Alli Talley

March 2, 2020

Is Adventures By Disney Worth The Cost? And Other FAQs From Our Trip

Alli Talley

March 2, 2020

Since coming home from our dream babymoon trip with Adventures By Disney, we’ve gotten quite a few questions about our experience and the logistics of our tour. From booking flights to age demographics to the food - we’ve gotten it all! So we figured what better way to answer all of your questions and share the highlights, than with a blog! This 10 day trip was an experience we’ll never forget, and we’re honestly still processing it. (If we sound too “gush-y” or overdramatic, it’s because we loved our experience THAT MUCH. Bear with us.)

What trip were you on, and what was the itinerary?

We were on the Adventures by Disney (ABD) Seine River Cruise, which consisted of ten adventure-filled (and absolutely pampering) days! We had a couple of nights in Paris, then boarded AmaWaterways’ Amalyra river cruise ship, which took us to Les Andelys, Le Havre (two nights), Rouen, Vernon, Giverny, and Conflans.

We toured a castle dating back to 1196, walked in the footsteps of Van Gogh, rode original WWII military vehicles to Omaha Beach, climbed the jaw-dropping cliffs of Étretat, ate our weight in croissants, spent a morning at Monet’s house and gardens, dined on multiple course meals with new friends, had movie nights and dance parties, and SO much more. The itinerary was busy, but meticulously planned and executed. Not once did we ever think “I’m bored”, or “I wish we’d done…”, the days were truly perfect in every way. (But more on that later.)

Enjoying Monet’s House and all the color

Would you recommend this trip to honeymooners or to people that have never been to Europe?

Yes and yes. This ABD itinerary in particular is amazing for honeymooners (we had a few on our ship) because not only is it a hassle-free and luxurious way to see France, but it’s also adult-only! And while the ABD team works hard to curate the daily itineraries, most days include optional tours and plenty of “On Your Own” time. Meaning your days can be as jam-packed or relaxing as you want them to be. Not to mention, what’s more romantic than a river cruise through France?

For first-time Europe travelers, we couldn’t recommend a ABD trip enough. Having now done two (Ireland as well), we can confidently say that it’s one of the best and easiest ways to experience a potentially overwhelming destination. From the moment you step off the plane the ABD team takes care of you, ensuring that you’re never lost, confused, stressed, or without guidance. We promise that after seeing Europe with the help of ABD guides, you’ll have the confidence and know-how to tackle Europe travel on your own.

It’s easy to find romance on an ABD trips

Does this ABD trip have a family option too?

Yes! There are four family-friendly Seine River Cruise tours happening in 2020. See rates and dates here.

What’s included in a ABD trip?

From luxurious hotel accommodations, to the attractions, transportation, private tours, VIP treatment and all of the little details and logistics that come with travel, you won’t have to lift a finger or open your wallet. Most meals are covered (and believe us when we say we could do a full blog post just on the food we were served during our ABD adventures), while guests typically have a few “On Your Own” dining options for enjoying local restaurants and cafes.

Hot towels and tea when you return from a day in port. The best!

How many guests were on board?

Because this ABD trip was a river cruise, it allowed for a bigger group. There were about 90 guests, whereas our Ireland adventure had about 30 guests. Because of the larger size, we had more Adventure Guides - eight to be exact! Speaking of which…

What’s an Adventure Guide?

Think of them as a fusion of a personal concierge and your new BFF. Adventure Guides are not only experts on the regions that you’re touring, they’re also intriguing storytellers, mesmerizing entertainers, slapstick comedians, and more. Many ABD trips have two Adventure Guides, while the larger river cruise itineraries have more. They’re one of our favorite things about ABD, and should we ever have a career shift, we’d probably apply. When we think about the “Disney Difference”, we immediately think of Adventure Guides. Which leads us to...

What’s the “Disney Difference”?

(Great question.) Until you travel with ABD and experience it first hand, it might be hard to explain - but we’ll do our best. The Disney Difference is what makes ABD stand out from every other tour company or organization, and is exactly why they will always be our go-to for group trips and adventures.

Not only are the itineraries top-notch in every way, they include insider perks and “backstage passes” to iconic museums and events. We’re not sure how Disney is able to pull such strings, but we’re constantly impressed and amazed at the VIP experience ABD is able to provide for their guests. There’s also a level of authenticity that ABD brings that we so admire and appreciate - guests are able to fully immerse themselves in the different cultures and surroundings that they’re in. That kind of experience is extremely rare in group travel.

Traveling by authentic WWII amphibious vehicles to Omaha Beach - the “Disney Difference”

A backstage pass at the Louvre… yes, please!

How was the food? Do they have vegan/gf options?

Like we said earlier, we could dedicate a whole blog to the food we ate during our ten-day tour, and we’re not opposed to the idea, but for now we’ll keep it (relatively) short.

We never had a bad meal. From the extensive and decadent breakfast buffets in the mornings, to cozy lunches in location or on the ship, to the extravagant dinners and mid-day snacks, we were eating constantly. The ABD team knows that the culinary experience is one of the most important elements when it comes to travel, so they take dining very seriously.

They take great note of one’s dietary restrictions, whatever that may be, and make sure that they always have plenty of options. Many of our friends onboard were vegan and gluten free, and they raved about the specials that the chefs would create especially for them!

We had access to plenty of yummy carbs :)

It’s always happy hour back on the ship!

Is ABD worth the cost?

Now, this is the golden question - and one that we got multiple times a day on our Instagram through our comments and DM’s. We realize that ABD trips are not cheap. But when you factor in the accommodations, meals, in-country transportation, and attractions plus the VIP service, concierge-style attentiveness, and the “Disney Difference” - we actually think ABD is a great value! And we can 1,000% guarantee that after you’ve traveled with ABD, you would agree. And you’d most definitely be hooked.

VIP service, new friends, delicious food, and all the sights… ABD is worth it to us!

It might not be the kind of trip that you and your family or significant other can take multiple times a year, but it IS the kind of trip that is worth saving up for. And if the specific itinerary that we took doesn’t appeal to you or is simply not doable, they have nearly countless tour options world-wide, from exploring the Amazon to the Canadian Rockies! They even have 2-5 day “Escapes” in destinations such as Amsterdam and Boston, which are a perfect (and more affordable) way to see if ABD travel is right for you.

Any other questions about our experience with ABD? Leave a comment below and we’ll do our best to answer!

Alli Talley

February 27, 2020

Disney, Cruising, Europe

Land or Water? The Differences Between Our Adventures By Disney River Cruise and Ireland Adventure

Alli Talley

February 27, 2020

Disney, Cruising, Europe

Having completed two very different Adventures By Disney tours, we are now self-acclaimed ABD experts. Ask us anything about ABD, and chances are we have an answer. (Check out our FAQ’s blog here.)

What we love about the two itineraries that we’ve done, Ireland and the Seine River Cruise, is how contrasting they are. From the amount of guests, to the modes of transportation, to adult only vs. kid friendly, we now have a solid grasp of what these different ABD trips entail. We loved and appreciated both itineraries for a multitude of reasons, so why not break it down a little? Here are the main differences between both itineraries, and why we’d do both of them again in a heartbeat. (ABD, please take us everywhere!)

ADVENTURING ON LAND VS. BY BOAT

One of the biggest differences between our Ireland trip with ABD and our Seine River Cruise was the mode of transportation. We spent eight days traveling through Ireland on a (very luxurious and plush) motorcoach. While we didn’t change hotels every night, we did move to different locations every couple of days. Typically we don’t enjoy moving around that much, but on this trip we didn’t mind one bit. The ABD team makes travel so easy and effortless, we never even had to move our bags, they did everything for us. We also weren’t sure how we would enjoy traveling by motorcoach, but we actually loved it. The big windows, the thoughtful and fascinating commentary by our Adventure Guides, the cozy seats… it ended up being a perfect way to see and experience the rolling green hills of Ireland.

Now for our Seine River Cruise, we spent eight days sightseeing through France on the breathtakingly chic AMAWaterways’ Amalyra. While we did hop on a handful of motor coaches during our river cruise, the majority of our travel was done by boat. This was our first time on a river cruise, and it definitely won’t be our last. The ride was incredibly smooth (Bobby never even thought about wearing his seasick bands or taking nausea meds!), and the views from our stateroom were ever-changing and consistently stunning. We loved that while we woke up to a new destination almost daily, we never had to pack/unpack. We always had our same charming room to come home to, and having the same “homebase” for eight days was really quite a treat.

Luxury motor coach with amazing guides is a great way to travel

On of our favorite spots in Ireland - Temple Bar!

We were obsessed with the rooftop spa aboard the Amalyra

SMALL GROUP VS. LARGE GROUP

Because of limited space on motor coaches and ample space on a river cruise, our trip along the Seine was over double the amount of guests than our Ireland adventure (90 guests on the cruise, 30 guests on the motorcoach).

Since the Ireland trip was significantly smaller, we became very close with most of the guests. Since we all did almost everything together, bonding was quick and easy. It was rare that our group was separated or split up, so it truly felt like one big family. Saying goodbye at the end of the trip was emotional - how were we supposed to travel without each other?! If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, the ABD land trips are the way to go.

On the Seine River Cruise, we never felt like there were “too many people”. If anything, we were surprised at how easy it was to make friends and get to know the other passengers. While we obviously couldn’t become best friends with everyone on board, by the end of our trip we felt like we knew a good majority of the guests. We’d take turns sitting with different familiar faces at dinner, and find ourselves chit-chatting with other couples on the many excursions and activities. There was always someone new to talk to - which we loved.

Regardless of the tour size, you’re bound to make new friends!

FAMILY TOURS VS. ADULT ONLY

One thing that we really love and appreciate about ABD itineraries is how well they cater them for families and for adults. The Adventure Guides are pros at engaging and entertaining guests of ALL ages - which is quite a talent! In Ireland, we had kids in our group from ages four to twelve, and all of them had the time of their lives. We loved seeing history come to life for them, and seeing their faces light up with each new location. From chocolate making classes to scavenger hunts around ancient ruins, the “Junior Adventurers” were never bored, and the parents always seemed very thankful for the extra childcare! ;)

We were really curious to see how an Adult-Only itinerary varies from a family trip (especially since our adult-only days are growing increasingly numbered). We were pleased to find out that the adult focused trips are just as fun as ones with families, but in a different kind of way. Walking tours usually included some sort of wine or liquor tasting, evenings typically had a social hour, and dinners felt a tad more refined and elegant. If you don’t have kids or are looking for a getaway without your littles in tow, the ABD adult-only trips are the way to go.

We’ll be back with our little ones some day!

TWO ADVENTURE GUIDES VS. EIGHT ADVENTURE GUIDE

The other big difference between our two ABD trips is the amount of Adventure Guides we had. Since Ireland was a smaller group, we had two Adventure Guides (we miss you Landon and Stephen!) with us the entirety of the trip. We got to know both of them extremely well, and we still find ourselves referencing their jokes or silly quirks on the daily. By the end of the trip, we felt weird traveling without them. Who was going to tell us the historic facts, or feed us the “snack of the day?” It was a grieving process for sure…

Having had such a special bond with the two of them, we were a little uneasy by the dynamics of having so many Adventure Guides on our Seine River Cruise. How were we ever going to click with them like we did with Landon and Stephen?! Well friends, spoiler alert, we clicked. With all of them. Having eight Adventure Guides was actually incredible, as we got to know all of them individually throughout the trip. We learned that Michaela has a witty response for EVERYTHING, that Veronika has a full-circle life story that will make you cry, that Hugo would eat creme brulee for the rest of his life if he could, that Clement knows the absolute best places to go in Rouen… need we continue? The Adventure Guides each brought something unique to the group that had us excited for our daily debriefs. Consistent with our guides from our land adventure (and we now believe all ABD adventures), they all had such energetic and fun personalities, and we really can’t imagine the trip without each one of them.

We can’t stress enough how amazing the Adventure Guides are!

BREAKING IT ALL DOWN…

Ultimately, both trips solidified our love (and obsession) with Adventures By Disney. And if we’re being honest, we’re pretty sure we can’t do an accurate ABD review until we’ve gone on ALL the tours. So, hit us up in about ten years, after we’ve traveled with the ABD family to Egypt, Austria, Peru, China, South Africa, Iceland, Australia, Vietnam, Spain….

Alli Talley

January 10, 2020

Babymoon, Mexico

Babymooning :: Paradisus Los Cabos Style

Alli Talley

January 10, 2020

Babymoon, Mexico

Alli here!

When people ask us about our name, we like to reply that we’ve been “honeymooning” since we got married. Whether it’s exotic trips to Europe or weekend staycations in Laguna Beach, every trip together is special to us. We’ve chosen a life of experiences over things, and we haven’t regretted it once! Since being pregnant, that mentality hasn’t changed - just the verbiage has! “Babymooning” has taken center stage these past few months, and it’s been a blast. We’ve taken the bump (or as we affectionately call it, “Boss #1), to France, Greece, Florida, Catalina Island, and Arizona. Each trip has been so special and unique in their own ways.

Couples are sometimes hesitant to book a babymoon, and we get it. Tight schedules, tight finances, a growing belly… but we’re BIG advocates for making it happen. We just returned from a babymoon at one of our favorite all-inclusives in Cabo (and one of our favorite places just in general), Paradisus Los Cabos, and we couldn't recommend it enough. No matter your travel style, we think you’d dig this kind of a babymoon. Here’s why:

CONSTANT PAMPERING

The further along you get in your pregnancy, the more you want to put your feet up. It’s a fact. As I’m nearing the end of my second trimester, my desire to relax has hit an all-time high.

From the moment we arrived at Paradisus Los Cabos I entered complete relaxation mode. Check in was a breeze and consisted of tropical mocktails and thoughtful snacks (splurge on Royal Service, their adults-only VIP experience - because let’s face it - your “adults only” days are numbered). We were introduced to our butler for the week, Octavio, who we could contact for just about anything our hearts desired. Octavio would make reservations for us, bring us ice, prep our bathtub, bring us pillows from their exclusive pillow menu, the list goes on… I tried to take Octavio home with us, but he politely declined. Not sure why.

We put on a few pounds while we were here.

EAT UP!

Food is clutch on a babymoon. I live in a constant state of hunger. And at Paradisus Los Cabos, you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want. With 12 restaurants and bars, and a fantastic 24-hour room service menu, it’s truly a pregnant mama’s dream. I’ve been craving chips and guacamole on the daily this pregnancy, and let me tell you, Paradisus makes some killer guac.

We’d alternate breakfasts at La Palapa and ordering room service, Gabi Beach became our go-to for tacos, and Tokimeku made me some pregnancy-safe sushi rolls that I’m still dreaming about. When it came to authentic and flavorful Mexican food, there’s nowhere better than Mole, their chic and contemporary Mexican restaurant.

Bobby would go back for the French toast

And one night we treated ourselves at Gastro Bar Signature dining, a romantic and glamorous culinary experience unlike anywhere else in Los Cabos. Their innovative team took notes of my dietary restrictions and came up with a special menu that was just as creative and flavorful as what Bobby was having… it was an evening we’ll never forget!

THREE WORDS: SWIM UP POOL

Nothing says “vacation” more than a swim up pool. Again, splurge on an adults-only Royal Service room, most specifically one with a swim up pool. It’s worth the extra cost to wake up in the morning, roll out of bed, and dip into the pool. Convenience is a very important buzz word on a babymoon, and what’s more convenient than that? If I wasn’t swimming around outside our room, I was reading baby books and working on my registry from our private balcony. It was hands-down my favorite spot to relax.

Breakfast in bed? We’ll do you one better…

UNLIMITED MOCKTAILS

The first thing most people think of when they hear the words “All-Inclusive” is unlimited drinks. And I don’t blame you, that’s what I think too! Prior to our trip I wondered if I’d be bummed by my alcohol restrictions, but I was SO pleasantly surprised. The Paradisus Los Cabos bartenders are pros at making creative mocktail concoctions - so much so, that I didn’t even feel like I was missing out! I almost always had a drink in hand, whether it be a virgin frozen mango margarita (my favorite), virgin mojitos, fresh juices, you name it. I even found Bobby sipping on my drinks when I wasn’t looking - they were that good! And I could have as many of them as I wanted.

DREAM LOCATION

Besides Cabo being a stunning backdrop for a babymoon, it’s also incredibly easy to get to. It was a quick 2-hour flight for us Southern California kids, which felt like nothing! We left for the airport and were in the pool with a drink in a matter of hours - when it comes to international travel, you can’t beat that! Their white, sandy beach is totally idyllic, and the sunset views from the resort took our breath away.

We also love where Paradisus Los Cabos is situated, right in the middle of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. You’re an easy twenty minute drive to both towns, making it the perfect in-between spot to explore both! (Which we highly suggest doing!)

If you’re looking to head out of the country for a pampering, easy, and worry-free babymoon, this is it. Paradisus Los Cabos was everything we’d hoped it would be and more. And we can’t wait to bring our little baby back with us again one day! (They have an amazing kids club… but more on that in a year or two.) ;)

Alli Talley

January 10, 2020

Mexico, Weekenders

Paradisus Los Cabos : An All-Inclusive With a Big Heart

Alli Talley

January 10, 2020

Mexico, Weekenders

These days it seems like our travel bucket list keeps growing, and time keeps moving faster… (How is it almost 2020?!) So you know we like a place when we keep coming back.

Paradisus Los Cabos is a luxurious all-inclusive resort destination located in between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. And we can’t get enough of it. We’ve been three times in the past three years (it opened in 2016), and you better believe we’re already anticipating our next trip. It’s that great.

There seems to be a stigma surrounding all-inclusives, that it’s a very manufactured, and “basic” experience. People often think that when you book a vacation at an all-inclusive, you’re giving into that cookie-cutter kind of travel. They think sure, you’ll relax by a pool and enjoy endless tacos and pina coladas, but you won’t actually get to really experience or understand the culture that you’re in.

We love the classic all-inclusive life, but Paradisus offers this and much more!

And while that may be the case for many all-inclusive resort properties, this couldn’t be farther from the truth when it comes to Paradisus Los Cabos. They’re taking small steps to make a big difference, and they’re paving the way for others to do the same. Here’s how:

“EMBRACE YOUR NATURE”

Just this November, Paradisus by Melia launched their new “Embrace Your Nature” campaign, highlighting the natural beauty and rich history of their many destinations. Their Paradisus Los Cabos property is one of the first to do so, with new cultural experiences and excursions for their guests to enjoy.

“Wait, so you can actually leave the property? I thought an all-inclusive meant you never leave the resort!”

Wrong! Paradisus encourages and promotes their guests to see and learn about the destination that they’re in. From sailing the Sea of Cortez to visiting organic farms, we saw a different, more authentic and personal side of Cabo than we’d ever seen before.

We tasted mezcal with a local expert at Acre Baja, and saw first-hand how this innovative restaurant and chic boutique hotel is aiding and giving back to the community. They even have a dog rescue program - and they’ve rescued over 120 so far!

We toured Flora Farms, a 25-acre organic working farm, complete with a restaurant, shops selling handmade goods, cooking classes, a spa, and more. They plant more than 100 varieties of vegetables and herbs, and Flora Farms now has a ranch that supplies humanely raised chicken, eggs, and pork for their restaurant, too! It’s the very definition of farm-to-table, and it’s beautiful!

We dined at Los Tamarindos, another organic farm and restaurant that’s located in a 19th century farmhouse, just one mile from the Sea of Cortez. The fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats we tried blew us away - it was a culinary journey we’ll never forget. And it’s all thanks to Paradisus!

Paradisus Los Cabos has plenty of ways to connect to the local culture on-property, too. One morning we helped set baby sea turtles into the ocean. They have over 500 sea turtle nests that their trained team protects and cares for. They educated us on how we can do our part to save these wonderful creatures, just by taking care of our environment! (Did you know that humans are their biggest predators due to oil spills, plastic debris, and habitat loss? We didn’t either.)

Learning about the turtles before we release them!

There’s also a store on the Paradisus Los Cabos property that’s dedicated to local artisan-made goods. Many of the items are handmade by Mexican women that have come from vulnerable communities, that are being helped by a non-profit organization called Proyecto Beatriz who is collaborating with Paradisus Los Cabos. The mirrors, bags, and accessories are not only chic and stylish, they’re also helping people. Talk about a win/win!

You may think you know what an all-inclusive is all about, but we encourage you to think again. Of course Paradisus Los Cabos has the luxurious amenities, stunning pools, delicious restaurants, and enchanting entertainment… but they’re also connecting their guests with the amazing people and resources that are just steps away. And that’s just one of the many reasons why we’ll keep coming back.

Alli Talley

January 31, 2018

Mexico, Weekenders

Exploring San Jose del Cabo

Alli Talley

January 31, 2018

Mexico, Weekenders

So, we just got back form the most epic stay at Paradisus Los Cabos, our favorite all-inclusive resort to date. It has everything - gorgeous rooms, amazing food, swim-up pools, tons of amenities, the BEST margaritas… we could go on and on. Another thing that they have going for them is the LOCATION. Located just ten minutes away from San José del Cabo and thirty minutes from Cabo San Lucas, it’s the perfect spot to feel “away” from the madness yet “close enough” to explore! During our stay we decided to spend a day in San José del Cabo, partially because it’s so close, but also because it’s one of our favorite towns in Mexico.