The Traveling Gals - Travel + Lifestyle Blog

Exploring Vietnam & Cambodia: Mekong River Cruise

In: Cruising, Posts by Ashley, Trips Around the World

River Cruising Along the Mekong in Vietnam & Cambodia

A few years ago, we went on land/river cruise trip through Vietnam and Cambodia. We had an amazing time seeing these two countries. There is so much history and culture. Some of the history is hard to take in, especially visiting sites like The Killing Fields and the “Hotel Hanoi” where American POW’s were held during the Vietnam War. Seeing these places in person though is an eye-opening experience. It was sad because so much of the Cambodian history is unknown to many people. But meeting the amazing, resilient people who can always find a reason to smile was so amazing. We also enjoyed seeing the hustle and bustle in Hanoi and Phnom Penh.

This was our first time ever in Asia, and we definitely cannot wait to go back! Our trip was with Viking River Cruises and we had the best guides ever who made the trip even more enjoyable. Here is everything we did and saw during our two weeks in Vietnam & Cambodia. Enjoy!

Chicago to Seoul: Read more about our Mekong River cruise on thetravelinggals.com! — That is a long line!

Off We Go…

First we did a lot of flying. A lot. Sarasota to Chicago. Chicago O’Hare to Seoul, South Korea. Seoul to Saigon/Ho Chi Minh (HCM) City, Vietnam. It was about 20 hours of flying. Luckily Korean Air is spectacular and it reminded us again of how terrible it is to fly domestic! We just love the feeling of getting on a plane and then being halfway around the world. Anyone who has traveled internationally understands that amazing feeling.

Trip to Italy 2017 – The Neopolitan Experience

In: Culinary Travel, Lifestyle, Posts by Ashley, Posts by Carol, Posts by Kary, Trips Around the World

Trip to Italy 2017- The Neopolitan Experience

You may remember a previous post where we introduced you to our longtime family friend Carol D’Anca and her website Food Not Meds and books she has written on living a healthy, plant-based lifestyle. Carol also takes people on trips to Italy and she has a trip coming up in May 2017! Of course we wanted to share this with you because Italy is all about the food and culture. Carol’s family origins are in Naples and this trip will take you through Naples and the Amalfi Coast. You will get to experience Italy from a local perspective and enjoy all of the fresh foods and wine. Can’t forget the wine!

The trip is 4 nights in Naples and 4 nights on the Amalfi Coast staying at 4-star hotels. You will get to see all the sights as well as meet local people. A highlight of the trip is the cooking class with the trained Neopolitan chefs at your hotel. There will be plenty of time for shopping as well!

For more information on the trip to Italy you can take a look at the flyers below or contact Carol at carol.carolina.danca@gmail.com

Italy 2017 Trip Poster

Italy 2017 Trip Detail

Even if you are unable to go on this trip, be sure to check out Carol’s books on how eating healthy can prevent and even reverse some illnesses. She also has some fabulous recipes that you can try!

Amalfi Coast - Italy

We are not receiving any type of payment or commission from this. We just really support and believe in what Carol is doing and want to share it with you! Thank you!

The Traveling Gals

Best Places to Grab a Drink at Disney World

In: Disney, Fun in the Sunshine State, Posts by Ashley

Best Places to Grab a Drink at Disney World

Whoever says Disney World is just for kids needs to read this post. There are actually some very fun bars and restaurants throughout all of Disney World. These are a few of our favorite places to go.

Best Place to Grab a Drink at Disney World - House of Blues

House of Blues: As far as we know this is the only place that offers Happy Hour specials. There is also a cool vibe and good music. You can sit inside or outside. (Disney Springs)
Lava Lounge at the Rainforest Café: The actual Rainforest Café restaurant is fun, but the Lava Lounge outdoor bar is more fun. You still get to experience the volcano erupting without all of the noise (and screaming kids). They also have a lot of fun drinks and you can get the full menu outside. (Disney Springs)
50’s Prime Time Café Bar: Attached to the 50’s Prime Time Café is a hidden bar. It even has its own door. The atmosphere is great and we have spent a few rainy afternoons here. They also have fun milkshake concoctions for the kiddies. The only downside is it can get very crowded if the restaurant is really crowded because they have people wait in the bar area. (Hollywood Studios)
Art Smith’s Homecoming: If you have a hankering for moonshine, this is your place. They also have great mixed drinks and a fun atmosphere. (Disney Springs)
Bay Lake Tower Member Lounge: We love going up here for a drink and a spectacular view. You can also watch the fireworks at Magic Kingdom from here. They dim the lights and pipe the music in from the park. The only downside is there is a very limited food menu. DVC Members Only.(Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort)
Spice Road Table at Morocco Pavilion: This is one of those places people seem to walk by without realizing it is there. Spice Road Table is a new addition to the Morocco Pavilion. It is right on the water and gives you great views of the World Showcase with beautiful Moroccan décor. Here you can get drinks and small plates. (EPCOT)

These are some of our favorite places to grab a drink and relax. There are so many places we want to try like Tiffin’s at Animal Kingdom and Abracadabar at the Boardwalk Resort. Our favorite eating and drinking related event is the Food & Wine Festival at EPCOT. The booths and menus for this year were just released!

Where is your favorite place to enjoy a drink at Disney World? Let us know in the comments!

The Traveling Gals

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Best Places to Grab a Drink at Disney World

Brown Rice and Lentil Stuffed Tomatoes

In: Healthy Recipes, Posts by Kary

Brown Rice and Lentil Stuffed Tomatoes

This stuffed tomatoes recipe uses brown rice and lentils making it super healthy. It is delicious, easy to make, and can be used as the main course or as an appetizer. It is certainly filling enough to have for dinner!

WEEKEND GETAWAY: Chicago, IL

In: Posts by Ashley, Trips Around the World, Weekend Getaways

WEEKEND GETAWAY: Chicago, IL

One of the best cities in the world is Chicago, IL. Okay we might be a little biased as this is our hometown. But Chicago is great city to visit with lots to offer. We recently spent the weekend here and had a great time. Since we live in Florida now, it was fun getting to be tourists! Here is our itinerary for 3 days in Chicago. Obviously you could spend much more time here, but if all you have time for is a quick weekend getaway then this is a great way to see some of the highlights of the city.

Day 1

We flew in really early on a Saturday into Midway Airport. Our flight actually landed at 8:30AM so we had pretty much the entire day to explore. We spent our first day in the Millennium Park area. It was such a gorgeous day we wandered around Millennium Park, Grant Park, and Museum Campus. Millennium Park is where you can take the famous selfie with The Bean. (The Bean’s official name is ‘Cloudgate’ but nobody actually calls it that.) We then walked down to Grant Park to see Buckingham Fountain. The lakefront looked so beautiful that we strolled along the path until we got down to the Museum Campus. This is where the Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, and Field Museum are located. Right next door is Soldier Field where the Chicago Bears play. We did so much the first day we were exhausted!

How Do You Eat Healthy on a Cruise?

In: Cruising, Lifestyle, Posts by Kary, Travel Tips

How Do You Eat Healthy on a Cruise? Healthy eating is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a cruise. You might instead be thinking of the 24 hour buffet. However it is possible to eat healthy. We do it every time we cruise without sacrificing the enjoyment of eating! It all starts… Read More

Things To Do In Orlando (Besides Theme Parks)

In: Fun in the Sunshine State, Posts by Ashley

Things To Do In Orlando (Besides Theme Parks) Orlando, FL is known as the theme park capital of the world. Millions of people visit Central Florida every year to enjoy the theme parks (Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, LEGOLAND, and Busch Gardens in Tampa). While these alone make for a great vacation, if you want… Read More

Bloggers Share Breathtaking Places from Around the World

In: Posts by Ashley, Things That Inspire Us, Trips Around the World

Bloggers Share Breathtaking Places From Around the World While there are many beautiful places around the world, sometimes you visit a place that really takes your breath away. Without further ado, here are some of those breathtaking places. Thank you to all of the bloggers who participated! Giza, Egypt from The Traveling Gals: “Seeing the Pyramids and Sphinx… Read More

Sister Cities

In: Fun in the Sunshine State, Posts by Kary, Things That Inspire Us

Where is your hometown’s Sister Cities? Post by Kary While on a walk through Bayfront Park, I noticed a plaque recognizing Sarasota’s sister cities with a Ceremonial Tree Walk on March 17, 2003. Sarasota has 8 sister cities! The placard whose mission and objective reads “To Foster Peace and Understanding and to Develop Respect and… Read More

Barrier Islands of Florida

In: Fun in the Sunshine State, Posts by Kary

Barrier Islands of Florida Post by Kary The splendor of Florida can be found in its hundreds of barrier islands. Barrier Islands are long, thin sandy stretches of land that protect the coast from the full force of storm waves. Between the island and the mainland is a calm water body such as a bay.… Read More