winsport Canada Olympic Park, Calgary, AB

Location, location, location. That’s what they say about mini golf, right? Another great course with a view, this time of the Rocky Mountains, is at Winsport Olympic Park, home of the Calgary 1988 Winter Olympics. After you put your clubs away, check out the zipline, mountain bike trails, summer bobsleigh, scenic chair lift, waterslide and more, all on the same site. | winsport.ca

 For more mini-golf courses in and around Calgary, CLICK HERE

Best Mini-Golf Courses in the Prairies

*Market Mall, Saskatoon, SK

Who needs California when you’ve got Saskatoon? Styled after the famous Pebble Beach golf course, this mini-me is located inside the Market Mall and features lush greens, tropical vegetation, a stream and fish pond. Stock up on trip essentials at Safeway and Shoppers Drug Mart, then play a round before heading back out on the road. | saskatoonmarketmall.com

*U-Puttz Amusement Centre, Winnipeg, MB

They say there are plenty of fish in the sea and they’re right when it comes to the front nine holes of this glow-in-the-dark blacklit course. Putt around dolphins and sharks before blasting to the past where the T-Rex and Long Neck Brontosaurus await you on the back nine. Laser Tag, bumper cars and an arcade (sigh) round out the list of activities in this amusement centre. | u-puttz.ca

Best Mini Golf Courses in Ontario & Quebec

Timber Creek Golf & Family Fun Centre, Stouffville, ON

Just 30-minutes north of Toronto you’ll find Timber Creek, located on a beautiful 35-acre nature park. Rushing waterfalls, a picturesque pond, batting cages, huge jumping castles and an air-conditioned clubhouse make this a great spot for family fun. Want to really tire the kids out? Take advantage of its late closing (10:30 p.m. in July and August). | timbercreekgolf.ca

Cascades Putting Course, Blue Mountain Resort, Grey County, ON

If you think miniature golf is supposed to be small, this might not be the place for you. The Cascade Putting Course considers itself “as big as mini golf gets.” Situated at the base of the Niagara Escarpment, the course’s best feature is its natural surroundings and panoramic views. | bluemountain.ca

Cascades Golf, La Prairie, QC

Roughly 15 minutes outside Montreal you’ll find picturesque and long-standing Cascades Golf. Known for its beautiful scenery and lack of tacky décor (for a mini putt place), Cascades is not the biggest but it’s definitely one of the prettiest. After your round be sure to pop next door to the legendary Ice Cream Jonathan for some cold, creamy goodness. | cascades-golf.com

For more mini golf courses, CLICK HERE for Toronto and CLICK HERE for Ottawa

Best Mini Golf Courses in the Maritimes

River of Adventure, Cavendish, PEI

Have you ever asked a giant lobster if he minds if you play through? Well you’re about to at River of Adventure. Known for its interesting selection of hazards (including a musical bridge and potato patch) this one is a PEI selfie-seeker’s dream: heavy on kitsch, fun and photo ops. | cavendishbeachpei.com

More Mini Golf Courses Across Canada

*Putting Edge. Locations in Halifax, Ottawa, the Greater Toronto Area, Quebec, and the U.S.

These dazzling, glow-in-the-dark, blacklit courses are a complete sensory experience. Older kids will love the vibe and little ones will probably be more interested in looking around than swinging a club, which isn’t a bad thing when you’re surrounded by other people in the dark! This is a rainy day must-do or teenager drop-off anytime of the year. | puttingedge.com

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