Author Archives: cindybrownmiller
August 2, 2011 Clearwater Beach, Florida
Our last hotel is the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort. This resort is perfect for families – all accommodations are suites with full kitchens. The rooftop pool and hot tub have private cabanas and shopping and restaurants are within walking distance. There’s so much to do on the Gulf coast – I think we’ve packed … Continue reading
July 31, 2011 Orlando, Florida
We’ve moved onto the Hyatt Grand Cypress in Orlando. It’s rated Orlando’s most family-friendly resort by TripAdvisor, and I definitely agree. The resort has a heated pool and a larger lagoon-style pool with waterfalls, caves, swinging rope bridge, and 2 waterslides. There is a lake with a white sand beach for kayaking, canoeing, water bicycles, and … Continue reading
July 30, 2011 Universal Orlando, Florida
Today didn’t start quite so early, but we were at Universal Studios when it opened. Universal Studios has built a new coaster – Rip Ride Rock It. It’s a pretty intense ride where you get to pick your own soundtrack (my personal choice – Sabotage by the Beastie Boys). Universal has a fantastic Child Swap … Continue reading
July 29, 2011 Universal Orlando, Florida
We were up at 5:45am this morning so we could be on the first water taxi to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure. We’re staying at Portofino Bay Resort at Universal Orlando. When you stay at a Universal hotel, you get early admission to the parks and complimentary water taxis to the … Continue reading
July 28, 2011 Orlando, Florida
Well, we’re finally in Florida! We were scheduled to travel in May, but my son broke his arm two days before we were supposed to leave. Did your travel agent buy travel insurance? NO! I assumed that this was a short trip, what could possibly happen? Don’t make the same mistake I did – buy … Continue reading
October 14, 2010 Chiang Mai, Thailand
Today was FABULOUS! We spent the day at Patara Elephant Farm. There are so many elephant tours to choose from, and I’m so glad we chose this one. The day started very early with an 8am pickup from the hotel. The 30 minute drive to the farm was beautiful, through the city, fields, and forest. I … Continue reading
October 13, 2010 Chiang Mai, Thailand
Sleep was in short supply last night due to a neighbor hacking up a lung and the symphony of roosters that started at 4:57am. Since the windows only have shutters but no glass and the outside walls do not meet the ceiling, it was the alarm clock from hell. After a fantastic breakfast of fried eggs and toast with strawberry … Continue reading
October 12, 2010 Chiang Mai, Thailand
Our day has been fantastic – rock climbing, rapelling, and caving with Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures. We are spending the night with a family in the mountain village of Mae Kompong. I had no idea what to expect when I signed up for rock climbing, but it was really fun. It is so incredibly … Continue reading
October 11, 2010 Chiang Mai, Thailand
We started our stay in Chiang Mai with a private tour. I had read fantastic things about Paul Collins with Best Tuk Tuk Tours, so we hired him for the day. I had emailed him prior to our arrival with a few requests. I really wanted to see Doi Suthep temple, the cottage industries in … Continue reading
October 9, 2010 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
We’re in Malaysia to go to a MotoGP motorcycle race at Sepang International Circuit. I’d read that the weather was unbearably hot and humid, but I had no idea until we stepped off the plane. I’ve never sweat so much in my life! We’re staying at the Tune Hotel, the closest hotel to the track. On race weekends, … Continue reading