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Devine Fairytale

a magical lifestyle blog

Categories: Travel

7 Tips for an Awesome Road Trip

Road trips are a great way to see the country and spend time with family or friends, but they can also be stressful and challenging. Most people take a road trip at least once in their lifetime. If this is your first road trip or you are just wondering how to make it a better experience, here are a few road trip tips to help make your next road trip a success.

Whether you’re heading out a day trip or traveling across the country, you’ll be able to beat the boredom and have a fun and enjoyable road trip!

road trip feet out the window of car with a paper map for road trip tips blog post

Best Road Trip Tips

If you’re hung up on what to do on a road trip or how to entertain the family while on a road trip, these tips are for you! Road trips can be fun, exciting, and filled with joy. Planning a road trip just got a whole lot easier. 

1. Leave Early in the Morning

One of the best tips for going on a road trip with family is to leave early in the morning. This will help you avoid some traffic and get a head start on your driving for the day. Leaving early can be difficult for little ones, but it will be worth it to get a head start on your trip.

2. Pack Snacks and Drinks

No one wants to stop for food every hour, so make sure to pack snacks and drinks for the car. This will help keep everyone happy and save you time and money. Make sure you choose foods that are easy to clean up! You don’t want to get stuck cleaning up a huge mess in your vehicle. If you have little ones, filling up a plastic container with their favorite snacks will help contain some of the mess. Check out these bento boxes on Amazon before your next trip.

3. Bring Activities for Entertainment

If you are traveling with kids, make sure to bring along some activities to keep them entertained. Coloring books, small toys, and puzzles are all great options. This will help keep them occupied during the drive and try to minimize boredom (and the constant question…”Are we there yet??”). Adults can also benefit from bringing along a book or magazine to read. Podcasts are also a great idea to listen to!

4. Take Breaks

Don’t try to push through and drive for hours on end. You’ll get tired and it will be harder to focus on the road. Safety is a priority! Instead, take short breaks every few hours to rest and stretch your legs. This will help you stay refreshed and alert during your trip.

5. Blankets and Pillows

Make sure your car is comfortable by bringing along blankets and pillows. This will help everyone relax and maybe even be able to take a nap. You’ll be thankful for the extra comfort on a long drive.

6. Pack for an Emergency

You never know what can happen on a road trip, so it’s important to be prepared. Pack a first aid kit and some basic tools in case you have car trouble. It’s also a good idea to have a map of the area in case you get lost. Make sure the GPS on your phone is updated before you leave for your road trip.

7. Pack Special Treats

Road trips are a chance for you to have fun with the family.  So, pack some special treats to enjoy along the way. This could be anything from your favorite snacks to a new game to play in the car. This just gives everyone a chance to enjoy the trip even more. Who doesn’t love a fun surprise?

While road trips can be exhausting, they are also a lot of fun. It’s safe to say that road trips are one of those things that it is about the journey and not the destination. What family road trip tips would you add to this list?

Categories: Seasonal, Summer, Travel

Simple Tips for Summer Travel

It’s summer and that vacation you’ve been dreaming about is just around the corner. Exploring your destination will be the best part of the trip, but the journey to get there can be stressful. It isn’t just a snap of your fingers and an arrival at your destination; you can’t just skip to the good part like the trend on TikTok. It takes planning and work to be able to enjoy your vacation. That’s where these five tips can help set you up for the best summer vacation!

gray and black dslr camera beside sun hat and sunglasses - summer travel tips blog post

Summer Travel Tips

1. Arrive Early

If you are traveling by plane, plan on getting to the airport early. We are all aware of how long security lines can get and the number of people that are ready to travel again. Remove some stress from the process by arriving early. Once you make it through security, enjoy your time. Your vacation has officially begun! Find a good restaurant, read a book, or enjoy a cocktail (or two) to ease the pre-flight jitters.

2. Dress in Layers

When traveling between different climates, dressing in layers is your best friend. Even if the outside temperature remains consistent, you may visit indoor locations where they are pumping the AC full blast. Those layers will come in handy then!

3. Purchase Tickets in Advance

If you are traveling to a popular summer destination, plan ahead. Purchase those tickets early so they don’t sell out. This will also keep you from standing in long lines at the start of the day. You don’t have to plan every single part of your vacation, but definitely make sure you are prepared for at least a couple of important things on your list!

4. Pack the Sunscreen

There is nothing worse than getting sunburned on the first day of your summer vacation. You’ll be miserable for the rest of your trip, so keeping safe in the sun is critical. Be sure to reapply it every couple of hours for the best protection, more frequently if you are swimming. Depending on where you’re visiting, you might need to pack reef safe sunscreen so be sure to do your research ahead of time.

5. Drink Plenty of Water

Getting dehydrated can really put a damper on your trip! Whether you’re at the beach or on the road, staying hydrated will help you enjoy your vacation to its fullest. Carry a reusable water bottle with you and sip it throughout the day. If you think you’ll forget to drink your water, you can set an alarm on your phone to remind you. When we get busy, it can be easy to forget!

Need help planning a beach vacation? Check out this post for some tips!

Where are you traveling this summer? Hopefully these tips will set you up for a great summer vacation!

Categories: Lifestyle, Tallahassee Area

Shop at Buff City Soap Tallahassee, Florida

I am so glad that we have a Buff City Soap location in Tallahassee. The store is bright and full of color. Of course it smells like heaven as soon as you walk in too! There is something for everyone – they even have a pet line of products.

Buff City Soap Tallahassee store
Buff City Soap Tallahassee store
Buff City Soap Tallahassee store pricing sign

When the store first opened, I was invited to attend an influencer night to get a first look at all of their products and we even got to make our own custom bath bombs. So much fun! I’m grateful to be able to continue working with them and sharing all of my favorite finds.

making bath bombs in mixer at Buff City Soap Tallahassee
bath bomb molds at Buff City Soap Tallahassee

If you are shopping for gifts in Tallahassee, make sure you stop in. You can put together a sweet gift basket at an affordable price that they’ll be sure to love.

As an Ambassador, some products shown were gifted to me. All opinions are my own and I only share things that I love with you!

About Buff City Soap

Buff City Soap creates their products with ingredients that you actually recognize. They are plant based and free of harsh chemicals. They make their soaps, bath bombs, and more daily in store. I’m sure you’ll be able to watch how something is made while you’re shopping!

Favorite Buff City Soap Products

There are so many fun products to choose from. Everything from bath bombs, to laundry soap, to beard oil for men. Eventually I’ll be able to try everything they have to offer! Here are my favorites:

  • Laundry Soap – Their laundry soap is plant based without any hard chemicals and my clothes and blankets smell amazing! I have started to stock up during their laundry sales so this is always on hand in our home.
holding Buff City Soap laundry soap

  • Epsom Salt Soak – After a long week or a tough workout, adding this to a hot bath is the perfect way to relax. I really love the lavender scent in this product!

Buff City Soap epsom salt soak

  • Body Scrub – This sugar scrub is everything. I was able to customize one for myself using a couple of my favorite scents. You can create your own, or try out my combination for something sweet and fruity!

Buff City Soap custom sugar scrub

  • Soap Whip – Clean and moisturize all with one product. This product has a light, fluffy texture and works up into a rich lather.

Buff City Soap soap whip

  • Foaming Hand Soap – We are stocking up all of the sinks in our house with these foaming hand soaps. I love the foam and lather, plus they look pretty!
Buff City Soap foaming hand soap

Favorite Buff City Soap Scents

Honestly, I don’t think there is a single scent that I don’t like! I do have a couple of favorites though.

  • Narcissist – Notes of Patchouli, Sandalwood, Raspberry, & Peach
  • Magnolia – Notes of Magnolia Flower, Apple, Blackberry, & Melon
  • 99 Pomlems – Notes of Lemon, Pomegranate, & Cream
  • Aloe + Clover – Notes of Wisteria, Green Tea, Rose, & Lemon (if you have visited the Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World this scent is similar to the one used in the lobby!)

Buff City Soap in Tallahassee

Buff City Soap in Tallahassee is located on Magnolia Drive near the Starbucks and Blaze Pizza.

220 South Magnolia Drive; #102, Tallahassee, FL 32301

(850) 727-8977

Discount for Buff City Soap Tallahassee

As a Buff City Soap Ambassador, I have a special discount code available for you to use at the Tallahassee location. It is not valid at any of their other locations or online and is a one-time use discount of 20%.

SHANNOND29

Buff City Soap Tallahassee Discount Code Image

Other Buff City Soap Locations

If you don’t live in Tallahassee but are interested in checking out a Buff City Soap store near you, here is a a link to their store locator: LOCATIONS. You can also shop some of their items online if you can’t find a store in your area.

Categories: Travel

Visiting Hawaii? Keep These Things in Mind!

A lot of thought and care needs to be put into planning a trip to Hawaii. There are some things to keep in mind as you go into the planning process as well as during the trip. If you’re planning on visiting Hawaii, this is for you!

Visiting Hawaii pink sunset with palm tree

Staying on One Island vs. Island Hopping

As you’d imagine there are pros for each of these options. Single island itineraries are easier to plan and can be less hectic. Since all of your time will be spent in one place, it will allow for full immersion into all the island has to offer. Plus, you won’t have to deal with inter-island flights and packing up and moving during your stay. On the flip side, hopping can help if you’d like to experience as much of the state as possible in one trip. You’ll be able to compare the offerings and vibes on each island.

Figure Out Which Island Fits Your Style

There are eight major islands that make up Hawaii. The most frequented are Oahu, Maui, Big Island of Hawaii, and Kauai. Each island has a unique culture, history, landscape, vibe, and variety of things to do and see. Choose Oahu if you are looking for an island with a city vibe that’s near a beach – Honolulu, Waikiki, etc. Think lively bars, nightlife, shopping, and dining. Maui is for those who want a tropical paradise with a little of everything – beaches, hikes, volcanoes, rainforests, resorts, and nightlife. The Big Island is known for its multiple climates and abundance of natural attractions, including Volcanoes National Park. Kauai is known as “the Garden Isle” and for good reason. Its lush landscapes make it a perfect escape for those looking for a more outdoor and active vibe.

Have a Budget

Your trip will likely have several components – air, hotel, transportation, activities, and food. Keep in mind that Hawaii isn’t exactly cheap. Try to come into the planning process with a number in mind and do your best to stick to it. A solid budget will help in the recommendation process and final creation of an itinerary that meets your specific needs.

Book in Advance

The most critical components of a trip to Hawaii (or anywhere, actually) are your flights and hotel. Pricing for both is subject to change at any time and is usually based on supply and demand. Typically, the earlier you book the better. Once your dates are solidified and options selected, place a deposit, or complete the booking! If you’re considering travel during a peak time, this is even MORE important.

Plan Activities Ahead of Time

Do NOT wait until you’ve arrived at your destination to book tours and excursions. Put together your must-do list and purchase your tickets ahead of time. Some of the most popular attractions sell out ahead of time. This will also help you with sticking to your budget.

Know What to Pack

Think about your trip and what it involves. It can help in determining what to pack. For the most part, the vibe in Hawaii is relaxed, but if you have more active things planned (hikes, biking, etc.) you want to make sure to pack for that. I am sure that if you have a hike planned, you don’t want to forget your boots. Sandals for most other times are perfect.

A light jacket is recommended for wind and rain. This is especially important if you will be spending lengthy amounts of time on the summits of Haleakala on Maui or Maunakea on the island of Hawaii, or camping in higher elevations like Upcountry Maui or Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

If you want that golden glow while in Hawaii, tan slowly with a high SPF sunscreen. Make sure you are using reef-safe sunscreen to help prevent bleaching of coral and other damage to the islands’ ocean habitat. Also, protect yourself with a brimmed hat and sunglasses.

Prepare for the Weather

Weather in The Hawaiian Islands is pretty consistent, with only minor changes in temperature throughout the year. There are really only two seasons in Hawaii: summer (kau) from May to October and winter (hooilo) from November to April. The average daytime summer temperature at sea level is 85° F (29.4° C), while the average daytime winter temperature is 78° F (25.6° C). Temperatures at night are approximately 10° F lower than during the daytime.

Getting There and Other Transportation

For the most part, your options are pretty limited on how you get to Hawaii. You can come by boat or by air, and that’s about it. Either method of transportation is fine, but we personally prefer to arrive by air- and that’s an understatement! A long cruise can spoil the joys of arriving on Hawaii’s shores, as the journey simply takes too long. There is something to be said about that built-up anticipation of just waiting to step foot on the island, and a flight is the best way to do just that. Although, traveling from the east coast is still quite the trek.

I would recommend a rental car, but at the end of the day, that is your call. If the thought of driving in an unknown place with heavy traffic (especially on Oahu) and sometimes expensive parking (even at hotels) doesn’t appeal to you, there are also transfers and ride share options. I personally prefer the freedom of having your own transportation while exploring the islands and not having to rely on someone else or follow their schedule.

EACH ISLAND HAS AN AIRPORT:

Oahu (HNL), Maui (OGG), Kauai (LIH), Kona on the Big Island (KOA), Hilo on the Big Island (ITO).

Top Excursion Ideas for Visiting Hawaii

  • Hike Diamond Head on Oahu
  • Visit Pearl Harbor on Oahu
  • Travel the Road to Hana on Maui
  • Spend the day at Haleakala National Park on Maui
  • Whale Watching on Maui (November through May)
  • Sail and Snorkel at the Na Pali Coast on Kauai
  • See Waimea Canyon on Kauai
  • Visit Volcanos National Park on the Big Island
  • See the Maunakea Volcano on the Big Island
  • Attend a Luau on any island
  • Take a Helicopter Tour on any island

Hopefully these tidbits were helpful as you consider travel to Hawaii. If you keep these things top of mind as you go into the planning process, and certainly as you’re getting ready for the most exciting part – the trip itself – you are sure to have a great time!

Categories: Seasonal, Summer, Travel

How to Plan a Beach Vacation

It’s almost summer time and you know what that means – longer days, the kids are out of school, and of course, a trip to the beach. Whether you’re going for a nice, long summer vacation or just a quick weekend getaway, a day at the beach can be ruined if you’re not prepared before you get there.

Out of Office Sun Hat with pink water bottle and pink sunglasses for how to plan a beach vacation blog post

Here are a few tips to help you plan a beach vacation, plus a list of some essential beach day items to bring with you. You’ll be able to soak up all of the sunshine since you are prepared!

Planning for Your Trip

Planning a trip anywhere can be overwhelming, especially when you’re planning for an entire family. There are some basic questions to ask or research prior to leaving home that make the process a little bit smoother.

The Rules of the Beach

First, find out if the beach has any specific rules or restrictions. Does the beach have specific hours? If there are lifeguards present on site, there is most likely a window of time that they are there. This is great information to know, especially if you have little ones.

Are dogs allowed on the beach? This is important to know for a couple of reasons. First, perhaps you’d like to bring your own furry friend along for the day. Or, if someone in your group is afraid of dogs, it’s a good idea to know if there may be dogs present. It’s a simple thing, but can also help you reduce the risk of a meltdown on your vacation.

And, take note of any item restrictions. For example, boogie boards, floatation devices, or pool noodles may not be allowed.

Driving & Parking

Another thing to consider when you’re planning your trip is what parking is available. Are you able to drive on or park on the beach itself? Even if you don’t want to drive on the beach, it’s good to know if people will be driving larger vehicles where small children are running around.

Is there a designated beach parking lot? Do you have to pay to park there, or is it free? You don’t want to end up at the beach needing cash and not having it. No one wants to have to make a trip to the ATM before hitting the water.

And finally, how far will you need to walk from your car to the sand? If you’re in a water front hotel, how far do you need to walk to get to the water? Perhaps it’s better to walk from your hotel to the beach? If you’ll be carrying a lot of items, you may want to consider a wagon or extra large tote to make it a little easier to get there. Make sure to find out if you need to cross any busy streets. If you know this before leaving your car or hotel, you can prevent kids from running ahead and potentially into traffic.

What’s Near the Beach

Sure, you know you’re visiting the beach. But knowing the surrounding area is never a bad idea. Where is the nearest public bathroom? If you’re not packing lunch, research your food options. And while you absolutely need to pack a first aid kit, make a note of the nearby drugstores. Better to be safe than sorry!

Plan Your Day

The last part of your beach day plan should be figuring out a basic plan for the day. Know ahead of time when you want to head out. Going early in the morning means you’ll get your pick of the best spots on the sand, and it won’t be as hot out.

Don’t forget about the sun. While sunscreen is a must, it could also be helpful to split up the day to avoid being outside for the sun’s strongest rays. You could head to the beach in the morning, and then head back in for lunch or a nap, then head back out. Or, maybe you’d like to spend the morning at the hotel pool or do some sightseeing and head to the beach later in the afternoon.

Breaking up the day like this is a great idea for sun safety, but it’s also a way to keep the kids engaged in what you’re doing. You don’t want to plan an 8 hour beach day only to hear “I’m bored,” by hour 3!

What to Pack for the Beach

Now that you’ve planned your trip, it’s time to pack.

Beach Day Essentials

Make sure you have sunglasses (and maybe an extra pair), a hat, a cover-up, and your favorite insulated water bottle. Is the beach known to have a lot of rocks or shells? Maybe you need watershoes to protect your feet. Make sure you protect your electronic devices. Waterproof cases are great for your expensive cell phone, but a simple ziplock bag or Stasher bag works as well.

  • Insulated Water Bottle
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Layers/Coverup/UPF shirts
  • Watershoes
  • Waterproof Phone Case or Ziplock or Stasher Bag

Then there’s the group essentials. You’ll want plenty of towels (always bring extra!), a beach blanket or chair, an umbrella, a bag for wet towels, and most importantly, a first aid kit and sunscreen. While you should apply sunscreen before going outside, you need to remember to reapply several times throughout the day when you’re at the beach. This is so important!

It’s also a good idea to pack a portable speaker. Make sure if you do, to keep the volume at a level that won’t disturb the other beach-goers around you.

Here is one of my best tips…bring baby powder! I know it sounds crazy, but sprinkle some on your feet and the sand will magically fall off.

If you’re bringing toys and/or floaties for the kids, it’s a good idea to keep them all in one place and separate from everything else. That way, the kids know where to get their toys, but they also won’t get sand all over your clean towels.

  • Towels
  • Beach Blanket/Chair
  • Umbrella
  • Bag for Wet Towels and Clothes
  • Lots of Sunscreen
  • Wet Wipes
  • First Aid Kit
  • Portable Speaker
  • Baby Powder
  • Floaties
  • Toys

Snacks & Drinks

Even if you’re only going for a couple of hours, always pack some food and drinks. Grab a cooler and load it up with hydrating drinks, especially water. Sports drinks or juice boxes are great additions too. Skip the soda – staying hydrated is super important when you’re out in the sun. You know I love Liquid I.V. and it’s a perfect item to bring with you to the beach! You can save 25% when you use my code DEVINEFAIRYTALE to save on their website.

The food you bring should be easy to pack and easy to eat. Things like pretzels, popcorn, chips and salsa, veggies and humus, granola bars, cheese and crackers (or cheese sticks for kids!) are all perfect for a day at the beach. If you’re going to be on the sand all day, packing something more substantial like sandwiches or wraps would be an easy thing to prep ahead of time to bring with you. Bringing your own lunch or snacks will help to make sure you have healthy options and not spend so much money.

Beach Snack Ideas Graphic

No matter where you’re going, or when, you’re sure to have a fun and relaxing beach day if you follow these tips!

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