My 4th of July plans are all set this year, and for once, I’m not going to be traveling!  Yup, that’s right, I plan to stay home in our Nation’s Capital, Washington, DC, and actually celebrate with the rest of my fellow Americans.  As I’ve already suggested to so many others that this is “The Year” to do 4th of July in DC, with the newly reopened Washington Monument being center stage to the fireworks and the abundance of great new restaurants with sidewalk seating, it’s time to eat my words!

So while I’m in my hometown, planning my mid July – August travels and suggesting a few to you, I’ll fit in a few bike rides over to the Jefferson Memorial, my personal favorite monument.  I’ll certainly be dining at a few of my favorite 14th Street establishments, Kapnos, Pearl Dive and Doi Moi, plus hit up brunches at Boqueria and Le Diplomat (after all, DC isn’t just the capital city of the United States, but in my opinion it’s the international capital of brunches).  And to quench my thirst you may ask?  It’s summertime, the weather is beautiful out, so let’s start off at The Graham Hotel Rooftop Bar and see where the night takes us from there…it’s also one of the best views of the fireworks in town!

If you miss me in DC this July, perhaps you’ll bump into me in August.  I’m long overdue for a little family time, so it’s time to squeeze in a little QT before my niece and nephew head back to school, and here’s where I’m thinking of heading.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Freedom of the Seas

This 7 night Western Caribbean Cruise departs from Port Canaveral, Florida and visits a huge variety of Caribbean islands from Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private island in Haiti, to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel Mexico.  Save big by booking via the BOGOHO special online at RoyalCaribbean.com.

Walt Disney World

The family’s memorable vacation to Walt Disney World has just gotten a lot more affordable with the Hilton Grand Vacation Suites Orlando reducing rates to $89 / night via Trivago.com.  With this savings, parents can splurge on extras like the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique princess for a day photo shoot for their daughter or a guided safari at Animal Kingdom.

Colonial Williamsburg, VA

Take a cultural Road Trip to Colonial Williamsburg, easy driving distance from most of the East Coast metropolitan regions and a great way for the kids to brush up on history before the school year.  Kids stay, play and eat free at the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel, which includes golf, tennis and access to the Revolutionary City.

Divi Carina Bay – St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

I love a good travel steal as much as an amazing fashion find and the USVI Nice  is exactly that!  Families can enjoy St. Croix and all that it has to offer, ziplining, snorkeling and hikes with the most amazing views, straight out of a dream, while staying at the very family friendly All Inclusive, Divi Carina Bay with a discount of 30% + $300 Island credit.  No passport?  No problem!  See you there!