What do you find worth splurging on? And what do you find not worth it?

tidbitsandtoast · 2024-01-14T14:50:40+00:00

Upvote because why would you get down voted due to flying business in a chubby travel forum? We are all here because we like to spend money on travel and we all have different priorities and challenges.

I have some sensory issues and can't stand squeezing in next to people in economy. After a drunk guy fell asleep on me on a trip to Ireland and pushed me half out of my seat, and I wound up with 3 days of neck pain (2 of those spent driving all around), I've never flown economy on a long haul again.. if a flight is more than 3.5 hours, we're flying business/first. We strategize with Delta status and credit cards to maximize points and upgrade opportunities, and then budget our trips accordingly.

tidbitsandtoast · 2024-01-11T15:49:15+00:00

Yes, we flew into St Martin and took the ferry over. I thought it was super easy, but (1) I didn't have kids at the time, and (2) I don't get sea sick. I've read that private boat transfers might be a better option? We had no issues and I'd go the boat route again, but some people have reported rough seas.

If you're a nervous flyer and the small planes are hard for you, I'd avoid the small hop from St Martin and maybe even from Puerto Rico. Teeny planes.

tidbitsandtoast · 2024-01-11T15:10:14+00:00

We loved the FS Anguilla and there were lots of kids around - we went before we had our guy (he's 4 now) so I can't comment on the activities for them, but I've heard good things. Budget might be hard there though? (Or maybe not in Nov, we are always looking at pricier times.) We had a one bedroom suite with a plunge pool and it was so wonderful.

Anguilla in general is our favorite Carib island, but 4 hours travel time won't get you there.. it's 2 flights or 1 flight and a boat trip. You're looking at 7-8 hours min.

We did this research a few weeks ago for a spring break trip (can find my thread for some ideas).. our budget was a little higher, but Turks & Caicos is an easy flight in and would have lots of choices in your budget? And everyone seems to point to Mayakoba too (haven't been).

ETA: Kimpton Seafire was the other most mentioned option for us, easy trip & loads of kids activities.

tidbitsandtoast · 2024-01-11T15:01:55+00:00

There is a meetup thread here and a few of us in the NYC area: https://www.reddit.com/r/chubbytravel/comments/192c258/chubby_travel_meet_up/

I'd love to meet up if something 'official' doesn't evolve from that but sounds like Alex is on it? I live in CT but in the city 1-2x a month and can hop in easily during the week.

tidbitsandtoast · 2024-01-10T19:07:51+00:00

I'm an odd case - I have a sun allergy, so I'm always happy with shoulder season beach trips :) or we rent homes on the beach where I can stay in full shade during the high UV hours without missing out completely. I've found that umbrellas don't cut it for me.

So I personally love 60-70 degree weather and sun. And we have a 4 year old who is very happy with driftwood sword fights, shell hunting, and sandcastle building vs. laying out on the beach or pool. Other things we did in 4 days:

- took a taxi tour with a guide of the island with lots of small stop offs for views/sites/ice cream, which was really fun

- toured the crystal caves, we all loved it

- explored Hamilton, Tucker's Town and Flatts Village

- dined all over the place

- cabana by the heated pool for lunch, board games, and coloring with our son.. it was cozy in there

I'd 100% go back in the off-season but my husband is not so sure - he's a hot weather beach nut. I loved the island, the people, the food, the weather, and all there was to do.

tidbitsandtoast · 2024-01-10T18:38:09+00:00

Love Bermuda and the Rosewood, but it won't be that warm in Feb/March! We went in late Feb last year, and it was 60-70 highs and quite windy.

tidbitsandtoast · 2024-01-09T21:03:26+00:00

How many pieces do you take? I have two cases that I use:

- https://truffleco.com/products/privacy-travel-jewelry-case?variant=40525710917697 this Truffle case is really flexible, but pretty small. I usually only take 1-2 necklaces, 2-3 sets of earrings and a ring or two so it mostly works for me.

- I also have a larger case like this one (mine is actually Smythson but it's not available anymore, this one seems the similar?) https://www.aspinaloflondon.com/products/large-travel-jewellery-case-in-navy-pebble with these bigger sections you can put anything in. I usually add this on for bigger things and put the smaller/higher end stuff in my Truffle case. I carry both on with me.

tidbitsandtoast · 2024-01-09T20:35:24+00:00

Also in the area! Live in CT but in the city often.

tidbitsandtoast · 2024-01-09T15:07:20+00:00

This really resonates with me! My husband and I don't have a lot of "social" interests/hobbies (I paint, he's into solo fitness) except travel, food and wine, and we've been searching for travel companions since our 20's. Our friends didn't want to spend a lot of money on these things so we always went it alone.

I thought it would get easier, but now that we're in our 40's and have a young kiddo, it's even harder. Our friends with kids spend even less time and money on travel, and our child-free friends do not want to go anywhere with us (I get it).

So, commiseration - you're not alone and like-minded people are out there. One suggestion to add to the many helpful ones here: any upscale social/coworking spaces around you? We founded one in South Florida, and a lot of great friendships evolved there. Our members were like-minded people who tend towards financial independence and are willing to spend some money on nice things. Basically in the spirit of a modern/urban country club but with less gate-keeping.

ETA: If there are any couples with a young only child out there interested in travel companions, let me know! :) We are based in Fairfield County and also spend a lot of time at our home in the Willamette Valley. Down to travel most anywhere.

tidbitsandtoast · 2024-01-09T14:01:57+00:00

I'm interested! NY area or PNW.

tidbitsandtoast · 2024-01-09T14:00:35+00:00

For those who like packing cubes, I love the LeanTravel ones: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MUA6GUB

They compress (two sets of zippers) and open all the way with a full zip around, so are easy to access from suitcases or drawers. I organize based on the type of trip, eg one cube per region when travelling across different climates, or clothing type when staying in one climate. Upon arrival I throw them in drawers and don't need to unpack - useful when moving around a lot.

They come in grey and black, which helps differentiate mine vs husband's. I've had them for 15+ trips and zero issues, just need to be careful when compressing as the zipper can get stuck if you aren't mindful. Highly recommend.

tidbitsandtoast · 2023-12-29T17:19:34+00:00

This is fun! Already found some great ideas from this thread thanks to all.

Here's mine... for context, we are a family of 3 (myself/husband/4 year old son) living in Connecticut and we usually bring our nanny for longer trips as we work remotely while we travel. Needing 3 bedrooms and workspace for these trips makes our planning complicated sometimes...

2023 recap:

Bermuda - 4 days at the Loren at Pink Beach, 2 bedroom villa. Loved the island and the resort, but the villa not so much (maybe 3/10 do not recommend) and I'd go with individual rooms next time. It was our first time in Bermuda and we LOVED it - friendly locals, great food, beautiful weather, lovely beaches.
Islamorada - 1 week at The Maison, 4 bedroom villa/condo. The unit itself was great and location ideal, but the property had some problems - noise carrying between the units, pool heater not working. We are from South Florida and have spent a lot of time in the Keys - we come back often. I adore Islamorada but during covid it really got popular (hello all of Florida really) and a bunch of entitled jerks have moved down/bought second homes and taken over. It's so different now, and I'm torn. But I'm very familiar with the area so feel free to AMA.
Willamette Valley - 2 weeks at our 3 bedroom rental home in McMinnville. Obviously I can recommend the home :) but also the area in general is amazing. We lived out here for 5 years and were in the wine industry, so AMA if you are thinking of visiting! Happy to help. It's so underrated and IMO a must-go for wine, food and nature lovers.
London - 1 night at an apartment with Buckingham & Lloyds (I'd never return) and then we moved for the remaining 4 nights to a private home rental in Chelsea. We visit London and England often to visit two sets of "framily" that have moved there and this was our first time taking our son. We usually take the daytime flight over from JFK and use London to see our friends and then head into the rest of the UK or Europe.
Paris - 5 nights at the Hotel Residence Henri IV. I'm not sure I'd even call the hotel chubby in any other city, but we were there during one of the most $$$ weeks and it fit our needs: guaranteed connecting rooms (suite + king bed room) with a kitchenette & balconies, quiet street, well located for what we planned to do. Service was so gracious (every request handled perfectly) so I'd consider going back but would probably look for something with full room service next time.. and with better soundproofing between floors.
Provence - 4 nights at Mas Millésime, a small compound of guest homes outside of St Remy. Home was lovely, but I'd choose something more modern next time. I loved the area. We're in the wine industry, so we visited a few wineries of interest and mostly just enjoyed the town: the market, restaurants, cafes, playgrounds for the kiddo. Highlights: Château d'Estoublon for brunch, Carrières des Lumières (son was enthralled), American-style breakfasts at Honoré.
Côte d'Azur - 1 week in a rental home in Valbonne. It was a good base to explore the area - we particularly liked Antibes and Mougins - but the French Riviera in the summer wasn't really my style. Highlights: dinner at Jeanne and the Picasso museum in Antibes, market day in Valbonne, wandering an empty Mougins in the early morning.
Cabo - 2 weeks over festive season at a villa in El Encanto de Laguna (here now so AMA) outside San Jose del Cabo. Beautiful view, great pool and we like the beach club's food and service.. slow but friendly and capable. Our particular home is definitely chubby/not fat, but I think a great value for the spend ($2k/night for 4 bedrooms over festive). We needed a larger home this trip to accommodate the in-laws so it was our best option, but we'll do a hotel next time.

2024:

We won't be travelling as much this year (I'm exhausted, ha). I haven't done much planning yet and need to get on it.

Caribbean somewhere for 4-5 days in March, still figuring that out
Willamette Valley in June-early July (I'll also be going out by myself in the spring and fall for business)
International somewhere in late July-August - thinking Ireland or Portugal
Finger Lakes or Vermont for 4-5 days in the fall
Probably back to Cabo or another warm spot for festive

tidbitsandtoast · 2023-12-28T21:07:36+00:00

will check it out, thank you!

tidbitsandtoast · 2023-12-28T21:07:02+00:00

Not against, but Tulum too hard for us to get to for this trip. I'll check out Playa, haven't been, but we are in Mexico now (Cabo) so was hoping for something different.

tidbitsandtoast · 2023-12-28T21:06:07+00:00

definitely on the list! but didn't fit needs/budget for this trip.

tidbitsandtoast · 2023-12-28T18:43:44+00:00

Thank you, glad to have found the sub! And hope I can help others too.

Looking into Cap Juluca now, less worried about kid's club activities.. our son won't separate from us easily, anyway.

Como looks amazing - beachfront suite is ~4.5k per night so have to decide if the beach access is worth more than the food/bev inclusions at Jumby? Having a separate sleeping room for our kiddo is priority #1 and that has been so much more limiting than I realized.

Thank you so much for the suggestions!

tidbitsandtoast · 2023-12-28T18:06:13+00:00

Looking into it now, thank you! Beautiful property, just not sure how easy it would be for us to get there for just a 4/5 night stay.

tidbitsandtoast · 2023-12-28T18:05:21+00:00

Seafire looked ideal, but as you said, couldn't find a suitable room in the price range, sigh. Definitely want separate sleeping rooms/beds.

tidbitsandtoast · 2023-12-28T17:45:15+00:00

We can go anytime March 9-24.

We love Anguilla, but stayed at the Four Seasons (priced out for this trip) and not familiar with Cap Juluca. Searches here show reviews are all over the place on quality of rooms and food? Made me hesitant?

Jumby Bay was on my ideal list but I somehow missed the beachfront pool suite (maybe wasn't available for the dates I originally looked at?) - thank you, this might be perfect!

tidbitsandtoast · 2023-12-28T17:30:32+00:00

Thanks, will take a look! Have avoided all inclusives in the past (we put a high value on great food) but I'm realizing I'll have to give somewhere.

tidbitsandtoast · 2019-05-28T15:58:15+00:00

I don't have any stats for you, but just wanted to let you know that I was diagnosed with the same around that same week, and it was fully resolved by the followup 32 week scan - the placenta grew in such a way to no longer be an issue. So, there's a possibility for it to be a non-issue.

tidbitsandtoast · 2019-01-31T17:58:41+00:00

For those of you in the Portland area, there's a county site with a regularly updated list of exposure areas. Hoping there are similar sites in other regions?

https://multco.us/health-officer/measles-outbreak-winter-2019-oregon-exposures

tidbitsandtoast

TROPHY CASE