Hotels, Romantic Getaways

“We are the Magic”

Young love. There’s nothing like it. I met Mark when I was 18 years old, and we got married when I was 22. Yes, 22!   I had just graduated from Ball State University with a degree in departmental English. Twenty-two years old with an English degree – the recipe for young marriage and grad school.  I had no idea what I wanted in life, but I knew who I loved–and it was him. He had graduated the year before, and he spent that year saving money for my engagement ring and for law school. I spent my last semester of
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All Inclusive, Destination Weddings, Hotels, Romantic Getaways

A Cultural Adventure at Hotel Xcaret Arte

The following is a guest post by Passport and Pen client, Natalie, who chronicles her week at the new Hotel Xcaret Arte in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Hotel Xcaret Arte opened its doors July 2, 2021, and Natalie and her husband were among its first guests. This adults-only property all-inclusive property has 900 guest suites and is dedicated to paying homage to the art, hospitality and sustainability of Mexico. A sister resort to the original Hotel Xcaret, the new Hotel Xcaret Arte has 9 restaurants, also known as gastronomic experiences, and boasts some of the most distinguished chefs in Latin America.
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Covid-19, Disney, Family, Girls' Weekend, Hotels, Travel Hacks, Travel services, Universal Orlando

COVID Preparedness: Disney vs. Universal

Many people have asked me about my experiences at Universal Orlando and Disney World in the height of the COVID pandemic.  Is it safe? Which park does a better job of cleaning and sanitizing? How did it feel staying at the resorts? Well, read on, and read all the way to the end because I’m doing a FREE giveaway! My kids and I stayed at Universal Orlando on June 15-22, 2020, and my daughter and I stayed at Disney World on August 3-6, 2020. I thought the best way for me to answer these questions is to have a little
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Covid-19, Hotels, Romantic Getaways, Staycations, Travel Hacks

A Classy Getaway at Nashville’s Historic Hermitage Hotel

Maybe you’re not ready to hop on a plane yet. I understand. But there’s no reason you can’t have a travel experience in your own hometown. I live in a suburb of Nashville, one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Over 100 people move to Nashville every day, and it’s one of the most popular destinations for bachelorette parties. I hardly recognize the downtown area anymore. Whenever my friends come to Nashville, they rave about touring the Ryman Auditorium, the Parthenon, Belle Meade Plantation, the Carnton Mansion, Hatch Show Print or the Frist Art Museum. I’d always feel
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Covid-19, Family, Hotels, Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando is BACK!

A few weeks ago, I took my four kids to Universal Orlando. They had a two-week break from band and we had nothing on our schedule, so we hopped a plane from Nashville to Orlando. I usually fly Southwest, but Frontier has had some spectacular deals. We got roundtrip tickets for $70 each. I like Frontier as a discounted airline carrier because you can save money if you pack light and if you are open to sitting wherever Frontier places you.  Frontier charges you for every checked and carry-on bag and for selecting your seat. We decided to stay at
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Hotels, Romantic Getaways, Staycations

Mother’s Day Staycation at Harpeth Hotel

For Mother’s Day, my husband gifted me with a stay at the new Harpeth Hotel in Historic Downtown Franklin, Tennessee. This luxury property is part of the Hilton Collection and is located on the banks of the Harpeth River at 130 N. 2nd Avenue. We live only two miles down the road, but the charming exterior of this establishment has been beckoning me since it opened in 2019. Why would I want to stay at a hotel that is within walking distance of my front door? The Harpeth Hotel is the first hotel to be built in the historic downtown.
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