Our Polynesian Cruise Staycation

I'm back with another destination date night, though this destination is on the "open seas". As with regular vacations, things don't always go as planned, and so goes staycations as well. I had a great big plan for our last one, but my items weren't going to get here in time, so instead we put it off and did a cruise instead. Summer is quickly ebbing away and I wanted to take advantage of one of the last warm days. 

I've been reflecting back on some of our past vacations and put two of them together to create a fun staycation. Cruising is going to take a while to come back. They will tell you that you can start booking cruises now, but please don't do it, unless you can rebook, because until there's an actual vaccine for COVID, you're not going to want to get on a cruise ship. There can't be any social distancing on a ship, unless you don't plan to do any of the things that make ships fun: shows, games, casino, buffets, etc.

Because of this, I decided we would take a cruise to some tropical locale, have some delicious Polynesian-inspired food, while listening to the sounds of the waves and birds singing and sipping on a tropical drink. 

I went all blue for this set-up and with traditional leis made of shells and nuts that I received at various Hawaiian press meet-ups I've gone to. I had a bag of frozen dragonfruit in the freezer for smoothies that I blended up with bananas and coconut milk to make this gorgeous drink. I'd also suggest either some pineapple to the blender, and you could sub Malibu rum for the coconut milk if you want a cocktail. 

We tried fresh dragonfruit for the first time when we were in Hawaii, and we've never gotten the same experience, even when we've gotten it from the Asian market. They cost 4 times as much and have only a small fraction of the flavor. This was a great substitute though and had a lovely color. I added some smoothie size bamboo straws. 

Eric is always excited when we're on vacation. LOL! To keep the feeling going, I jumped on UberEats to find an authentic Hawaiian restaurant (not the quick-service place that's close that we usually go to). That way we would have a different experience than we usually do. 

I ordered two appetizers: Spam musubu (basically a sushi, but with Spam and egg instead of raw fish or other regular fillings) and this gorgeous pickled cucumber and onion salad. Both were awesome. For our main, I asked if Eric wanted chicken or pork. We aren't huge fans of Kaluha pork, so we got Shoyu chicken instead, with a huge side of macaroni salad. This was my bad, because when it asked what side I wanted, I picked mac salad, thinking that was in addition to rice, and also ordered a side of mac salad. You never get enough. That was definitely not a problem this time. Ha! 

I got these gorgeous gold speckled plates through Target online. The ones from my last staycation post are the same, but pink instead of blue. I wish they had other colors. I totally would have bought more. They are by Opalhouse. 

Here we are on the lido deck, enjoying the salty sea breeze, endless ocean, and this weird bird on the ship for some reason. I know he's there because I put him there. I felt we needed an actual bird to go with the sounds of birds. He gave us some good views and ambiance. 

For dessert - there has to be dessert on vacation - I picked up the closest thing I could find to malasadas. Malasadas are doughnuts with different fillings. When in Hawaii, we walked 8 miles to go to Leonards and got a dozen to take back with us to our timeshare. We got normal custard fillings, but also delicious fruit fillings, too. The closest thing to this locally is a place called Beard Papa at our Uwajimaya Asian grocery store. They are giant cream puffs and sell vanilla custard and chocolate filled and then a rotating flavor. 

When I stopped by, the 3rd mystery flavor was Dulce de Leche. It was pretty much vanilla custard inside with caramel on top. I wouldn't say no to it again, but these are fairly messy to eat with your hands, so I suggest either a lot of napkins or a fork, even if you feel like a nerd. 

While eating dessert, we took a tour of the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii via vloggers Perfect Little Planet. We didn't rent a car when we visited Honolulu, and we were only there for a week, so we had to choose what we wanted to do and what we could skip. We didn't want to spend an entire day at the Center and maybe still not see it all, so we skipped that and went to the Dole Plantation instead. There is quite a lot to see and do...and eat. 

This date night wasn't as involved as our others, but we had much of the decorations already, and it was still a great escape from the world and its worries, and we were able to soak up some of the last warm times in the evening. We even "took" the dog. I think this probably ended up costing around $80, which is less than our others, but will definitely even out in the long run, since our next staycation will be more costly than usual. I can't wait.

If you'd like to recreate a Polynesian cruise, or just a trip to Hawaii, here are some things you can do to make it happen:

• Polynesian playlist on YouTube - here's mine
• Bamboo smoothie straws
• Cruise background
• Tropical background
• Leaf crowns
• Hawaiian nut lei
• Projector/laptop stand (I use this to keep my laptop off the table. It is adjustable and can move wherever.)
• Coconut tiki mugs
• Topical flower garlands
• Chocolate covered macadamia nuts
• Hawaiian cookbook

Learn some Hawaiian words, practice the hula by watching videos, try out the ukulele, play bingo, watch a luau (there's one on my playlist). Make this a fun night that doesn't have to stop at dinner. Make it a whole day where you cook together, do a ton of activities, plan a trip, and enjoy each other as a family or a couple. 

If you want to follow along or see more pics/vids of my "trips", follow me on Instagram.

Where are you looking forward to traveling when it's safe to do so?

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and I may be compensated should you choose to make any purchases through them. This allows me to keep this blog running for you. 

Living and Traveling Better with SpectraSpray

As Quarantine drags on and on and we're trying to keep healthy in all the ways, it's nice to have ways to help you achieve that that are also convenient. SpectraSpray is here to help you through this difficult time, and you'll want to continue using it when we are out of quarantine and can begin traveling again.

These vegan, organic, sugar-free, gluten-free, yeast-free, wheat-free, dye-free sprays come separately and in awesome kits to help you live your best life during travel and beyond.

I hate pills, especially vitamins, because a lot of them are a choking hazard. Like, why do they need to be SO big?! Also, a lot of vitamins don't give you the most benefits because they have to go through your digestive tract and half the nutrients get lost in the process. SpectraSpray makes vitamins that you spray into your mouth, where they get quickly absorbed and into your bloodstream.

With so many stressors happening right now, it can be hard to stay on a regular schedule. I know I've had trouble getting to sleep many nights and also have felt draggy some days. This is when you'll want to use the Jet Lag kit, or just purchase these separately, depending on what you need the most help with.

If you're having problems sleeping right now (or any time), their Sleep Spray is a natural way to lull yourself into a deep sleep. It contains melatonin and herbs, all proven to support a restorative sleep. 

Need more energy to get stuff done? The B12 Energy Spray can give you that boost whenever you need it. 

A mix of B vitamins and herbs make the Stress Spray a good way to help you just relax and calm down when you feel like everything is too much. 

Worry about health is big on everyone's mind at the moment. Immune Spray creates a barrier in your mouth to defend against bacteria and viruses. This is perfect for these uncertain times, but also when you're traveling to new places and are facing new germs and experiences where it's easy to get sick. Add the Sanitizer Spray and you're good to face the big bad germy world, especially with flu-season on the horizon. I use hand sanitizer multiple times a day, so this one that fits right in my pocket is convenient, especially when out running errands. I know that when we start traveling again, I'll definitely want one (or more) of these for my carry-on bag to spray down things on the plane, in the airport, and at my destination. 

Feeling like you could use a pick-me-up while working from home, trying to help your kids with distance learning, or being socially distanced in your office? Constantly breathing in the warm air from your mask can make you a bit too relaxed and make you feel sleepy (this is why masks are actually great on planes). The new Cafe Energy Spray has a natural mocha flavor and caffeine. It has a much higher absorption rate than energy drinks and gets its caffeine from coffee bean extract. 

They use caffeine, B12 and adaptogenic herbs to give you a natural boost and no crash like you get with beverages like coffee. I'll be honest, I don't love the flavor. It's a bit sharp, but it dissipates quickly and has no aftertaste. It hasn't stopped me from using it at work when I need to perk up a bit, so the taste is not at all a deterrent. It's also great for those that don't enjoy coffee or can't drink it because of the acidity.

Now,  you can purchase these by themselves as single sprays or you can get them bundled like these below:

Travel kit gives you energy, restful sleep and immunity: 

Immune Spray | Sleep Spray | B12 Energy Spray

Stress Less kit allows you to sleep well and stay calm and focused:

Sleep Spray | Stress Spray

Jet Lag kit allows you to naturally fall asleep and then wake up with energy:

Sleep Spray | B12 Energy Spray

Stay Well kit gives your body the natural boost it needs to fight off sickness:

B12 Energy Spray | Immune Spray

Be Well kit can help you stay healthy and germ-free:

Immune Spray | Sanitizer Spray (for hands and surfaces)

I have the Jet Lag kit and these sprays work wonderful separately, but they're going to be great when I travel long distances as well. I always have trouble sleeping the first night I'm away from home. Eric has troubles sleeping almost always, so this is working wonders. When you're going more than you usually do it can be easy to lose steam some days. The B12 Spray is going to give me the extra I need to keep going without needing a nap. 

Not only are these sprays all natural, but they have the highest absorption rate, they can be used anywhere at any time, they're safe for everyone, are TSA-compliant, and they taste great! You can't say that about a lot of other vitamins, because they taste like they are good for you (meaning gross). These have a nice minty taste, but it doesn't linger, as it absorbs so quickly. So, if you don't love mint, know it's very slight and has no aftertaste.

They're easy to use, too! You spray them inside your mouth or on the inside of your cheek. Use 4-8 sprays as needed and then let it work its magic. 

The slim spritzers will make them easy to carry even in a small purse or your pocket, and carrying multiple of them won't take up much room in a travel bag at all.

More info:

Where can I buy them? Online at SpectraSpray's website

How much do they cost? $19.95+ | Jet Lag kit: $38.95 | Be Well kit: $27.95 | Cafe Energy Spray: $21.95

Other specs: Superior oral absorption; no binders, fillers or artificial ingredients; convenience and taste. No food or drink required. There is no sugar, starch, wheat, soy, eggs, salt or dairy. Made in the USA. SpectraSpray is a woman-owned small business. Each spray gives you 30+ uses, if you use 8 sprays as directed, but you might find you don't need as many sprays, so they will last longer.

You'll find even more varieties online than what I've outlined above. These are just the best travel kits and individual sprays for your trips. You can also grab a CBD spray if you have a fear of flying, and Iron spray to help you fight daily fatigue and avoid those traditional supplements everyone hates to take. Items are in stock and ready to ship to you.

These make great gifts for people in your life. Maybe grab a pack of sanitizer spray for work, kids, or your mailman. Get a Stay Well pack for your mom or dad. Slip a Jet Lag kit in a gift bag for your college-aged kid who needs help concentrating and getting a good night's sleep. Because they're natural, organic, and free of allergens, they work for everyone you know. Let people know you care about their health and well-being. They'll love you for it.

Like what SpectraSpray is doing? Follow them on social media!

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How do you keep traveling well on your trips?

Disclaimer: I was provided with the Jet Lag kit, Be Well kit, and the Cafe Energy Spray for the purposes of sharing with my readers. All opinions are 100% my own.

10 Things I Love Doing On Every Trip

Every trip you go on is going to be different, even when I return to a city, it's never the same visit. There are 10 things I like to do to make my trips awesome, and we tend to do these almost every time we travel anywhere, because they are great ways to learn about your destination.

1. Get up high - As much as I adore seeing everything from the ground, you can see just how big of a place you are visiting, including all the landmark buildings and parks and water features, like rivers. It's like looking at a map but way cooler. Before we leave home, I look for places that can give me a view of the skyline, whether that's a giant Ferris wheel, like the London Eye, or a building that has 360-degree views like Skyspace OUE in Los Angeles, or even a restaurant like Seattle's The Loupe inside the Space Needle. 
2. Take an open-top bus tour - The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is the best invention. Not only do you get some air, but you you also get a city tour that gives you cool information about your destination, and drops you off at all the major landmarks and activities. You can pay for a day or a multi-day pass. I like to make one full complete loop on the bus to see everything, and then get off and see things after that.
3. Take public transportation - You can learn a lot about your city by taking their buses, subways, and trains. Not only do you save money on getting around, but it gives you a sense of where things are, and it's like a very cheap tour. If you use your phone's Google maps, it'll tell you which stop you want to get off on, meaning you have plenty of time to look around while you're on your ride.
4. Take a walking tour - There are all types of walking tours in most cities, including free ones. We never really realized how awesome they were until we took ones through Walks.com in London, and now we try to do at least one anywhere we go. They can have different themes or can be general, and we've been on several free ones that have been better than paid ones we've taken. Make sure you carry cash for a tip at the end, have your phone charged for pictures, and do your research by looking at reviews before booking.
5. Eat at a recommended hole-in-the-wall - You know how much I love food. I will plan whole days around where I want to eat, but I always leave wiggle room. We tend to ask Uber drivers and hotel staff (not the concierge) where they like to eat. We've discovered some real gems this way. Keep an open mind, because some of the best places I've eaten do not look like much from the outside.
6. Find a great coffee shop - Coffee fuels me in more ways than one. I scope out the coffee shops around where I'm staying on Google and look at menus and reviews. We found two amazing ones when we were last in London. Both had excellent brews, but the food was also outstanding. I have a favorite one in Vegas (Bad Owl Coffee) and one in New Orleans (Avenue Cafe). 
7. Try the local food trucks - I love food and I love saving money. you can do both at the food trucks/cars. It's also perfect for travel in groups or families, because where there's one food truck, there's usually several. This means you can find something for everyone who might not be able to agree on a restaurant. We live in a city that is packed with food trucks, so we feel right at home when we eat at them in other cities.
8. Shop the farmers' market - Another thing that focuses on food, but it's also really affordable. Generally, we plan a morning to hit up the nearest farmers' market for snacks and weird things we've not seen before. It's a great way to stock up on local fruits for breakfasts, which is generally the meal we eat in most often. It means we don't have to get up early, and we save quite a bit of cash. Markets are a good place to interact with locals and ask questions (like where they like to eat).
9. Go grocery shopping - Maybe you think it's weird that adore a foreign grocery store. At home, I try to get in and out as fast as possible, but when I'm in other countries, I like to take my time checking out the different foods and picking out what I want to eat for breakfast and snacks. We've found a lot of new favorite things this way. 
10. Walk through neighborhoods - Taking the bus or driving is great, but it doesn't give you the same feeling as you get when you just get off the main thoroughfares and just stroll through some neighborhoods to see how people live. We tend to stay in Airbnb rentals and live in a city like a local, which means we are usually walking some blocks to get to a transit station. 

I'm sure you have your own favorite things to do on a trip. I want to hear about them. Tell me your musts for trips in the comments!