Turn Your Toddlers into Travelers

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How to turn your toddlers into travelers?  Here is how I did it.

A few years back, in June of 2002, to be exact, friends and family thought I was crazy when I decided I was going to fly to Europe with our 3 children (aged 2, 4, and 6 years) by myself. My plan was to meet up with my husband, who at the time was working in Germany, and spend two weeks driving Germany and Austria. Friends were truly amazed that I would even think to bring toddlers on a plane, let alone on the flight to Europe.

For me, it was natural. Travel is one of the most important things you can give your children. I never really entertained the idea that taking our kids on a long trip would be a major issue and began to make plans. We had already made several long drive trips from the time they were infants and planes from the East Coast to the Midwest. I planned to make this trip special and do a few things that I felt would make our children the best travelers!

How did I make our toddlers the best travelers ever? Here are some of the things I incorporated into our two-week European adventure.

Make them a part of the planning process. Even at 2 years of age, your toddler should be allowed to express opinions of things they may want to see and do. Going to the library to pick up books about the area is a great help. Look through books, create an image of the trip. For example, we knew we would see castles in Germany, so we read stories such as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.

Introduce them to the language. I always think it is a courtesy to learn some of the words and phrases of the country you visit.  It doesn’t matter the age. We started learning German at home before our trip. I found a great children’s learning system, Muzzy. It is a cartoon story that engages the children and is all in the country’s language. We actually have it in German, Spanish, and French.

Include activities that make everyone happy. When planning our trip to Germany and Austria, we did a mix of things we as adults wanted to see and added fun things for the children. Some of the things we included for the children were LEGOLAND, amusement parks, and even a zoo.

Treat them like “big” people. Each of our children was given their own little backpack. They had their own camera, their own notebook, crayons, pens, pencils, cards, and small activity books in the pack. The cameras were one of the best things, as each child was allowed to snap pictures of whatever they liked. Our two-year-old was such a trooper. She hardly ever used her umbrella stroller.

Plan your time appropriately. Does your child still take a nap? Think about that when planning your outings. Think about the pace of each day and how much time you will be on the road or doing a particular activity. Remember to keep an eating schedule. When we planned this road trip, we never drove more than 4-5 hours in one day, and we never stayed less than two nights at any city stop.

Remain calm and positive. Kids will feed off the energy you give off. Even the best-laid plans can end in a toddler meltdown. Take a deep breath. This, too, shall pass. Remember, after all, it’s an adventure. Stuff happens, and it is that stuff that makes your trip memorable.

Are you ready to turn your toddler into a traveler?

 

 

Originally published November 2014; updated May 2021


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslTurn Your Toddlers into Travelers
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5 Tips to Make Your Family Beach Vacation Unforgettable

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I am a mother of three now-adult children.  I’ve had kids from all over the US, Europe, the Caribbean, and even the South Pacific.  When you are a family of five and have a mix of girls and boys, it is crucial to make sure you take everyone in the family into consideration to make your trip enjoyable. I’ve put together a list of tips below for making the most of your next family beach vacation.

5 Tips to Make Your Family Beach Vacation Unforgettable

Involve the children in the planning process. Share and show them pictures of the possible destinations. Find out what activities are important to them. For example, I let each of our three children choose an excursion for our last family trip. This gave us 3 of our 7 days off the resort doing things we knew each child would enjoy.


Pick a resort with a good kid’s activity program. Make sure the program the resort offers has activities that your child would enjoy participating in. Be sure that the resort’s activities cater to the age of your children. Not all resorts have activities that entertain that “tween” and “teen” crowd. When your children are busy being entertained, you can steal some time for yourselves.
Pick a resort with a variety of dining options. We all know how picky kids can be when it comes to eating. Make sure the resort has a good buffet option. It is also helpful when they have an American option that you know the kids will go for, such as a Pizzeria. If your child has any food allergies, check before booking, see if the resort can accommodate the allergy. Often the chef will meet with you to arrange the necessary meal plan for your stay. Several resort chains have now begun to include gluten-free options for their guests, as well as handling, dairy, and peanut allergies.


Pick a resort that provides spacious room accommodations. When you are used to having your own bedroom and or bath each morning, it is important to consider the size and amenities of the room types at the resorts you consider for your family. Many resorts now offer bunk bed options for families of 5, separate rooms for kids, and family suites with 2 bedrooms.


Remember to relax. You are on vacation after all. Consider locking the electronics in the room safe. Do activities together and apart (Spa time for mom?). But most of all, have FUN!

PS: Don’t forget to use your favorite travel professional to help you find the perfect resort match for you!



Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa Rossmeissl5 Tips to Make Your Family Beach Vacation Unforgettable
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Reasons to Travel with Mom

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I know your first reaction is probably one of surprise. What do you mean by travel with my mom? Why would I do that?

Let me share from a mom’s point of view reasons why you should travel with your mom.

To start, I am the mother of three, now adult, children.  I have two daughters and one son.  Thanks to being in the travel industry for over 10 years now, I’ve had a bit more access than most to have this wonderful opportunity to share with my children.  We’ve done All-Inclusive vacations, Cruises and even went as far as Australia and New Zealand over the course of their teen/adult years thus far.  I wouldn’t trade the time with them for anything! So, let me tell you why you should be traveling with your mom for all your’ children’ out there.  And quite frankly, the distance and destination don’t matter. It’s all about the journey together.

She is your biggest supporter. We’ve been there through thick and thin with you.  We’ve shared your triumphs and defeats. We’ve taken your anger and shared your joy.  As a mom, all we want is to see you happy and share in it with you. What better way for mom to continue her support for you than to see you wonder and watch you flourish on vacation together.  This takes me back to watching my youngest master windsurfing while in the Dominican Republic.

You’ll learn new things about her.
Maybe mom can dance or maybe not, but you’ll have fun finding out. I chuckle at the memories of myself and my daughter taking Salsa lessons in Costa Maya. Traveling with mom lets, you see your mom with her “hair down.” Being away one-on-one lets you see your mom as a person and not just as a mom.  We often forget that our moms were humans just like us before they took on that title and role of mom.  This means they have stories to share, and a trip makes a great time to discover her secrets.

She deserves to be pampered.  Remember, this is the woman who likely wiped your bottom for months. She has been spat on,  wet on, gone without food, and gone without sleep to make sure you were taken care of.  Mom has spent her whole life looking out for you.  Make your mom feel special beyond mother’s day.

You’ll have fun.  Your mom is up for adventure just like you. Or she may be willing to have her arm twisted to try new things with you. Flashbacks of bungy jumping with my son cross my mind.  And with so many great places and ways to travel, you can find options that allow you to both do things you like.

At the end of the day, or should I say trip, you will have made mom very happy, and you will have MEMORIES to last a lifetime.  Most of all, you shouldn’t take for granted the time you have with her, so start now.  Have a day out with mom or a weekend away or a vacation of a lifetime, but no matter which you choose, you should travel with mom while you can.


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslReasons to Travel with Mom
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How Many Summers Do You Have Left?

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No summers left for me. My kids have left the nest. The years went by so much faster than I ever imagined they would.  Yet I remember all the special summers and things we did. Things seemed slower then. I particularly remember what was probably our largest summer trip. I spent a year planning it.  The kids were only toddlers, the three of them aged 2, 4, and 6 years.   I had planned a two-week driving trip in Germany and Austria for our little brood. It was the summer of 2002.  I can still see the shock on Cullen’s face when a goat decided to charge at him at the fence, the wide-open mouth of my youngest as she came down the rodelbahn with her dad and the look of astonishment on my oldest daughter when we slept in a castle just like the princesses in her fairy tales.  It was an incredible experience in so many ways.  We continued to have summer trips, some small, some large, some abroad, and some in our own backyard throughout the years. Truly moments I will forever cherish.

So how many summers do you have left?  How many summers have you taken that vacation?  There are many reasons why you should not skip it.  It doesn’t have to be far away or grand either to receive the gifts you get when you take time to vacation with your children before they are on their own.  Here is a list of my top reasons to take that summer vacation with your kids before their 18 summers are gone.

Discover Something New- You don’t have to go far to try new things or even learn new things.  I remember one summer with the kids where we actually were home, and I took boxes from the move and turned them into a make-believe airplane and suitcases. With help from books from the library, we traveled the world that summer in our very own backyard.

Appreciate The Ordinary- Something as simple as lying on your back looking up at the stars can so easily be achieved with a quick weekend camping trip.  I remember several of ours that took us to Arkansas and to Kentucky areas not far out of Memphis, where we were living at the time.  Nothing truly beats sitting by a fire with a marshmallow on the end of a stick.

Get Fully Submerged-When your adventure takes you away, get involved with the culture of the area. Join in a ritual or a dance. Learn some of the languages. Eat the foods they eat. Mingle with the locals. You and your children will be richer for it.

Be Silly-We are so serious when we are in our day-to-day. Work, school, and life’s mishaps. Vacations are the perfect time to let the laughs happen.  And even better, catch it on film and in pictures.   I can’t tell you how many photos we’ve gone back over to laugh at a moment in time.

Time is ticking. Summer is coming. Where will your vacations take you before your 18 are gone?


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslHow Many Summers Do You Have Left?
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AMResorts Make the Ideal Family Escape

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Spring is typically the season when everyone heading south or to the Caribbean as spring breaks arrive for their kids. One of my favorite brands/chains of all-inclusive resorts is AMResorts. They have six signature resorts. Secrets, Zoetry and Breathless which are Adult only, but then they have Dreams, Now and Sunscape that are family friendly resorts. I would highly recommend planning a spring break with your family at any one of these family friendly resorts. They are located throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. And, did you know I am a certified AMResorts specialist?

There are Dreams located in Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun and Mayan Riviera areas of Mexico as well as locations in the Dominican Repbulic and Costa Rica. Dreams Resorts offer a high level of luxury for the entire family.   They are known for their Unlimited-Luxury, everything is included. For your children they offer the Explorer’s Club, and special geared activities for the tweens/teens. They provide nightly entertainment for all ages. I have personally had the pleasure to stay at the Dreams Punta Cana.  Tom and I had gone for his cousin wedding in 2010 and absolutely loved it with the intentions of returning.  One property to highlight is The Dreams Puerto Aventras. It has the largest onsite Dolphinarium in Rivier Maya. I know swimming with the dolphins is often a bucket list item and I’m sure your kids would love to have a suite where they can a view of the dolphins from. I know I would.

The Now resorts can be found in Cancun and Puerto Vallarta Mexico and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. At Now resorts you will find sophisticated style met with relaxation and comfort. They offer spacious suites and also have the Unlimited-Luxury where everything is included. For the young kids they offer the Supervised Kids club and then again additional activity for the tweens and teens. If you have children that are into snorkeling or diving, the Now Jade Riviera Cancun and the Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun are located just minutes form the town of Puerto Morelos which host the 2nd largest Barrier reef. Ideal for interacting with the underwater world.

The Sunscape resorts are located in Ixtapa and Cozumel Mexico and also Curacao. Sunscape again offers you the Unlimited-Luxury with unlimited fun. Sunscape has spacious rooms or suites to accommodate larger families. An Explorer’s Club for Kids is offered as well as daily entertainment and action-packed activities with fun filled games for all ages. Another amazing resort for divers or snorkelers with young children is Sunscape Curacao. Curacao is known as one of the best diving destinations in the world. The resort offers one complimentary dive per day for PADI certified divers. The Sunscape Sabor Cozumel too has amazing diving and snorkeling and is located on the largest finest beachfront in Cozumel. It is credited with the largest spa in Cozumel. Just what the doctor ordered.

If your looking for a fun filled vacation with unlimited luxury and options for the entire family, I don’t think you can go wrong with any one of the AMResorts Dreams, Now or Sunscape. They offer something for everyone at a varying prices levels. But no matter which you brand you choose, they all offer a variety of multiple options for dining, activity, and room selection all of which is are included in the vacation package. So, make sure you plan your spring and summer family breaks while you have them. You know it is only 18 summers before they are grown and gone. (photos courtesy AMResorts)


Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

She has been planning vacation escapes for the company since 2013 and specializes in Caribbean Destinations. Her primary focus is on the all-inclusive vacation experience for adult or family getaways for individuals and small groups. Sandals and AMResorts are among the specialist certificates she holds.


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Andrea WardAMResorts Make the Ideal Family Escape
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The Hills Are Alive with the Sound of Music-Salzburg-Austria

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When arriving into Salzburg, your eye will first be caught by the brilliant color of the Salzhach. It is the main river running through this Austrian state. The river which in English means Salt River, was a very important part of the local economy. However, it truly is it’s blue sea color that will make you stop for a photo op. As you continue your journey into Salzburg, you will see it is a city of beautiful architect nestled amongst the Alpine surroundings.


Salzburg and Austria for that matter has plenty to offer for your vacation experience. I would suggest planning a couple or night or more stay with daily activities to explore the area. And if you are a fan of Sound of Music and fell in love with the beauty of Austria from years of watching Julia Andrews sing “The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music..” then you’ll want to include on one of the day trips to explore all the famous film spots used in creating this heart warming story of the family Von Trapp. Several operators offer “The Sound of Music Tour” that lets you relive your favorite scenes from the movie. Typical adventures are about 4 hours in length and while you visit the film’s iconic landmarks your guide will also fill you in on the historical background of Salzburg pointing out top attractions with their stories.

So sit back, relax, and even sing along as you visit these highlights:

Mirabell Gardens- The garden where Maria and the children are seen singing ‘Do-Re-Mi’
Leopoldskron Palace- A stop here at the lake where the famous boat scene happens and all tumble into the water.
Hellbrun Palace, Gazebo-“I’m 16 going on 17…” and where Maria and Captain von Trapp have their first kiss.
Nonnberg Abbey-The oldest convent in German speaking Europe and famous for the opening sing with nuns singing when Maria runs in late to the Abbey.
St. Michael’s Church in Mondsee-The church where Maria and Baron vonTrapp marry
Frohnburg Palace-This palace was used for opening scenes as Maria first stumbles in with her clothes that nobody wanted as she arrives at the house gates.

As well as other scenic highlights and attractions of Salzburg.

For the fan, the tour is a dream come true, as like myself, you will be reliving childhood memories of years gone by.

For more information on visiting Austria, Salzburg, or adding a “Sound of Music” tour to your itinerary, contact us!

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslThe Hills Are Alive with the Sound of Music-Salzburg-Austria
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Beaches Turks & Caicos-Best Family Choice

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If you are looking for fun in the sun and a fabulous getaway for the whole family, I would highly recommend Beaches in Turks and Caicos.

Beaches is a privately owned Caribbean company that is an all-inclusive family resort. When I say all-inclusive, I mean all-inclusive. All meals, snacks, anytime dining, unlimited drinks, nightly entertainment, land sports, and some water sports are included. The resort is a short 15-minute transfer ride from the airport. It boasts 758 rooms and has suites nestled on 75 acres of a pristine beachfront. Beaches is known for their 5-star Global Gourmet dining and at Beaches Turks and Caicos they have 21 dining options, so there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. They have the largest Pirates Island Waterpark plus a surf simulator. This resort is broken down into villages all with a little bit of a different flare to them. The five villages are The Caribbean, known for its lush gardens along with easy access to both pool and beach. The Seaside, which hosts 1 and 2 bedroom villas and is closest to the water. The French, which is set back away from the ocean, but closer to the waterpark and has access to the zero-entry pool, a wonderful option for families with younger children. The Italian, known to be grand but intimate and it has easy access to everything including the beach, pool, and the waterpark. Lastly, the Key West Village, known for its luxurious and laid-back beach vibe.

At Beaches, they have many different room categories including Concierge and Butler Elite. These are ideal for all families. They give you extra amenities to make your getaway truly unforgettable. Turks and Caicos is one of the world’s top diving destinations and Beaches does offer PADI certification for adults and children alike. This destination would be a wonderful idea for a multi-generational trip or family reunion.

I highly recommend taking time to slow down and be with family, and I can’t think of a better place than Beaches in Turks and Caicos.


Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

She has been planning vacation escapes for the company since 2013 and specializes in Caribbean Destinations. Her primary focus is on the all-inclusive vacation experience for adult or family getaways for individuals and small groups. Sandals and AMResorts are among the specialist certificates she holds.


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Andrea WardBeaches Turks & Caicos-Best Family Choice
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The Great American Road Trip-How We Survived

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Who doesn’t remember piling in the family vehicle and setting off for a road trip?

Whether it be the mandatory visit to the relatives or the long-anticipated vacation, road trips were the way we got there. For me, road trips provide fond childhood and even adult memories of traversing across this great country. Pretty much every vacation and every move I have ever made has involved packing up the car and hitting the road.

My sister and I remember the days well. In our youth, there were no electronics to entertain us. We came up with our own forms of entertainment. And best of all, these were the days before seat belt requirements. Riding in the car was an adventure itself. Piling pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, and other odds in ends into the car was like making your own little fort. We would busily claim our space amongst the luggage, our siblings, the cooler, and the family pet. Yes, the dog went everywhere with us and got top billing to boot. I considered myself the smart one and always selected the space behind my dad, so when he got angry at us goofing around and being too loud, I was out of reach of the hand that would come shooting back to grab one of us. Oh, the memories!

The early days of road trips were great! I have been from Vermont to Oregon and back. From Wisconsin to Texas and back. I have hit just about every state in the 48 at some point during a road trip. At 16, one of the first driving experiences for me was driving from Wisconsin to Vermont with my dad and sister. Those were still the days of radar detectors and CB radios. It was fun listening to the truck drivers, and our dad’s handle was “Woodchuck.” It makes me giggle to this day. It also brings back memories of the classic “Smokey and the Bandit” movies. Who doesn’t love a good road chase?

The trip was almost always as good as the destination. As we traveled the scenic American highway, we entertained ourselves with various classic card games such as Slug Bug, Finding the 50 States on License Plates, and the Alphabet Game. McDonalds even had a road trip box game back then with a version of road Bingo. One of our all-time favorite things was giving a signal to the truckers to honk their horn. And, when all else failed, we slept!

Our parent’s survival item was the cooler packed with drinks, snacks, and sandwiches. Our dad was not a big one for making too many stops. The one major rule of the road, when we stopped, everyone was required to use the bathroom whether they had to or not. As my sister and I reminisce, we realize we have instilled some of these things in our own road trips. You could call them road trip traditions. We both still pack food and drink in the car, the kids bring their pillows and favorite stuffed pals, we have our favorite spots to stop and dine, and when you stop for gas, everyone out for the bathroom. We love that despite the introduction of electronic entertainment, they still play some of our favorite road trip games. Neither of us ever think twice about jumping in the car. Hitting the road is a part of our DNA.


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslThe Great American Road Trip-How We Survived
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Andrea Ward-Boomerang Escapes Beach Vacation Planner

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Andrea Ward is not only one of Boomerang Escapes,

veteran travel planners, but also has the special title of being my one and only sister. She officially joined my travel agency in November 2013 after our opening in May. She has become our resident expert in planning of All-Inclusive Beach Vacations.

Andrea is a mother of three young adults and currently resides in Burlington, Wisconsin. There she not only plans amazing beach vacations, but continues her role as business administrator for Harris Pet Hospital. Besides being an avid beach lover, she has an amazing love for animals and in her spare time helps out with the puppy breeding at Dale Creek Gundogs . She even fits time in to go horseback riding with her friends. Andrea says she “thrives on living!”

Much like myself, having moved around the country most of our childhood, she too developed a love of travel. Her passion….the BEACH. She said, “I use to dream of tropical resorts while sunbathing at the pool. Today, those dreams have become a reality and I now want to share my passion for white sandy beaches, warm sunny days, and cool breezes of the blue waters by planning vacations.”

Andrea took time to share two of her favorite resort experiences.

Sunscape Curacao Resort Spa & Casino (Formerly Breezes)

-Food was very good, but only 4 restaurants on site.
-Beach was clean and beautiful!
-Loved the water. It was calm and great for diving and snorkeling
-Staff was friendly and helpful. They helped me to arrange a renewal or our vows during our stay.
-The rooms were clean and the decor was bright.
-Shopping was nice in town. Safety was not an issue and I had a very positive experience.
-The colors of the town were breath taking!
-There are tons of activities at the resort, particularly a lot of water activities.

I would love to go back here and see Curacao again!

Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa

-Excellent variety of food with six restaurants, a buffet and a cafe!
-A very friendly staff.
-There were lots of activity including volley ball on the beach, work outs in the water or on the beach, archery, and horseback riding.
-I chose to do the horseback riding, and the experience was okay. I felt that once you left the beach area the scenery was not very appealing. As a horse owner, I probably have higher expectations of what I want from the horse and my ride.
-Dancing and other daily night life activity available.
-The beach is decent and a cool thing was you could fish right there in the ocean.
-My experience off the resort wasn’t the best. I wouldn’t recommend venturing too far. People are friendly, but the poverty level is very evident.
-​The rooms were clean and decor was bright.
-Great resort to go with a group of friends! I would recommend the resort for a destination wedding!
-It has one of the longest free form pools to float in.
-I would definitely visit again.

“There is nothing better than fun in the sun!”-Andrea

Thanks to Andrea, she and Boomerang Escapes, are one of the helpful businesses that belong to “Celebrate Our Town”, a welcoming program for new homeowners to the counties of Racine, Walworth, and Kenosha, Wisconsin.

 

revised 8/17/2020


Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

She has been planning vacation escapes for the company since 2013 and specializes in Caribbean Destinations. Her primary focus is on the all-inclusive vacation experience for adult or family getaways for individuals and small groups. Sandals and AMResorts are among the specialist certificates she holds.


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslAndrea Ward-Boomerang Escapes Beach Vacation Planner
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