Hey! Just in case you missed it, the first travel challenge was posted at Deseret News yesterday. I’ll give you a hint, it was long, used a lot of gas money and gave me a migraine.

Follow our updates on twitter too! @HilaryeTravels @ReidTravels @TheBabyTravels

I love that Christmas is just around the corner. The air is filled with hope and happiness. It seems everyone get’s a little extra spring in his or her step this time of year.

It’s fun to shop for my family, especially BabyTravels who is two and loving this time of year for the first time in her little life. She loves Christmas trees and lights and of course the plethora of treats and fun activities. The other day as I was helping her to write her letter to Santa I began to think of what my Christmas wishlist was this year. And of course the first thoughts that came to my mind were of lavish trips and vacations.

I love to visit new places and go on vacation with my family but probably for different reasons than you think. Of course there is the food, sights, and fun disruptions to the daily routine but it really comes down to actually spending quality time with my family. Everyday we are so busy doing chores, working, taking care of babies that we don’t often get to slow down and actually enjoy the babies and each other. That’s what I so love about a good vacation.

My top picks for 2012 would be:

A family cruise: Reid and I are planning to cruise in the Mediterranean for the latter part of the year. Something we have been dreaming about for many years. But I would love the opportunity to take my babies on a cruise in the Spring or Summer. We took BabyTravels on a cruise when she was 9 months old and we loved it. I’m thinking either back to Alaska or the Bahamas would be perfect. BabyTravels keep saying she wants to go on the Mickey Boat but really any cruise line would be fun!

Visit  family and go to Washington DC: Reid has some sisters out east that we would love to go visit and it’s been a tradition since we have been married that on even years (2006,2008, 2010) we go to Washington DC. Reid served his mission (for info on missions go here) out there and we just love it. It’s fun to visit friends and act as tourists.

Visit Seattle:  I’m not really sure why but the Pacific Northwest has been calling my name recently, appearing in dreams and begging me to come visit. I lived there when I was just a little girl and would love to go back. Reid has never been either. Do I smell a quick weekend getaway in our future?

Of course there are other plans I am considering, Disneyland and Alaska are two that come to mind, but really I would be happy wherever I go as I long as I’m with my family. That is my Christmas wish for this year.

A girl can dream right?

I can’t believe that summer is almost over. It feels like yesterday the rain gave way to warm sunshine here in Utah. I think this has been one of my favorite summers in a long time. I’ve enjoyed popsicles at dusk, pool trips, and blowing bubbles in the wind (can you tell I have an almost two-year old?). Not to mention all the picnics, and sight-seeing and soaking up the sun. But I’m still left with a pretty big list of things I would like to accomplish this summer and an ever-increasing awareness of time running out.

It’s good to know I’m not alone. Hundreds of thousands of people try to cram a last minute summer vacation in the few weeks left before school starts. That one last trip to the lake, a final camping trip, or even a spur of the moment trip to Disneyland. And now I too have the itch to plan a vacation with my little family of three (before it expands to four) but I’m wondering where in the world should we go on such short notice? And better yet how do we spend little money to enjoy the trip because BabyTravels just had surgery?

There are many options, and since Reid is getting ready to go to Jamaica here in a few weeks I’m only crossing my fingers but not holding my breath it will happen. Some ideas I’ve had were a quick jaunt to Bear Lake to see what the hype is all about, a reminiscence of college in South-Eastern Idaho, or maybe even the dreamer of me considering the beaches of San Diego.

What are your last minute summer vacation plans?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m as much a beach go-er as the next person. I am always dreaming of a proper beach vacation. However, I would have liked to see some National Parks listed on the list such as Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, or Mount Rushmore. You know the quintessential summer family vacations for people who can’t necessarily afford the luxury of a Disney vacation or Hawaiian airfare, or even for those people who want to show their kids another part of the world’s beauty.

What are your thoughts? Where do you want to take your family this summer?

BabyTravels and Hilarye in line at "It's a Small World"

When I was a kid (and not so much a kid), Disneyland was the greatest of all greats. It was something to look forward to and I remember having butterflies each morning as we got near the park. Soon the butterflies were squashed as we tried to conquer all the rides, see every site, and explore every area. It was not a satisfying trip to Disneyland if we hadn’t hit every major ride there. It’s funny how things change so quickly once you have a kid.

This time it wasn’t about me enjoying the “happiest place on earth”, it was about watching the magic unfold in my 16 months old eyes.  This time it was all about her. Taking her on It’s a Small World and watching that cute pudgy little index finger shoot out in all sorts of different directions as she cooed at the chanting children of all ethnicities just melted my heart. We probably made it on less than 10 rides total that day, dealt with random rain storms, exhausted my feet and my shoes, and spent $50 on mediocre hamburgers, but it was all worth it hearing BabyTravels excitement over those same silly songs and characters that I too loved as a child.

Isn’t that what’s great about parenthood? You get to relive your childhood over again through their eyes and excitements. It reminded me of why we love traveling so much. To have fresh experiences and explore new cultures it makes us feel so alive and so young, like anything is possible. And now I think that a trip to Disney World is in order. Oh Walt Disney you have done it again.

Reid, Hilarye and BabyTravels in Alaska

My goal for this year is to make this blog a little more personal. I want to make connections with my readers so they feel they know me and in turn I can know you and we can make this a conversation. I have never wanted this to be a place where I brag about my excursions. I want this to be a place to share information, stories and experiences. I want it to go both ways. So I am putting us out there a little bit to help you get to know us.  Here is a list of things you may not have known:

From July 2007 to September 2010, Reid worked for an airline as a computer developer. This is how we flew all over the place and traveled so much on such a tight budget. What you may not have known was we both tried really hard to get jobs with an airline for that reason. And now that the flight benefits are gone we have gone through serious withdrawls. But contrary to what many people thought it has not at all slowed down our traveling- if anything it has fueled the fire and caused us to be more creative.

We are wannabe travel snobs. It’s true. While I drive a 1994 Dodge that was built when I was 9 years old (Yes I am almost 26 thanks for counting), it pains us to travel international not in business class. Once you have done it- it’s realllllly hard to move back to those coach seats. Just check with Reid and ask him about his flights to Peru and Japan and then ask him how his Ireland flight was. He’ll tell you…miserable. It’s just hard knowing that those in business class are eating real food while you are sitting in cramped seats munching on peanuts.

Reid has been to all 50 states. When he was younger his family would road trip all over the country and even went to Hawaii. The only state he was missing was Alaska, which we made happen in 2008 and then again in 2010. Alaska happens to be our favorite spot to visit in the whole country- yes even more so than Hawaii.

I have never NEVER been to Europe. Are you shocked? I know, I’m hanging my head in shame as I type this dirty little secret.

We chose Japan as our BIG trip last year before Reid quit his job at the airline because we thought it was a place we would never go on our own because it was too expensive (and I have always wanted to go since I was a little kid). Well…now that we went- we can’t stop talking about how badly we want to go back. That plan backfired.

BabyTravels got her passport when she was three months old. It was so darn cute holding her up at the Post Office to get her picture taken and everyone was ooing and awing in line. It will be fun when she is five and has an infant picture on her passport.

One time while on a flight when BabyTravels was five months old she just wouldn’t stop crying and I was fussing with her to get her to nurse and trying my hardest not to flash the entire airplane in the process from under my cover-up. A flight attendant came by and jokingly asked if we wanted a Valium. I was mortified. I think it’s funny now…..

In 2008 we bought a condo, our very first home purchase. When we were deciding on locations we specifically chose a home near the airport. We live 15 minutes away to the minute. We didn’t want to worry about being caught in traffic or being late for a flight. That was much more important than proximity to work or elementary schools.

You wouldn’t be able to tell it by the clothes we wear or the cars we drive but we adore luxury travel when we have the opportunity.

My favorite thing about traveling is exploring new cultures. I love to go to grocery stores and convenience stores while in foreign countries just to see the difference to those in America. I love that in Japan we found squid jerkey.

Ok, I think you have all had enough of our ramblings. But we just love traveling so much and it consumes our minds for the best part of the day. My desk has lists of places to research and ideas for stories. This blog was started as a hobby and over the past three years has grown into a passion. We hope that it will continue to grow as our love for travel increases. We hope that you will be along for the ride as well.

Aruba Marriott Resort

The holidays are a great time for giving back, and also a great time for remembering the needs of others. We here at DTM enjoy giving more than receiving. The true holiday spirit is one of love, warmth and compassion- those traits that truly represent our Savior, the one who we celebrate this Christmas season.

That’s why we are happy to support the Passports with Purpose mission and announce it to our readers. Last year Passports with a Purpose raised enough money to build a school in Cambodia, this year their efforts are focused on building an entire village in India! We can do it, but we need your help!

The great news is that we are not doing it alone. We have some great brands backing us up. Including one of my favorites (and one of my sponsors) Marriott. They have graciously donated a 5-night stay at any of the nine Paradise by Marriott resorts in the Caribbean or Mexico! You can win this jaw dropping prize from the Best Family Travel Advice website (one I contribute with that’s a lot of fun) by entering their raffle. You can win this coveted prize and see a listing of other blogs offering prizes by clicking here, but you better hurry- all raffles and contests end December 13! Hope you will contribute! We plan on it!

*photo courtesy of http://www.bestfamilytraveladvice.com

Going from left to right, starting at the top and working our way through the bottom:

Bare minerals foundation makeup. Ok seriously there is no better makeup out there. I have used this for almost three years (and am really overdue for a refill) and it actually has improved the quality of my skin. It’s makeup that if I’m on a 12-hour flight, I don’t feel greasy when I get off the plane. It’s amazing. I used to hate traveling with it, but now they have finally caught on and included click and go tops to keep the minerals from spilling everywhere when you open it.

Toms shoes in Black Glitter (women’s). This is the gift that keeps on giving. If you aren’t familiar with Toms shoes business model, for every pair of shoes purchased, Tom gives a pair of shoes to a child in need. Besides that feel-goodness they are really cute and comfy shoes. Plus super easy to slip on and off which is important when getting through the lines of security.

UNCL Hoodie and Pants in light grey. These are some seriously comfortable loungewear. So soft and comfy, you will be begged to be cuddled with while wearing these. We included them on our list because they are lightweight, stylish and easy to stash in a carry-on to change into while on a long jet-lag inducing flight.

Ogio Terminal travel bag in Black Pipedream.  We love this bag, not only does it look awesome but inside is an organized wonder featuring two oversized packing panels, interior mesh dividers, suit straps, and neoprene lining. Anything that makes us more organized while we travel is a plus.

Nixon Banks Watch in gunmetal. Stylish and functional. This watch includes dual time so you can keep tabs on your home time zone while gallivanting in a new one. We believe Nixon watches are drool worthy and we will each own one, one of these days. Once we sell more ads and after our trip to Costa Rica, Thailand, and Israel.

Bose headphones, Quiet Comfort 3. Can we really make a gift guide for the traveler without including a set of Bose headphones? They are pretty much a necessity. I can’t believe we have been on over 150 flights in the last 2 years and neither of us own a set.  Especially while being frequent passengers on an EMB turbo-prop.

If you need our mailing address to send us these nice gifts email me at editor@dottingthemap.com. Otherwise happy shopping! Hope your holidays are safe and full of fun!

This past week was all about change and decisions. Two things I don’t know much about and don’t enjoy. But one particular decision I did really enjoy! I pretty much got to look at a map and pick ANY place on this earth to go and visit. Just let that sink in for a moment. ANY place on this earth (that’s accessible by commercial airplane). So I sat there for a long time picturing myself looking at ruins in Greece, laying on the beach in Thailand, riding a gondola in Venice, and eating authentic pizza in Italy. What!?! How could I choose? This decision was getting harder than I thought. Maybe I would set up a map on the wall and throw a dart and wherever it landed surely I would go there. No…. that just wouldn’t do.  So I closed my eyes and pictured myself in a place, a place where I have always wanted to go, a place I had heard about so much growing up, a place that if I didn’t take this opportunity I might never get to go again.  And while I have always wanted to go to Greece, Israel, and a myriad of other locations I know in my heart my travel days are NOT over, nor will they ever be, and eventually I will get to those places. But this location… This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!

So I’m curious… if you had this opportunity- where would your dream locale be? Please leave a comment in the comments section- but don’t be too convincing because my mind is made up!