Look. I get it. We are always go go go. We're always looking to save time, especially while on vacation. That's why I've put together these Universal Studios Tips to maximize your time while in the parks. While Universal does have some interesting queue lines (Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey) for the most part you do not want to stand in line longer than you have to in the Florida heat. Express Pass The easiest, albeit pricier … [Read more...]
About Tonya Denmark
http://www.detailorientedtraveler.com
I am a map crazed, detail oriented obsessive planner that likes to learn the tiny tidbits of the places I’m heading to. I’m the planner, the organizer, the type A traveler. I travel with my husband of 20 years and our two teenaged kids.
7 Best US Living History Museums
If you want a little more out of a vacation, take the kids somewhere history comes alive. More than just a collection of artifacts, living history museums bring history to life in a way that children remember long after the visit. Think walking along the streets our founding fathers did or touching 450-year-old buildings. Imagine mining for gold or driving the first motorized vehicle. These hands-on experiences put you in the middle of history … [Read more...]
5 New Things to Do at Disney Springs
Disney Springs, formally Downtown Disney (and before that Disney Marketplace) has recently gone through some major renovations. We visited there recently and I was blown away by how different the front area is. There's always been a lot to do here, whether you like to shop, eat or simply people watch. During our visit I found a few activities that are new(ish) to do at Disney Springs. In the last year, Disney has built parking garages and … [Read more...]
Where to Watch the Sunset in Clearwater, Florida
When you're on the west coast of Florida, it's a must-do activity to watch the sun melt into the Gulf of Mexico. Something about the gorgeous colors brings everyone out to enjoy nature's painted canvas. I'm definitely a sunset kind of girl. Here's the best places to watch the sunset in Clearwater Beach, Florida. … [Read more...]
How to Tour the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg Florida
I've always been a fan of Salvador Dali and the Dali Museum. The museum holds a special place in my heart as it's one of the first trips my husband and I took when we were dating. The museum changed location since our first visit nearly 20 years ago, so we jumped at the chance to visit again on our most recent trip to St. Petersburg, Florida. To me, visiting a museum is an intensely personal experience. Art, subjective as it is, affects us in … [Read more...]
How to Eat Healthy on a Road Trip
"Summer time and the livin' is easy," or so the lyrics go. Summer time usually means road trips and eating healthy on the road isn't always easy. I've come up with a few ways we like to eat healthy on a road trip that also saves you time and money. Side note: Can I just tell you I love driving versus flying? I know you can bring your own food (within reason) to the airport. But I much prefer to have a cooler full of my own food or be able to … [Read more...]
What it’s like rappelling a Waterfall in Costa Rica
Rappelling a waterfall in Costa Rica is a little like climbing a mountain, you're harnessed in, you're navigating ropes, etc. Except rappelling a waterfall means it's slippery so you will get wet. Oh and you're doing it backwards. At first the idea of doing a waterfall rappel with my two children in tow sounded a bit intimidating. I have never rope climbed, rappelled, zip lined (at this point) in my life so attaching myself and my children to … [Read more...]
5 Reasons why Disney is better with Older Children
Don't get me wrong, there really is something magical about taking the little ones to the Disney Parks. They marvel at the castle being larger than life, their favorite characters in person and the sheer joy of a Mickey bar. Visiting Disney with little ones creates a lifetime of memories. But ... I have had a ton more fun visiting Disney with my older, pre-teen children. Let me step back a moment. We live in the Orlando area and while we … [Read more...]
Travel back in Time with a History Tour of The Vinoy in St. Petersburg Florida
When we went to St. Petersburg, Florida last week, we were fortunate enough to receive a private tour of The Vinoy, located along the waterside. I truly felt as if we had stepped back in time to a golden age of Florida travel, long before Walt Disney World. If you're looking for an authentic Florida experience, I invite you to travel back in time with a history tour of The Vinoy hotel. No wayback machine, Deloreans, phone booths or hot tub … [Read more...]