This past holiday season, Mitch and I decided that instead of giving each other traditional gifts, we’d do a family trip.
Part of it was because we were completely devoted to doing a true KonMari clean-out (update on how the first phase went is going live tomorrow!), another part of it was because we were traveling between our parents’ homes and transporting a toddler’s gifts is challenging on its own, and still one more part was because what we wanted most was some uninterrupted family time. :) And now the trip is finally approaching, and we’re SO excited!
Why Marco Island
When we booked the vacation, I was in pretty rough shape, so we were really just looking for a Zika-free sunny place that was warm, sunny, low-key and easy. We went to Naples last year with my parents, and really fell in love with the area. Not wanting to do a total repeat, though, we looked into surrounding towns. We’d heard great things about Marco Island–mostly about how beautiful and down to earth it is–from friends, and despite not knowing much else about it, decided to book it. While I’m feeling a LOT better now, my dream vacation at five months pregnant still just includes proximity to the beach, access to a pool, being walking distance to a couple of restaurants, and plenty of playing and relaxing in the sunshine. Can you tell that I’m pumped?! Also, LOOK AT HOW PRETTY IT IS!
When we leave
Tuesday! I’m actually somewhat on top of things and relatively relaxed right now (go me!) but my in-laws are amazing and are taking Emma for the next couple of days so we can get ahead and have a true vacation. Isn’t that so kind of them?! They pretty much insisted on it, and my heart grew a zillion sizes because A) Emma is so happy when she’s visiting Gammy and Pop-Pop, and B) they knew how much lovelier the trip would be if we were worry-free. We love you, John and Lisa! Thank you!
Where we’re staying
We actually rented a house via Airbnb! We did this while in Naples and loved it. Don’t get me wrong: I love staying in hotels, and enjoy all the amenities that come along with them… and would probably opt for that if it were just Mitch and me. But unless we’re staying in a big suite with a kitchen and balcony–which has only happened once, while on Martha’s Vineyard with Vineyard Vines–it’s kind of bummer for our little family. First, every meal needs to be eaten out, which is tough with a toddler and also tough on the wallet. Second, Emma goes to bed between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m., and that means lights out for everyone at 7:30 or 8:30 p.m. (Which, come to think about it, actually sounds nice right now, haha…)
In the past, we’ve literally hung out in the bathroom, chatting and drinking wine. 😂 Which, hey, was pretty fun. But having a house is so much nicer for us. We set up the pack n’ play in a spare bedroom, and Mitch and I can hang out by the pool with the baby monitor while Emma naps or sleeps. We can also choose which meals to do at home and which to do out. Typically, there’s access to laundry, too, which means we can travel with less. :)
What we plan on doing
So far, I’ve spent a grand total of 15 minutes on Pinterest, browsing guides… and Mitch has watched a couple of YouTube videos. We have this little list of potential activities going, but if you’re familiar with Marco Island, we’d LOVE some advice! The more family-friendly, the better!
- Visit Tigertail Beach and rent a cute striped cabana
- Eat at CJ’s on the Bay
- Walk around the Marco Island Marriott and grab lunch or dinner there
- Eat at Little Bar in Goodland Fishing Village (Apparently they serve food, too, as I have five more months of zero drinking and Emma has 19 years.)
- Collect shells at the Sand Dollar Spit
- See “Mary Poppins” at Marco Movies
- Visit Olde Marco
- Have breakfast at Doreen’s Cup of Joe
What I plan on wearing
This should be interesting! As you can see, my maternity wardrobe consists mostly of winter basics, and I, in true Kelly fashion, put off ordering appropriate clothing for a warm-weather trip. I plan on going through all my summer stuff today and seeing if anything works with the bump–I know I have this Lilly dress, at least!–and I have a few things arriving tomorrow from Tuckernuck, Lilly and Shopbop. Even if I have three or four pieces, I feel like I can mix and match and get a few different outfits out of them, right?! We’ll see…
Also, I lost all my summer sandals. Despite completing phase #1 of the KonMari challenge, I still don’t know where they are! My guess is that they’re somewhere in the storage closet, as I recently found our duvet cover in a suitcase back there. (Initially blamed Mitch, but it was definitely me and my pregnancy brain, haha.) Cross your fingers for me! I just need a pair of Jacks and I’ll be good.
Things I actually prepared in advance
One thing I DID do?! I bought a travel steamer. It’s actually my first steamer ever! My friends tell me that I am living in the past with my ancient iron, and that life will be better with a steamer. I held out for a long, long time… but I don’t feel like ironing my non-existant clothing when we arrive in Florida, so here I am! I wonder if I’ll ditch my iron altogether after this trip. (Side note: I didn’t do any research, and just ordered what Amazon seemed to recommend. Do you have other suggestions? Especially for a full-sized one? Thanks!)
OH! I also Amazoned Emma some new bathing suits, since she’s since grown out of all her summer ones. (You can see them in my Amazon storefront.) AND I picked up some arts and crafts to do on the plane, since that can really make or break a flight. The final step will be Amazoning some cheap beach toys as well as an umbrella to the Airbnb on Friday. And then that’s it!
What you can expect to see on the blog while we’re gone
Same old, same old! I’m just writing my posts in advance. :) If you’d like to request a topic, feel free!
Just left Marco island after a week long vacation! Beautiful and quiet. Took my boat and saw the dome homes on cape romano. I love it down there! With the pandemic we didnt go out to dinner, we had more than 10 people. Anne’s ice cream was a regular stop for us.
Hi Kelly! I’ve been to Marco Island 12 or 13 times now, and there are a few MUSTS I can suggest. 1st, due to the BEAUTIFUL, but very SHARP shells, swim shoes that have netting which cover the entire foot is IMPERATIVE! Otherwise, when you’re walking in the water, the shells will get between you and your flip-flops, and will tear your feet to shreds! Not only that, they also are a MUST in order to get in and out of the Gulf, since the ground is covered in broken shells! Next,, if you have some time, take a small group 9 a.m. catamaran shelling/eco trip off of the beach at Marriott Marco Island. It’s a beautiful way to spend a morning seeing some wildlife, and getting some awesome shells! Finally, here’s a trick I learned from my BFF for making getting home a breeze!! Instead of packing for hours, instead of playing on your last day, only to schlepp a ton of luggage home, think about sending your stuff home UPS!!
The island has several UPS stores, where all you need to do is bring them everything you don’t feel like packing, (for ex: your dirty laundry, souvenirs, anything awkward or breakable, etc). Drop everything off in garbage bags or armloads! They take it off your hands, pack it, and send it to you shortly after you’re home! Plus, the cost is well- worth it! Honestly, next to choosing to vacation on Marco, sending your things UPS will be the smartest move you’ll make… (& no, I DON’T work for them, but I’d love a free trip to Marco,
though)!! :) :) HAVE FUN!!
Question would you recommend for a honeymoon location
Gotta eat at LeeBeFish at olde Shoppes. Nothing fancy, but one of only two places that actually catch their fish fifty to a hundred miles out in the Gulf. Nothing Frozen oh, nothing off of Sysco truck, reasonably priced.