It wasn’t about the destination….

She Didn’t Need More Time Off. She Needed to Actually Be Off.

She Didn’t Need Another Vacation. She Needed to Stop Planning.

A client told me something last month that has stayed with me ever since:

“It was so nice to have a plan laid out for every day. Not me making the decisions about how the day would go.”

That sentence says so much about what so many parents actually need from a vacation.

She and her husband both have demanding jobs. They have two kids, two schedules, and the never-ending list of decisions that comes with family life.

They didn’t need another trip where the scenery changed but the mental load stayed the same.

They needed a real break.

The Vacation Had to Fit Real Life

She wanted something tropical.

She wanted to stay closer to home.

And she needed to keep the budget reasonable.

We landed on a Florida getaway built around Discovery Cove, with an off-property hotel to help control the cost and private transfers so the family could still feel taken care of getting to and from their activities.

Their days included swimming with dolphins at Discovery Cove, time at SeaWorld and Aquatica, and a Discovery Cove experience that included unlimited food and beverages as part of their admission.

No pulling out a wallet every time someone was hungry.

No figuring out where everyone wanted to eat.

No constantly wondering what came next.

But honestly, that wasn’t the part that mattered most.

The Difference Was the Plan

I gave her a day-by-day itinerary.

Not a rough list of suggestions.

An actual plan.

She knew where they were going, what they were doing, and what to expect each day.

And that gave her something most busy parents don’t get nearly enough of:

Permission to stop being in charge.

Because here’s what I see all the time.

Moms aren’t just planning vacations.

They’re planning everyone else’s vacation.

They’re researching the resort.

Checking the activities.

Figuring out transportation.

Deciding where everyone will eat.

Keeping track of tickets, reservations, schedules, ages, preferences, and budgets.

Then they arrive at the destination and keep doing it.

They’re sitting by the pool with their phone in their hand, wondering what time they need to leave for dinner.

They’re trying to remember who wants to do what tomorrow.

They’re making decisions while everyone else is enjoying themselves.

That’s not really a break.

She Wasn’t Managing the Trip. She Was In It.

For this family, handing over the logistics changed the entire experience.

She wasn’t managing the trip.

She was in the trip.

She could enjoy her kids.

She could enjoy her husband.

She could actually experience the destination instead of constantly thinking about the next decision that needed to be made.

And the next trip was even better because now she knows what it feels like to actually let someone else handle the details.

That’s one of the biggest reasons I love what I do as a travel advisor.

Yes, I can help find the resort, compare the options, arrange transportation, build the itinerary, and make sure the details fit together.

But the real value is what happens when my clients don’t have to carry all of that in their heads.

Sometimes the Most Valuable Part of a Vacation Is What You Don’t Have to Do

Sometimes the most important thing I can give a family isn’t another activity or another reservation.

It’s the chance to show up on vacation and simply be there.

To wake up and know the plan.

To enjoy breakfast without figuring out the entire day.

To spend time together without someone constantly checking the clock, the app, the map, or the reservation.

To come home feeling like you actually had a vacation.

Because that’s what I want for my clients.

Not just a trip that looks good on paper.

A vacation that actually feels like a vacation.

If you’re the person who always ends up planning everyone else’s good time, maybe your next vacation should be the one where you don’t.

I’ll handle the planning.

You handle the memories.

Vacationer…..Traveler….Which are you??

Vacationer VS. Traveler - Which are You???

Are you a vacationer…or are you a traveler?

I ask some version of this question before I book anything for a client.

Not because one is better than the other. They’re simply different, and knowing which one you are can completely change the kind of trip I recommend.

A vacationer wants to relax. Give them a beautiful beach, a comfortable chair, a good drink, some entertainment, and let them breathe.

A traveler wants to explore. They want history, culture, local food, walking tours, hidden gems, and a full day of seeing what’s around the next corner.

Neither is wrong.

But putting the wrong person on the wrong kind of vacation? That’s where things can go sideways.

I once had a client who booked a European river cruise, even though I urged her to book a Mediterranean Ocean Cruise. It sounded wonderful on paper, and there were plenty of reasons to be excited about it.

But as the trip unfolded, she found herself disappointed.

There wasn’t enough entertainment at night. There wasn’t enough downtime. The days involved excursions, walking, exploring historic cities and being out and about.

The problem wasn’t the river cruise.

The problem was that the trip didn’t match the traveler.

She was a vacationer.

And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Here’s one of my favorite ways to figure out which one you are:

You land in Paris at 6:00 a.m. Your hotel room isn’t ready yet.

What sounds better?

Walking out the door, finding a little café, wandering the streets, and seeing where the morning takes you…

Finding somewhere comfortable to sit and thinking, “Can I just get into my room?”

Your answer tells me a LOT.

This is one of the biggest pieces people sometimes skip when booking their own travel.

They choose the destination.

They choose the resort.

They choose the cruise.

They see a beautiful photo or hear a friend’s recommendation and think, That sounds amazing!

And it might be.

But does it sound amazing for YOU?

Because a gorgeous European river cruise can be someone’s dream vacation and someone else’s “Why did I book this?” vacation.

That’s why I don’t start with, “Where do you want to go?”

I start with questions about how you actually like to spend your time.

Do you want adventure or relaxation?

Early mornings or slow mornings?

Excursions or pool days?

History and sightseeing or entertainment and downtime?

Because my job isn’t just to get you somewhere beautiful.

It’s to help match the right experience to the way you vacation.

So tell me…

When you picture your perfect vacation day, which sounds more like you?

Lounge chair. Drink in hand. No plans.

Shoes on. Out the door. Let’s go see something!

A Weekend Getaway at Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs: My Honest Review

Weekend Getaways=Family Memories

Sometimes you don’t need a week-long vacation to make great family memories.

Sometimes, you just need a change of scenery, a little adventure, and a place where everyone can have fun without spending hours in the car.

That’s exactly what I found during my weekend getaway at Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs.

As a travel advisor, I’m always checking out destinations and resorts so I can give my clients honest recommendations based on my own experience-not just what I see in a brochure. And after spending a weekend at Great Wolf Lodge, I can definitely see why it’s such a popular family getaway.

But I’m also going to give you the good, the bad, and the things I’d do differently next time.

Two Nights Is the Sweet Spot

If you’re considering a Great Wolf Lodge getaway, my biggest recommendation is simple:

Stay two nights.

I think that is the perfect amount of time.

Two nights gives you enough time to settle in, enjoy the water park, take advantage of the activities, and actually relax without feeling like you need to stay for an entire week.

One of the things I really liked is that you can start enjoying the resort as soon as you check in—even if your room isn’t ready yet.

So you can arrive, check in, change into your swimsuit, and start having fun.

Spend your first day getting settled and exploring, enjoy a full day at the water park and activities, and then have a little more time on your departure day before heading home.

It feels like a real vacation without requiring a huge amount of time away from work or school.

And let’s be honest—two nights is probably just about right before everyone starts saying, “One more time down the slide!” 😂

It’s So Much More Than a Water Park

Yes, the indoor water park is the star of the show, but there is so much more to do at Great Wolf Lodge.

One of the things that surprised me was how easy it was to fill our time without ever needing to leave the resort.

No loading everyone into the car.

No figuring out where to park.

No driving from one attraction to another.

Everything is right there.

And that makes this such an easy family getaway.

Don’t Overlook the Free Activities

Another thing I really appreciated was the number of complimentary activities available throughout the day.

You don’t have to spend money every time you want to do something.

During our stay, we enjoyed options such as:

Nighttime dance parties
Crafts
Bingo
Story time
Family yoga
Character meets

These activities are a great way to keep everyone entertained without constantly pulling out your wallet.

I also loved that there were options for different ages and interests. After spending the day racing down water slides, you can slow things down with a craft or story time—or keep the energy going with a dance party.

We Purchased the Adventure Park Pass

We also purchased the Adventure Park Pass, which gave us unlimited access to several activities during our stay.

It included:

Mini golf
Bowling
Ropes course
Rock climbing

The pass also offered discounts on other activities throughout the lodge.

For our family, it was a fun way to experience more of the resort without having to pay separately every time we wanted to try something.

If your family likes to stay busy and wants to experience more than the water park, I definitely recommend looking at the available activity passes and comparing them with the individual activity prices.

My biggest advice?

Look at the entire vacation—not just the room rate.

The activities, food, and extras can all add up, so knowing what your family actually wants to do before you arrive can help you plan your budget.

Additional Activities: Budget for a Little Extra Fun

While there are plenty of activities included with your stay—and the Adventure Pass can cover several of the bigger activities—there are also additional experiences available for an extra cost.

Depending on your family’s interests, you may want to budget for things like Build-A-Bear, gem mining, the arcade, and MagiQuest.

These can be a lot of fun, especially if you have kids who want to experience everything the lodge has to offer. But they can also add up quickly, so I recommend deciding ahead of time what your family is most excited about and setting an activity budget before you arrive.

My travel-advisor tip: Don’t feel like you have to do it all! Between the water park, free activities, the Adventure Pass, and the other entertainment throughout the resort, there is already plenty to keep everyone busy. Pick the extras that your family will enjoy the most and make those part of the adventure.

The Royal Wolf Suite

I stayed in a Royal Wolf Suite, and overall, it was a comfortable option for our getaway.

One thing I always tell my clients is that the “best” room isn’t necessarily the same for every family.

Some families need additional sleeping space. Others want room to spread out. And some families don’t care as much about the room because they’re planning to spend most of their time enjoying the resort.

That’s where having a travel advisor can be helpful.

I can help you look at the different room options and determine what actually makes sense for your family, your budget, and the way you plan to use the room.

Let’s Talk About the Food…

Now for the part where I’m going to be completely honest.

The food was probably my biggest disappointment.

We decided to give The Loose Moose Bar & Grill buffet a try for dinner. I had heard some less-than-great reviews beforehand, but I wanted to experience it for myself.

Unfortunately, the reviews weren’t far off.

The food was mediocre at best, and for the price we paid, I didn’t feel like the buffet was worth it.

The biggest disappointment for me was the lack of vegan options.

When I asked about what was available for someone eating vegan, the chef wasn’t able to clearly identify what was actually safe to eat. For someone with specific dietary needs, that can be frustrating—and concerning.

I would have expected a resort of this size to have a better understanding of common dietary restrictions and a few solid options available.

After that dinner, we decided not to eat at the resort again.

Instead, we DoorDash from a local restaurant, and honestly, that was a much better option for us.

So here’s my honest travel-advisor tip:

If you’re staying at Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs, consider eating off-property when you can.

After a long day at the water park, having dinner delivered right to the resort can be incredibly convenient. You don’t have to get everyone dressed, pile back into the car, and head somewhere else.

Food is subjective, of course, and everyone’s experience can be different. But when I recommend a resort to my clients, I want to share the good and the not-so-good.

For us, the food simply wasn’t a highlight of the trip.

Thankfully, there was so much else to enjoy that it didn’t ruin our getaway.

Is Great Wolf Lodge Only for Little Kids?

Absolutely not!

While Great Wolf Lodge is especially popular with families with younger children, I think there’s something for a pretty wide range of ages.

If your family enjoys water slides, games, activities, and having plenty to do, you’re likely to have a great time.

And parents can enjoy one of my favorite things about the whole experience:

You don’t have to plan every minute.

That is a vacation in itself.

A Few Things I’d Keep in Mind

If you’re considering Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs, here are my biggest takeaways:

Stay two nights.
It’s enough time to enjoy the resort without turning a quick getaway into a week-long vacation.

Check out the activity passes.
If your family plans to bowl, play mini golf, climb, or use the ropes course, compare the pass options with individual activity prices.

Take advantage of the free activities.
Check the schedule when you arrive. There may be more included with your stay than you realize.

Think carefully about your room category.
Consider the ages and number of people traveling and how much space your family actually needs.

Have a food plan.
Based on our experience, I’d budget for some meals off-property rather than relying entirely on the resort restaurants.

So…Would I Recommend Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs?

Yes.

Despite the food disappointment, I would absolutely recommend Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs for families looking for a fun, easy weekend getaway.

The indoor water park, activities, complimentary entertainment, and convenience of having everything in one place make it a great option for a short family vacation.

And that’s something I think families sometimes overlook.

A vacation doesn’t have to mean getting on a plane.

It doesn’t have to mean taking a week off work.

And it definitely doesn’t have to mean spending months planning every detail yourself.

Sometimes the best getaway is the one that’s easy to get to, packed with things to do, and just long enough to make some really great memories.

For us, two nights was the sweet spot.

Let Me Plan Your Next Getaway

This is exactly why I love what I do as a travel advisor.

I don’t just book the room.

I help you figure out where to go, where to stay, which room makes sense, what activities are worth adding, how to plan your time, and how to make the most of your budget.

Whether you’re dreaming about a Great Wolf Lodge weekend, a Disney vacation, a cruise, an all-inclusive resort, or your next big family adventure, I’d love to help you plan it.

You make the memories. I’ll plan the details.

Ready to plan your next getaway?

Let’s start planning!

The Top 5 Things to Prioritize Before Planning Your Next Vacation

5 Things to Prioritize When Planning Your Next Vacation

Vacation planning often starts with choosing a destination, but the truth is that the best vacations begin long before you decide where to go. Taking time to think through a few key priorities can help you maximize your time away, stay within budget, and create a trip that truly fits your travel style.

Before you book your next getaway, here are five things to make a priority.

1. Maximize Your Time Off

Your vacation days are valuable, so make them work harder for you.

One of the easiest ways to extend a vacation is by strategically combining PTO with weekends, holidays, and company-paid days off. With a little planning, you may be able to enjoy a much longer vacation without using additional vacation days.

For example, taking a few days off around a holiday weekend can often turn a short break into a week-long adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of a cruise, an all-inclusive resort, or a European getaway, maximizing your time off can open the door to experiences that might otherwise feel out of reach.

2. Choose a Destination That Fits Your Travel Style

Not every vacation is right for every traveler.

Some people want to spend their days lounging by the pool with a tropical drink in hand. Others want to explore historic cities, hike scenic trails, or immerse themselves in a new culture.

Before choosing a destination, ask yourself:

Do I want relaxation or adventure?
Am I traveling as a couple, family, multigenerational group, or solo?
What experiences matter most to me?
How active do I want this vacation to be?

Choosing a destination that aligns with your travel style helps ensure you return home feeling refreshed and fulfilled.

3. Establish a Realistic Budget

A vacation should be exciting—not stressful.

Setting a realistic budget before you begin planning helps narrow your options and prevents unexpected surprises later. It also allows you to prioritize the experiences that matter most to you.

When creating a budget, remember to account for:

Flights or transportation
Accommodations
Dining
Excursions and activities
Travel insurance
Souvenirs and miscellaneous expenses

A clear budget creates a smoother planning process and helps you get the most value from your travel investment.

Where to go

4. Consider Your Travel Time

How much time are you willing to spend getting there?

If you only have a few days available, spending a large portion of your vacation in airports or on long drives may not be the best use of your time.

Sometimes a closer destination can provide a better overall experience because you’ll spend more time enjoying your vacation and less time traveling to it.

The goal is to find the right balance between the journey and the destination.

map, passport, notebook and cup of coffee on wooden table, travel ideas

5. Book Early

One of the biggest advantages of planning ahead is having more choices.

Booking early often provides access to:

Better flight options
Preferred resorts and room categories
Popular dining reservations
Special experiences and excursions
Payment flexibility

Popular destinations and resorts can fill quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Planning ahead gives you the best opportunity to secure exactly what you’re looking for.

Bonus: Work With a Travel Advisor-Like me

Many travelers spend countless hours researching destinations, comparing resorts, reading reviews, and trying to coordinate every detail on their own.

Working with a travel advisor, like me, can help save time, reduce stress, and in many cases help you find the best value for your vacation budget.

As a travel advisor, I help my clients:

Save hours of research and planning time
Match their travel style with the right destination
Navigate the overwhelming number of travel options
Stay informed about promotions and special offers
Create customized vacation experiences
Enjoy peace of mind before, during, and after their trip

Your vacation is an investment in memories. Having someone in your corner who understands the details can make the entire experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

The best vacations don’t happen by accident. They happen when thoughtful planning meets excitement and anticipation.

By prioritizing your time off, choosing the right destination, setting a budget, considering travel time, and booking early, you’ll be well on your way to creating a vacation you’ll remember for years to come.

And if you’d like a little help along the way, I’d be honored to help you plan a stress-free getaway that’s tailored to you and your travel goals.

Ready to start planning? Let’s make your next vacation your best one yet.

Email me at Bharrell@kingdomandcruise.com