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Be Your Own Traveler

What makes travel so desirable? Is it the break from the normal routine? Is it the ability to see new places and experience new cultures? Whatever makes travel desirable for you and your family, embrace it. No one traveler is the same and if you don’t do something that was recommended, don’t stress. The key is enjoying the time you have, with the people you’re with, and doing what YOU want to do.

In today’s newsletter:

• Travel News this Week

• City Spotlight: Leavenworth, Washington

  • Who should go?

  • When should we go?

  • What should we see?

  • Where should we eat?

  • Why here?

• Travel Tips

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Travel News this Week

Some helpful travel news for families that have occurred this week.

• What is Set Jetting?: That’s not a typo. What is this new trend in travel?

• Making a run to Europe: Why are more Americans planning European vacations this summer?

• A possible deal?: With tourism in the U.S. declining, will this mean deals are available?

City Spotlight: Leavenworth, WA

Leavenworth, Washington is a trip to another land. Steeped in German heritage, you’d think you are walking in the Swiss Alps or some small German village. Families can enjoy a variety of experiences throughout the year. Most notably, their Christmas celebrations are something to behold and must be on everyone’s to do list sometime in their lives.

Who should go to Leavenworth?

Families who enjoy a little slower pace, connecting with nature, and off the beaten path will love Leavenworth. With the mountains in the backdrop, Leavenworth is a great small town that has embraced its population’s roots and is looked at as a little Bavaria. If you’re itching for big city feels, Seattle is a 2 hour drive, but to be honest, soaking up nature’s beauty and enjoying this Pacific Northwest gem should be all a family needs.

When should we go?

Any time is ideal, but if you’re looking for a Christmas wonderland, Leavenworth is for you. From reindeer parks to celebrations in the middle of town and wonderful sledding hills, the holiday season in Leavenworth is truly remarkable.

What should we do?

From the holiday season to summer fun, Leavenworth offers so much for anyone’s itinerary. Here are a few ideas that can be enjoyed in this mountainous retreat.

• Leavenworth Reindeer Farm: One of the stars of Christmas Eve, families can get up close and personal with real live reindeers. From feeding them to sitting in Santa’s sleigh, guests can even meet Sven from Frozen fame. This will definitely be a highlight of your vacation.

• Visit Snoqualmie Falls: A few miles outside of Leavenworth is Snoqualmie Falls, one of Washington State’s most popular attractions. There are multiple viewing platforms for the 270 foot falls that are open all year long.

• Leavenworth Summer Theater: Enjoy the beautiful summer weather in the mountains while taking in a Broadway style show. The Leavenworth Summer Theater is definitely a must when visiting… in the summer. From performances such as The Sound of Music, you won’t be disappointed. Warning, they do perform rain or shine.

• Nutcracker Museum: For a town that boasts its Christmas celebrations, it’s only natural that they have the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum. Learn the history of nutcrackers and marvel at nutcrackers of all shapes and sizes.

Where should we eat?

Where to start is the question. You can’t find a bad meal in Charleston, but here are a few of my favorites when I visit.

• Mozart’s Restaurant: Promoting “Inspired Austrian Cuisine in an Elevated Setting”, Mozart’s is a gourmet restaurant that takes you to how a meal in Salzburg might be. Check out this family run business for a memorable meal that you can’t find too many places in the United States.

• München Haus: Created to be an outdoor eatery, München Haus is a great spot for quick bites and delight in some delicious German fare.

• Icicle Brewing Company: For a great place for food and drinks, Icicle Brewing serves award winning, craft made beer as well as a host of delicious food for the whole family.

Why Leavenworth?

This is not a big city, tourist hot spot where you are going to fight massive crowds. And that’s the point. You and your family will enjoy this relaxing, beautiful region and find unique experiences that you can only discover in Leavenworth. If you decide to make this a Christmas destination, beware that the secret is out a little bit and it will be a hot spot for the holidays. However, what you get in the holiday cheer far outweighs what you will deal with in terms of crowds.

Travel Hacks

It’s a battle of wills sometimes, parents vs. kids for screen time. On vacation it’s ok to loosen up the restrictions, if you feel comfortable. In fact, offer a compromise, when you are off on your family excursions like aquariums or hikes or any other activities, the devices are put away. However, in the down time, show some grace and let them enjoy their screen time.

Breaking free of the digital cord though is not a terrible idea. Pack some “offline” entertainment for your family. From board games to adult coloring books and puzzles, these unplugged options will help families come together without the digital divide.