Author: VacationLikeALocal

Hiking Tongariro National Park with an Infant

This post details a day trip from Taupo to Tongariro National Park in New Zealand. We regret only spending a few hours there, as the park is stunning and offers several easy hikes. We recommend planning to spend more time exploring the various walks and enjoying activities such as rafting and skiing in the area before continuing on to Wellington. We also provide accommodation recommendations.… Read More Hiking Tongariro National Park with an Infant

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What to do while your are visiting Lake Taupo, New Zealand

During our New Zealand trip, we stayed at Boulevard Waters in Lake Taupo, with stunning lake views and convenient access. The apartment had great amenities and value for the price. Lake Taupo is a popular vacation spot with geothermal attractions like Waimangu and Wai-o-tapu. Two nights in this beautiful area were sufficient.… Read More What to do while your are visiting Lake Taupo, New Zealand

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An Overnight Stay in Waitomo, New Zealand

During our visit to Waitomo, we stayed at the Waitomo Village Chalets and explored the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The accommodation was basic but convenient, close to the caves and a nearby general store. We took cave tours, although some were not suitable for our baby. Limited food options in Waitomo led us to eat at The General Store and Waitomo Homestead for meals.… Read More An Overnight Stay in Waitomo, New Zealand

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How we Planned a Three Week New Zealand Adventure with a Five Month Old

A couple’s dream honeymoon to New Zealand was initially thwarted by the pandemic, and later complicated by a pregnancy. Despite discouragement, they chose to travel with their infant, meticulously planning a scenic itinerary spanning national parks and cultural experiences. Their successful trip serves as an encouragement for other parents not to postpone travel due to having a baby.… Read More How we Planned a Three Week New Zealand Adventure with a Five Month Old

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Perfect Valentine’s Day Cookies from Local Small Businesses

It does not matter if you are a fully grown adult or a child in grade school, Valentine’s Day is always such a great day to spend time with those you love and indulge in some tasty sweets and treats. For me, cookies are some of my favorite treats of all time. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, there are many reasons to buy a few cookies for this year. You could buy dozens of cookies for your kids’ Valentine’s Day celebration at school or if you are looking to treat your significant other to something special on the holiday, here are some great places for you to buy some deliciously baked cookies that will perfectly fit your needs this holiday season.… Read More Perfect Valentine’s Day Cookies from Local Small Businesses

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Uniquely Romantic Lofts for Two that are Perfect for Valentine’s Day

Everyone’s favorite romantic holiday is only a month away! Have you and your significant other started making plans for your next romantic getaway? Thankfully, this year, Valentine’s Day falls on one of the most perfect days of the week. Sunday. For those of you with children, this allows you the perfect time to let the kids spend the weekend with their grandparents and have a romantic weekend getaway with just you and your spouse. Matt and I have done some digging on Airbnb and found some unique lofts that are within a 4 hour drive of Frisco.… Read More Uniquely Romantic Lofts for Two that are Perfect for Valentine’s Day

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Where to Stay While Honeymooning in French Polynesia

We started planning our wedding and our honeymoon prior to COVID-19 pandemic. Originally, our plans was to take a small trip a few days after the wedding and a BIG trip to New Zealand later. The the COVID pandemic arrived and like many things our hopes on going to New Zealand were thwarted. Many countries, like New Zealand, had closed their borders to tourists. At that point we were stuck in a quandary and did not know what to do or where to start. Our Travel Agent, Rhonda, was such a huge help. Once we finally decided where we wanted to go, we just gave Rhonda our final budget and she did all the rest. She booked our hotel, transportation, excursions, meal plans and more! What is better, is she also was able to meet all our needs and desires and still come up a few hundred dollars under budget! When traveling, saving money is always a huge bonus!… Read More Where to Stay While Honeymooning in French Polynesia

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Rainy Day on the Island of Tahiti Nui

The following photos were taken during my honeymoon to French Polynesia this past December. I will be writing another post talking all about this trip including itinerary and other details. But first I wanted to show you some of the incredible photos I was able to take while on the trip. In fact, these photos are so incredible that I did not even need to add any filters, presets, or other touch ups on Lightroom. … Read More Rainy Day on the Island of Tahiti Nui

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5 Local Small Businesses Where You Can Buy Your Last Minute Christmas Decorations

Decorating my home for Christmas has always been one of my favorite activities during the Holiday Season. Currently, Matt and I are in French Polynesia celebrating a late honeymoon. So I did as much decorating as I could before leaving. But I am sure, that I will need to do some more after we get home. If you are like me, and have a tendency to continue to decorate your house for Christmas all the way up to December 24th. Also If you enjoy supporting local businesses by shopping small. There are some of the great small businesses around the area that are perfect for picking up some last minute Christmas decorations before Christmas arrives. Here is a list of some of my favorites!… Read More 5 Local Small Businesses Where You Can Buy Your Last Minute Christmas Decorations

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Christmas Gift Guide for the Couples in your Life

Christmas is only a few weeks away. But this year – with the Covid lockdowns, furloughs, and business closures – money is tighter than normal for many Americans. Of course we all want to show our loved ones we are thinking about them on Christmas, by giving them a gift but this is hard with a smaller budget. A great option that should help with your Christmas gift budget this year. Here are some of our favorite gifts that are perfect for any young couple in your life!… Read More Christmas Gift Guide for the Couples in your Life

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