Last Minute Labor Day Getaways With Booking.com!!

With the end of summer in site, why not get away one last time!!  Here are some terrific destinations to stop the end of summer blues, thanks to Booking.com.

Booking.com (the #1 accommodations website) has pulled out the top accommodations based on last year’s bookings for Labor Day Weekend. Needless to say, Booking.com makes booking a last-minute Labor Day Weekend accommodation labor-free.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

For those who want to book a wild trip, this hotel is on the Las Vegas Strip and features boutique shopping and fine dining. It has a full-service spa and suites with a private balcony. It offers 3 different pools, a nightclub, and a casino with 100,000 square feet of gaming area, including table games and slot machines. In addition, this hotel features 12 unique restaurant choices and 4 bars and lounges.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando

For those who want to book an adventurous trip, this Orlando hotel is conveniently located next to Walt Disney World and provides free transportation to and from Disney parks. It also features an 18-hole golf course and a full-service spa. For parents traveling with children, this hotel offers a kids club. Spacious swimming pools and an on-site jogging trail are also available. Universal Studios and SeaWorld theme parks are both within a 20-minute drive of the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando.

Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes

For those who want a relaxing trip, this beachfront resort features a private beach, outdoor pool with a waterslide, and ocean or resort reviews. It offers a spa with an indoor pool and sauna, as well as a golf course, tennis court, gym, and highly-rated restaurants and bars. In addition, it is conveniently located within 7 miles of Myrtle Waves Water Park, Broadway at the Beach, and NASCAR Speed Park.

With Labor Day just around the corner, now is the perfect time to celebrate all of the hard work you have done all summer and soak up that last bit of sun! Whether it’s a wild trip filled with gambling and clubbing, an adventurous trip to an amusement park, or a relaxing getaway to the beach, Labor Day Weekend is the chance to end the summer right!

This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Are You Relaxing Enough?? #PrincessCruises #comebacknew

Survey Shows Almost All Americans Believe Relaxation is Essential for Health and Well-Being - But Their Habits Prove Otherwise

Princess Cruises' Annual Relaxation Report Reveals Americans Spend Less Than 5% of Their Day on Relaxation

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Aug. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Princess Cruises today released results from its fifth annual Relaxation Report, conducted in celebration of National Relaxation Day on Aug. 15. Despite that an overwhelming 99% of Americans agree that relaxation is essential for their overall health and well-being, on average Americans spend only an hour a day dedicated to unwinding.

In honor of National Relaxation Day, Princess Cruises is encouraging all Americans to observe the day with dedicated time spent relaxing.

The national survey also revealed other insights including that 38% frequently feel guilty about relaxing, and that more than one-quarter (28%) of those polled feel stressed out by the mere thought of trying to relax. That figure increases to 39% for parents and 41% among Americans under 40.

"It's not surprising that almost all Americans see relaxation as key to improving their health, however, our survey found that the demands of our daily lives have made only 60 minutes attainable," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. "In honor of National Relaxation Day, we're asking Americans to make a concerted effort to take a break today to relax and decompress, which we all know is good for both our mind and body." She added that for those who looking for the ultimate chance to unwind, Princess Cruises offers an array of options for any traveler looking for a relaxing vacation escape.

Princess Cruises, which helps more than 1.7 million travelers each year "come back new" aboard its worldwide fleet of ships in exotic destinations, commissioned the annual report to uncover consumer attitudes towards vacation and relaxation habits.

Relax, Just Do It

An overwhelming 85% of those surveyed say sex is better when they're relaxed and can just go with it. Interestingly enough, 16% report that sex is better when they're stressed. For those looking for a relaxing couple's getaway (wink, wink), consider a cruise vacation.

Going Off the Grid in 3, 2, 1

Two-thirds of Americans (67%) reported they would feel completely relaxed if they were entirely "off the grid" (without any electronics or Internet access). And on an average day, 42% of men and women feel completely or mostly relaxed. Additionally, over half (52%) of American's say that having a smart phone makes it harder to relax.

Let the Music Soothe You

More Americans would prefer to use sound over sight when trying to relax. Two in five Americans (40%) of Americans choose music to help decompress and, now in 2014, reading has been shelved with only 5% naming it the best relaxation tool.

Who has it Harder?

Of those with significant others, 52% share they're more stressed than their partner. However, among men, 62% say their significant other is more stressed out.

About the 2014 Survey

The Princess Cruises Relaxation Report survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,000 nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18+, between August 8th and August 12th, 2014, using an online omnibus survey. Quotas have been set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the U.S. adult population 18+. The margin of error for this survey is +/- 3.1 percent.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at http://www.princess.com.

About Princess Cruises:

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 18 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess carries 1.7 million passengers each year to destinations around the globe ranging in length from three to 107 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE: CUK).

This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Wyndham Hotels End Of Summer Deals- South Florida #WyndhamHotels

From South Beach to Sunny Isles to Sarasota, Florida is the place to getaway this fall, and Wyndham Hotel Group is here to make your experience unforgettable!  Below are a few sites and bites not to miss when exploring the sunshine state.

·         Where to stay:

·         Shack up in the recently renovated and spectacular Shelbourne Wyndham Grand, located in Miami’s South Beach and Deco Districts. The Shelbourne is just moments from the trendiest shops, restaurants and nightclubs.

o   Deal Alert:  Honeymoon exclusive - Book 5 nights, get 2 free

·         Further afield, book a stay at Wyndham Hotel Group’s Ramada Lake Placid, conveniently located nearGatorama – where you can get up close and personal with alligators – and in close proximity to top local attractions and destinations.

·         Close to the Everglades and Gulfstream Park, escape to the well-located Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Naples and have all of Naples’ world class attractions at your fingertips.

o   Deal Alert:  Save 30% off the best available rate when you stay 3 consecutive nights

·         Where to eat

·         If you’re too chilled out after hitting up the Shelbourne’s Blue Harmony Spa to leave your lush surroundings for dinner, mosey your way to the hotel’s most special post-renovation features, Japanese-inspired Morimoto Restaurant under celebrity chef, Iron ChefMasaharu Morimoto.

·          If you’re further afield in South Florida, Artisans is an intimate, fire-lit Lake Placid restaurant – perfect for a romantic dinner.

·          For those hitting the beachside town of Naples, you can’t go wrong with the Yabba Bar and Grill for delicious, local seafood.

·         Where to play

·         South Florida has a range of exciting new and recently renovated attractions that are a must to check out on your trip! For those relaxing in Miami with kids, Miami Children’s Museum has undergone a $20 million facelift and now features life-like reproductions and interactions.  If you’re venturing to Naples, spend a few hours in the lush renovated Naples Botanical Gardens before hitting some of the area’s sparkling beaches. For those en route to Ramada Lake Placid, be sure to drop into Gatorama – always a fun family day out!

This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Wyndham Hotel Group’s Autumn Foliage Getaways #WyndhamHotels

WYNDHAM HOTEL GROUP’S FALL FOILAGE GETAWAYS

·         Rutland, Vermont – Famous for spectacular views and ample hiking paths, the Green Mountains just south of Rutland have some of Vermont’s most beautiful fall foliage. Take in the changing leaves throughout September and October, and be sure to spend some time in Manchester for their farmers’ markets and to see the Hildene mansion, which was once home to Abraham Lincoln’s son.

o   DEAL ALERT: Book your stay at the Days Inn Rutland at least seven days in advance and receive 15% off your stay!

·         Lenox, Massachusetts – A popular summer destination, The Berkshires is known for its tranquility and culture. Take a drive through the October Mountain State Forest to soak up the greenery and see what inspired the likes of Herman Melville.

o   DEAL ALERT: Book your stay at Days Inn Lenox at least seven days in advance and save 10%!

·         Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan – Bordering Canada, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has some of the world’s most vibrant foliage, which is said to be visible from space! Drive along the coast of Lake Superior, or visit one of the areas’ many nature reserves and parks to experience autumn at its best.

o   DEAL ALERT: Book your stay at the Days Inn or Super 8 Sault Ste. Marie at least seven days in advance and receive15% off the total price, or book at the Ramada Sault Ste. Marie and receive the best rate plus 2000 Wyndham Rewardspoints!

·         Glenwood Springs, Colorado – While Colorado is known around the world for its spectacular skiing, the foliage is noteworthy as well. Take a quick drive to Aspen to experience Independence Pass, which is only open between May and November. A hike or drive through the area is the perfect way to observe the changing leaves and take in the breathtaking views.

o   DEAL ALERT: Book your stay at Ramada Glenwood Springs at least 7 days in advance and save 15%!

·         Portland, Oregon – Portland is notorious for its farm-to-table dining, microbreweries and niche book shops, but visitors can also revel in the Pacific Northwest’s majestic autumn by taking a stroll through Hoyt Arboretum or the Japanese Garden, and driving through the Columbia River Gorge, the largest National Scenic Area in the US.

o   DEAL ALERT: Book your stay at the Ramada Portland and save 15% on your total price, or book at the Days Inn Portland and receive the best available rate plus 2000 Wyndham Rewards points!

Now through September 15th, members who visit www.wyndhamrewards.com and register for the program’s “Unpack Your Bonus Promotion” will receive the opportunity to virtually “unpack” a suitcase and reveal a bonus that will multiply points earned on future stays by up to 10 times. Members can also enter for a chance to win a prize of anywhere from $10,000 to $1,000,000 this summer via the program’s “One Million Dollar Sweepstakes.” To enter, members need only visit www.wyndhamrewards.com/win or call 1-866-996-7937. Non-members may enter by enrolling in Wyndham Rewards through one of the above methods, or in person at any participating hotel. There is no cost to enroll in the program or to enter the sweepstakes.



This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Diagon Alley Now Open At Universal Studios Florida #UniversalStudios

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley Now Open At Universal Orlando Resort

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES… 
THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER – DIAGON ALLEY NOW OPEN 
AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

The Most Spectacularly-Themed, Highly-Anticipated Theme Park Experience of the Year Rolls Out 
the Red Carpet to Officially Welcome its First Guests

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 8, 2014) – It’s the day millions of people around the world have been waiting for…

This morning, Universal Orlando Resort officially opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida.   Confetti, fireworks and a red carpet lined with dozens of cheering Diagon Alley team members welcomed thousands of excited guests as they entered the all-new spectacularly-themed land for the very first time.   

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley brings even more of Harry Potter’s adventures to life at Universal Orlando Resort.   This fully-immersive area expands upon the global phenomenon launched by Universal Orlando when it opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure in 2010.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley is filled with incredible entertainment experiences for the whole family.  You arrive aboard the Hogwarts Express, which takes guests on a journey between the two lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and are transported into a spectacularly themed environment. The new area includes incredible shops with windows full of magical surprises, authentic food and beverages, a towering dragon that breathes fire and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, a new attraction unlike any other that takes you on a mind-blowing ride through the Gringotts vaults – pulling you into an incredible adventure.

More details about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and available vacation packages can be found at www.UniversalOrlando.com/wizardingworld.

About the Harry Potter Series 
Harry Potter continues to be a global phenomenon. Each of the seven books by author J.K. Rowling has broken sales records, with the series to date having sold over 450 million copies worldwide and translated into 77 languages.  The Harry Potter films, produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, have grossed more than $7.7 billion to date worldwide at the box office, making Harry Potter the largest-grossing film franchise in history.

About Universal Orlando Resort Vacation like you mean it at Universal Orlando Resort – where every heart pounding, jaw-dropping, goose-bumping second counts.  It is the only place where you can turn spending time with your family into spending time as a family.  Together, you can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, become a Minion in the hilarious and heartwarming Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, and join Optimus Prime in the fight to save mankind on the new mega-attraction, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D.  And now, you can step into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.

Universal Orlando Resort is home to two incredible theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure; four magnificently themed on-site hotels:  Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and the newest addition, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort; and Universal CityWalk - a nighttime entertainment complex featuring a collection of nightclubs, restaurants and shops.  And located just minutes from Universal Orlando Resort is Wet n’ Wild, Orlando’s premier waterpark.

Universal Orlando Resort is part of NBCUniversal, a Comcast company.  Follow Universal Orlando Resort on Facebook,Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About Warner Bros. Entertainment Warner Bros. Entertainment is a global leader in all forms of entertainment and their related businesses across all current and emerging media and platforms.  A Time Warner Company, the fully integrated, broad-based studio is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television and home entertainment production and worldwide distribution to DVD, digital distribution, animation, comic books, video games, product and brand licensing, international cinemas and broadcasting.

HARRY POTTER, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.
(s14)

One of the most memorable and exciting experiences from the Harry Potter series will come to life at Universal Orlando Resort this summer. Imagine:

• Being transported from the Muggle world to the wizarding world as you pass through the brick wall at
 King’s Cross Station to arrive at Platform 9 ¾

• Watching in amazement as the Hogwarts Express pulls into the station – its billowing steam and authentic
 whistle beckoning you to hop aboard

• Sitting in one of the train’s cabins with your family and friends and actually riding the Hogwarts Express –
just as your favorite characters did in the Harry Potter films

• Looking outside your cabin window and enjoying a scenic, breathtaking journey through the British
 countryside as you encounter magical creatures, some of your favorite Harry Potter characters…and even
 Dementors…

Since the very first Harry Potter film, every fan has dreamed of taking the same classic journey Harry Potter did
 aboard the Hogwarts Express. And this summer – they will get to live it.

 Universal Orlando revealed never-before-released details about the Hogwarts Express experience that will
 debut as part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley – the all-new, magnificently themed land
 opening this summer. The train will connect the new land in Universal Studios Florida with The Wizarding World
 of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure – allowing guests with park-to-park admission to enjoy a real journey aboard the iconic locomotive.

 Never before has this been done – creating an actual train ride experience to connect two spectacularly themed
 environments. The Hogwarts Express experience combines powerful storytelling, live special effects, lifelike
 animation and state-of-the-art technology to take riders on the journey of a lifetime. Guests will enjoy two
 completely different experiences depending on whether they’re traveling to Hogsmeade or London.

 Once seated in the cabin, guests will be able to look out their windows as an incredibly authentic and magical
 adventure unfolds before them. They’ll see Hagrid come alongside the train on his flying motorbike, Buckbeak the Hippogriff swoop gracefully over the black lake, the Weasley twins on brooms and up to their usual antics, the
 Knight Bus swerving through London traffic – and other special moments and surprises.

Universal’s Creative team has been working closely with Warner Bros., Stuart Craig and the production team from the Harry Potter films to create a sensational Hogwarts Express experience that the entire family can enjoy. The Creative team has gone to great lengths to ensure the experience is true to the books and films. Everything about the train is authentic – from the paint and the materials used to build it….all the way down to the whistle.

This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Norwegian Getaway Is Making Miami Their Home!!

Norwegian Getaway will be the largest ship to homeport year-round in Miami

MIAMI – PortMiami and Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that Norwegian Cruise Line’s new state-of-the-art 4,000 passenger ship, Norwegian Getaway, will make Miami her year-round home port. Norwegian Getaway - which will be the largest ship ever to home port year-round in Miami - will embark on weekly cruises beginning in the spring of 2014. Miami-Dade County officials joined Norwegian Cruise Line Chief Executive Officer Kevin Sheehan today at PortMiami on board Norwegian Spirit for this announcement.

“PortMiami is pleased to be the home of the most modern and innovative ships on the seas today. Norwegian Getaway will be a great addition to our fleet,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “We are anxious to welcome Norwegian Getaway to the Cruise Capital of the World.”
Norwegian Cruise Line was the first cruise brand to sail from Miami.

“Miami has been the home of this Company since our beginning in 1966. Therefore, we are so excited to bring one of our two new Breakaway-class ships here to Miami to homeport year-round,” said Norwegian Cruise Line Chief Executive Officer Kevin Sheehan. “Norwegian Getaway will embrace all that the Magic City has to offer and will offer an extraordinary cruise experience to the more than 4,000 guests who will sail on her each week beginning in spring 2014.”

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Rebeca Sosa, joined County Commission Chairman Joe A. Martinez in welcoming this new vessel to South Florida.

“The Norwegian brand is known around the world for its Freestyle Cruising,” Sosa said. “We are looking forward to bringing a new Norwegian ship to our community.”

PortMiami Director Bill Johnson said, “Norwegian vessels will generate more than one million passenger moves annually through the Port once Norwegian Getaway arrives, contributing an estimated $500,000,000 each year to Florida's economy. Norwegian Getaway alone is expected to generate 450,000 passenger moves each year.”

Norwegian Cruise Line has been sailing its ships from PortMiami longer than any other cruise brand, since the company’s origins in 1966. Norwegian currently has three ships sailing seasonally from Miami, including Norwegian Epic, the line’s largest vessel carrying more than 4,100 guests. Norwegian Sky has been sailing three and four-day itineraries to the Bahamas year-round from Miami since 2007.

Being built at Meyer Werft in Germany, Norwegian Getaway will be 144,000 gross tons and is scheduled for delivery in spring 2014. Norwegian will announce the ship’s inaugural itineraries and on-sale dates later this year. Norwegian Getaway’s sister ship, Norwegian Breakaway, will begin sailing from her year-round home port of New York City in May 2013.

To book a Norwegian Cruise Line sailing, contact a travel professional, call Norwegian at 800-327-7030 or visit www.ncl.com.

About PortMiami

PortMiami is the world’s busiest cruise port handling more than four million passengers last year, the fourth year in a row in which the Port topped the four million mark for cruise traffic. For more information about PortMiami please visit www.miamadade.gov.

About Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 47-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which revolutionized the industry by giving guests more freedom and flexibility. Today, Norwegian invites guests to “Cruise Like a Norwegian” on one of 13 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed, resort style cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea. Recently, the line was named “Europe’s Leading Cruise Line” for the sixth consecutive year, as well as “Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Line” and “World’s Leading Large Ship Cruise Line” by the World Travel Awards.

The Company recently took delivery of its most innovative ship to date, the 4,000-passenger Norwegian Getaway on January 10, 2014. The largest ship to homeport year-round in Miami, Norwegian Getaway boasts 28 dining venues, including seafood restaurant Ocean Blue by famed New York Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian and a branch of Carlo’s Bake Shop by Buddy Valastro, star of the TLC series “Cake Boss.” The entertainment lineup includes Broadway shows Legally Blonde and Burn the Floor and the unique dining and magic venue, the Illusionarium. Norwegian Getaway’s sister ship, Norwegian Breakaway, was named “Best New Ship of 2013” by the editors of Cruise Critic and “Best Rookie Cruise Ship” by the readers of Travel Weekly. Known as New York’s ship, Norwegian Breakaway is the largest vessel to homeport year-round in the city.

The Company has two 4,200-passenger vessels on order at Meyer Werft: Norwegian Escape with delivery scheduled in the fall of 2015; and Norwegian Bliss with delivery in the spring of 2017.

Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of the Miami Dolphins/Sun Life Stadium, The New York Knicks, Blue Man Group and Legends in Concert; and the official cruise line partner of The GRAMMY Awards and is an official partner of the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall.

My Trip To CA For The #HubHalloweenBash Day 1

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post.  I was given an all expense paid trip to LA to attend the taping of the Hub Networks Halloween Bash**

I love my job!!  I have gotten to experience a lot of things that I doubt I ever would have without this job.  Including things like walking the red carpet, and getting to meet and interview celebrities.  

Last week I got to experience yet another first.  I was invited to see a taping of a TV show special focused on one of my favorite holidays, Halloween.   

Thanks to the Hub Network, I was flown out to LA and got to stay at the Marriott Marina Del Ray.  It was a beautiful hotel with a very short drive to and from the airport.  Being a rewards member, I was upgraded to a beautiful suite!!  

The first day I was in LA (travel day) I had to myself.  It was nice to get to relax, but I have to admit I really missed my family!!

With the three hour time difference, I was starving by 5 pm LA time (8 PM my time) so I ordered room service.  I am used to eating Mac and Cheese and hot dogs.  I went outside of my norm and ordered Filet Mignon!!!

This was one of the best meals I have had in a long time, and I am not just saying that because I didn't have to cook it!!

The steak was cooked and seasoned properly and the potatoes were oh so good!!  Luckily since I was in my room, I could lick the plate!! (Just kidding!!)

After resting from eating that delicious meal, I met up with some of my blogger friends to have dinner (I did not eat again!!) I could not go to LA without seeing my favorite Disney friend Marshall!!

We all had a terrific time catching up and spending time together outside of work!!!

After a couple hours or 1 am to us east coasters, it was time to hit that really nice comfy bed!!!

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post.  I was given an all expense paid trip to LA to attend the taping of the Hub Networks Halloween Bash**



This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.