Pulling up to the AC Hotel in downtown Oakland, California had us greeted by kind valets who welcomed us to the hotel. Once inside, the contemporary and timeless design of the lobby had us feeling assured we picked the right hotel for our weekend. Checking in was a breeze and we were up in our 15th floor room within minutes of entering.
The hotel has a friendly staff, clean rooms, and a decent breakfast spread. The lobby had a lovely fire going and movies playing on the wall. There were plenty of places to get comfortable should you wish to hang out. The bar and restaurant also open in the evening if you are looking to enjoy a drink without having to leave the hotel….
My merriest vacations are on a cruise ship. And no cruise line does merry quite like Disney. When you visit the theme parks over the holidays, you know how much detail goes into decorating those parks. Now imagine it on a more personal scale. The ship becomes your home for the duration of your vacation. Imagine getting Disney to come and decorate for you in your actual home. That would be incredible, right? That is how it feels to sail on a Merrytime Cruise. As if you get to live inside a Christmas card for a few days or weeks, if you’re lucky!…
London is a city that is incredibly special when the temperature drops, and the Christmas lights go up. Arriving to a pub, removing your coat, scarf, hat and gloves to warm up by the fireplace and drink a cider or stout is a top 10 feeling. Do I romanticize it? Yes, of course! I am from Los Angeles! I rarely need a heavy coat let alone a scarf or gloves. It is why I will shout it from the rooftops that the best time to visit London is in November.
Walking into the grand atrium of Jambo House at Christmastime feels like you leave Florida behind to step into a postcard from one of Africa’s most luxurious resorts. The moment the doors glide open, you’re greeted by the soft glow of warm lighting that entices you in. From the rich wood floors to the reds of the fan style chandeliers, the warmth of this deluxe resort will have you feel cozy and welcomed upon entry.
The circus used to call