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With Love (and Kids) from Paris
When Matt and I visited Paris in 2019, we hit all the major sights. So this time around, we wanted to focus on creating an experience our girls would love—mixing culture, food, fun, and a little bit of magic. I had dreams of a relaxed Parisian escape with my daughters, but in reality, we walked 29 miles over two full days. The surprising part? It didn’t feel rushed. It felt like wandering, which is my favorite way to experience any European city.
Here’s how we made the most of a short trip to Paris—with kids in tow—and some tips that helped make it a smooth and memorable adventure.
Day 1: Art, Palaces & Eiffel Tower Sparkles
Musée d’Orsay at Opening
We kicked things off at Musée d’Orsay right when it opened. Pro tip: go early to get a great shot in the iconic clock face—our girls got a perfect photo with no one else in the frame. Inside, we wandered through works by Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, and more.
Lunch at L’Atelier Artisan Crêperie
After we left the museum, we found a gem of a spot for lunch. Everyone ordered a savory galette and a sweet crêpe—which was way too much food but absolutely delicious. My personal favorite: the Caramel Beurre Salé crêpe (caramel with salted butter). You have to try it.
Versailles in the Afternoon
We took an Uber to Versailles instead of the RER—it was about the same cost for four people and way easier. Our 2:00 PM “skip the line” tickets still involved a 45-minute wait (don’t be fooled by the name), but the palace was worth it. It’s more grand than you can imagine. Had we arrived earlier, we definitely would’ve rented a golf cart to explore the gardens or even a small boat for the Grand Canal. Next time!
Evening Fun & Eiffel Tower Sparkle
After returning to Paris, we visited the Colonnes de Buren for some fun and photo ops. Then, we ended the night sitting between the Tuileries Gardens and the Louvre, watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle. Pure magic.
Day 2: Cathedrals, Culture, Macarons & Butter
Morning at Notre Dame
Notre Dame was high on our list, especially since it was closed during our last visit. We arrived at opening (7:50 am)—perfect timing. The cathedral was quiet and peaceful, with just a few people enjoying the early service. Entry is free, but if you plan to visit later in the day, pre-book free timed-entry tickets to avoid long queues.
Brunch in Saint-Germain-des-Prés & Shopping at Galeries Lafayette
We crossed the Seine for brunch in the charming Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, then made our way to Galeries Lafayette. It’s not just a luxury department store—it’s a must-see. Between the stained glass dome, rooftop views, and great souvenirs, it’s worth the stop.
Picnic in the Tuileries Gardens
We grabbed lunch to-go from our favorite boulangerie (Eric Kayser—always a win) and picnicked in the Tuileries near the playground. The girls ran around while we relaxed in the sunshine. Perfect reset.
Musée de l’Orangerie: Monet’s Water Lilies
Just a short walk from the playground is one of my favorite museums in Paris: Musée de l’Orangerie. Seeing Monet’s Water Lilies in person is breathtaking. When we walked into the first room, our oldest let out an audible “WHOA.” That’s the kind of moment you never forget.
Walk to the Eiffel Tower (with Macarons!)
Feeling adventurous, we walked 30 minutes to the Eiffel Tower, stopping for Pierre Hermé macarons along the way. We ate them at the base of the tower, soaking it all in.
Le Bon Marché: Butter & Viral Reels
Thanks to viral butter reels (yes, that’s a thing), we had to visit Le Bon Marché’s Grand Epicerie. Not only can you buy incredible French butter, but they’ll vacuum seal it so you can bring it home. We froze ours in the hotel room overnight to make sure it survived the flight.
Souvenirs & Farewell Dinner
After one last stroll to grab Paris hoodies for the girls, we ended our trip with a cozy Italian dinner near our hotel—ravioli, bolognese, and local wine. It was the perfect close to our whirlwind Paris adventure.
Tips for Traveling to Europe with Kids
Plan around your kids' interests. Museums and playgrounds matter.
Keep it flexible. Don’t overschedule—leave space to explore.
Pick your restaurants in advance. This helped us so much.
Prepare them for walking. A lot of it. Sure, taxis and the metro are options, but Paris is best explored on foot.
Would we walk 29 miles again in 2 days with our kids in Paris? In a heartbeat.
Want to experience Paris for yourself? Fill out my registration form or send me an email and we will get started!
-Ashley
💌 : ashley.tweedy@vincentvacations.com
Get in touch with Ashley Tweedy
Ashley Tweedy
Hi! I’m Ashley, an Independent Luxury Travel Agent with Vincent Vacations. I love exploring the world with my husband and our two daughters. We love finding fun tours, amazing food and seeing all the views!
Traveling the world and experience different countries first hand is truly a passion. I love to share the knowledge I gain with my clients to make it the planning process easier and their time abroad more enjoyable.
Whether you want to roam your new favorite city, relax on a beach or discover the adventure of a lifetime, I would love to help you with your next adventure. Send me an email or click the Travel Lead Form to book your next adventure!
Ashley Tweedy
With Love (and Kids) from Paris
Tulsa Travel Agent Near Me
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Hi! I’m Ashley, an Independent Luxury Travel Agent with Vincent Vacations. I love exploring the world with my husband and our two daughters. We love finding fun tours, amazing food and seeing all the views! Traveling the world and experience different countries first hand is truly a passion. I love to share the knowledge I gain with my clients to make it the planning process easier and their time abroad more enjoyable. Whether you want to roam your new favorite city, relax on a beach or discover the adventure of a lifetime, I would love to help you with your next adventure. ... Read More >>>
An expert destination wedding travel agent near me with five star luxury travel packages with a luxury travel company, Vincent Vacations.
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Angela & Michael | Traveled to Italy in 2024 'After weeks of trying to decide on an itinerary for our two-week Italy trip, we realized we needed expert advice and decided to work with a travel agent. Having never used a travel agent before, we researched options and discovered Vincent Vacations. From the moment we connected with Ashley Tweedy, we knew we were in great hands. She thoughtfully planned out an amazing itinerary and selected wonderful places for us to stay throughout our journey. Her expertise made the entire process stress-free, and we are so grateful for her exceptional guidance. Highly recommend!'
Swiss Alps, Bavaria & London
Karen & Doug | Traveled to Switzerland, Germany & England in 2024 'Ashley is a fantastic travel agent! She gave us a listening ear when we began planning our wonderful trip to Switzerland, Germany, and England, and ensured everything we wanted and more was a part of our trip. Although she allowed us to choose hotels in Switzerland and Germany she made all of the arrangements for us. She saved us regarding our hotel in London by noticing one we chose was not very highly reviewed and may not have been in a great location and chose a perfect boutique hotel right off the Piccadilly Line which made it easy to go everywhere we wanted. She answered all questions we had and booked flights that coincided perfectly with our trip. We truly appreciate her efforts and will call her again! Thank you Vincent Vacations for giving her the resources to share with her travelers like the app! It was very useful to us during this trip.'
Transatlantic Disney Cruise
Mike & Dina | Traveled on a Disney Cruise from Hawaii to Sydney in 2024 'Very helpful selecting great hotels on my trip to Hawaii and Australia. Made transfer arrangements that made the trip seamless.'
Kevin & Robbi | Traveled to Venice, Florence, Amalfi & Rome in 2024 'We had an excellent experience with Vincent Vacations. Ashley Tweedy was our European travel expert and she did a fabulous job arranging and booking our Italian vacation. We were celebrating our 35th anniversary and this trip was amazing!! The ease of using the travel app with our itinerary and all of our travel documents at our fingertips made everything so easy. Ashley, thank you so much for making our trip the perfect vacation!!'
Island Hopping in Greece
Matt & Shannon | Traveled to Athens, Santorini & Paros in 2024 'Ashley booked a great trip that aligned with our wishlist and budget. She found great accommodations that were a dream to stay in and located perfectly for our desires. She helped with transportation needs and extra excursions that created a dynamic and memorable trip. Thankful for her assistance on our bucket list destination.'
Honeymoon in Italy
Erin & Zach | Traveled to Stresa, Florence, Positano & Rome in 2024 'Ashley was truly a gem to work with! My husband and I were completely blown away with the accommodations she was able to provide us during our honey moon in Italy! She kept open communication with us during the entire planning phase and was happy to answer any questions that came up. We will absolutely be working with her in the future on any family vacations!'
European Adventure
Willis Family | Traveled to Sicily, Italy then Nice & Paris, France in 2024 'Ashley did a great job planning our first European vacation as a family of 4. I was busy at work, and we made plans to celebrate a family member's milestone birthday in Sicily. We gave Ashley a suggested itinerary, and she ran with it, and improved upon it. The hotels, flights, transfers, etc. were all flawless. We recommend Ashley to everyone we know with travel plans, and we can't wait to work with her again!'
Rome, Paris & London
Michelle & Jason | Traveled to Rome, Paris & London in 2023 'Ashley from Vincent Vacations helped us plan our recent trip to Europe and it was a great experience! She guided us as we chose Rome, Paris and London for our destinations and helped us find tours and plan all transfers by car, train and plane. Our itinerary was put into an app on our phones that made it easy to check details for each day of our trip. Ashley quickly responded to all our questions and made us feel at ease.'
Munich, Germany
Haley | Traveled to Munich in 2023 'We had an excellent honeymoon in Munich, Germany thanks to Ashley Tweedy and Vincent Vacations! Ashley was able to get us an executive room at our hotel to access free breakfast & happy hour. She made the planning stress free by booking the flights, hotel, & tours. She was able to reschedule flights for us on the way home- (which decreased our travel time). She was prompt to answer questions I had via email while we were in Germany! She helped us navigate the train systems & make a day-to-day itinerary. We will definitely be reaching out to her again for our next European vacation!!'
Paris & London
Mel & Tom | Traveled to Paris & London in 2023 'My husband, Thomas and I both had a wonderful time during our European vacation. Ashely did an outstanding job planning our tours, hotels, and transportations to Paris, France, and London, England. She also arrived our flight to Uhingen, Germany to meet our sister in-law there. This made traveling together more enjoyable and put us at ease.
First, the travel app is outstanding! I highly recommend it to her clients. Secondly, the buses were nice with air conditioning. Our tours guides were exceptional! Directions and instructions clearly laid out which made it easy for us to arrive early to join our groups.
Our Paris and London hotels was genuinely nice, and the concierges were immensely helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. We felt important and appreciated.
I cannot express how much we loved our European trip, and Ashley's planning was instrumental in our enjoyment! She was always available to answer our questions and help us with our concerns while on vacation. Ashley is an absolute professional! Tom and I will recommend you to our families, coworkers, and friend when planning their vacations!
Moreover, Tom and I will reach out to her when we plan vacations in the future. We think one of islands of Hawaii or Alaska would be a wonderful place to visit someday.
Again, thanks for all your patience, planning, and professionalism!'
Sicily & Rome, Italy
Michael | Traveled to Sicily & Rome, Italy in 2023 'We really enjoyed our Italian vacation that was designed by Vincent Vacations. Ashley Tweedy was very helpful during the entire process and was accessible to answer my questions. We had a few hiccups with airlines in Italy but she was able to help us through the whole process. I will book with her again.'
London, England
Mia | Traveled to London, England in 2023 'This is the first time we use a travel agent for our vacation. Ashley Tweedy was AMAZING!! She is very easy to work with and really cares about meeting her clients needs. I told her what I wanted for our first European vacation and she delivered. We stayed within our budget in a beautiful hotel that has a spectacular view of Tower Bridge. The tours and experiences she booked for us were fantastic and we learned so much. She even answered my question when we were in London and it was a stress free vacation and we were able to make memories and enjoyed our time there. I highly recommend working with Ashley and Vincent Vacations. Highly recommend her!!'
Scotland, England & Italy
Bailey | Traveled to Scotland, England & Italy in 2023 'Ashley did an amazing job booking out our 2 weeks Europe vacation! Our transfers were all super easy & our accommodations were in great locations, plus we LOVED all of our hotels. I would highly recommend Ashley, and we will use her again in the future!'
Madrid, Barcelona & London
Priscila | Traveled to Madrid & Barcelona, Spain and London, England in 2023 'We used Ashley Tweedy for our first trip to Europe, and we will certainly use her again! She was very quick in planning everything out for us, and all the places she booked for us were excellent and in great locations central to everything! We had such a great time, and we will gladly reach out to her again to plan our next trip :)'
Lisbon, Portugal
Sydney | Traveled to Lisbon, Portugal in 2023 'I cannot recommend Ashley Tweedy and Vincent Vacations enough. She was so accommodating with planning our trip to Portugal and very responsive. The trip went as perfect as it could thanks to her planning and knowing that she was a phone call away allowed us to relax even more. The tours that she helped us pick out and book were all of the highest quality and we never felt like we didn't have options for things to do when we were in Lisbon. She completely blew it out of the park for the hotel that she chose for us and we loved that our hotel was within our budget yet it was so beautiful and had a view of the ocean! Because this vacation went as well as it did, I am planning a trip every year and only booking through Vincent Vacations.'
Washington, DC
Stacy | Traveled to Washington DC in 2023 'Ashley was great to work with! Our hotel was in a great location and walking distance to museums and the metro. I can’t wait to work with Ashley again!'
Disney Cruise to Cozumel, Mexico
Samantha | Travel to Cozumel, Mexico on a Disney Cruise in 2023 'Ashley was AMAZING to work with! Prompt responses, excellent communication, gave us great options when it came to planning our vacation. We booked a Disney Cruise out of New Orleans with Ashley and through her, we literally just had to show up and enjoy ourselves. We will definitely be booking all our vacations with her from now on! Would 10/10 recommend her to all our friends and family!'
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Kelsie | Travel to Tulsa in 2023 'Working with Ashley was a fantastic and smooth process. The trip turned out better than planned! I will definitely continue to use her for all future travel. '
Prague, Czech Republic
Jeremy | Travel to Prague in 2022 'Vincent Vacations and my Rep Ashley Tweedy provided a stellar experience. Everything was as advertised and the trip was a blast. I will be using them exclusively in the future and couldn’t recommend enough!!'
Looking for the ultimate Fiji island escape? Let us introduce you to Castaway Island Resort Fiji—a private island paradise just a 45-minute boat ride from Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji. Nestled in the heart of the Mamanuca Islands, this luxury Fiji resort offers the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and genuine Fijian hospitality.
Welcome to Your Own Private Island in Fiji
Castaway Island is home to just one resort, so from the moment you step off the boat, you’re welcomed not just with a song, but with open arms. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, family-friendly resort in Fiji, or a solo retreat to reconnect with nature, Castaway ticks every box.
Stay in a traditional Fijian bure—each one standalone and either oceanfront, ocean view, or garden view—offering you privacy, comfort, and an authentic island experience. With limited WiFi (available in the main restaurant or for an extra charge in rooms), it’s a true digital detox and a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Fiji.
Fiji Resort Amenities with Island Charm
This private island resort in Fiji features:
Two pools—one family-friendly and one adults-only
Four restaurants serving fresh local cuisine and international dishes
A beachside bar that stays open until the last guest goes to bed
Whether you’re enjoying fresh seafood under the stars or sipping cocktails by the pool, the vibe is always relaxed and welcoming.
Snorkeling, Sunset Cruises & Fiji Adventure Tours
If you're into ocean adventures, Castaway Island is surrounded by a vibrant coral reef, ideal for snorkeling. Complimentary gear is provided, and we highly recommend booking a guided snorkel tour with the resort’s expert activity team.
Additional island activities include:
Coral planting and fish house building to support the reef
Hiking trails through the lush interior
A kids club with fun, educational programs
Boat charters to Monuriki Island—famous as the filming location for Cast Away starring Tom Hanks
Fijian Relaxation with a View
Need to unwind? In addition to a full-service Fiji spa, there’s also a walk-up massage hut on the north beach where no appointment is needed—just stroll over and enjoy a massage with the sound of the ocean as your soundtrack.
A Small Resort With a Big Heart
Because this is a boutique Fiji resort, you’ll quickly get to know the staff—and they’ll remember your name, your favorite drink, and your stories. We stayed just two nights and felt like family. When it was time to leave, saying 'Sota tale' (see you later) was truly bittersweet.
Why Choose Castaway Island for Your Fiji Vacation?
Perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers
Eco-friendly activities and marine conservation
Exclusive access to a private island resort in the Mamanuca Islands
Unplug and reconnect with nature in Fiji.
Castaway Island Resort isn’t just a top-rated Fiji resort—it’s a place where island dreams come true. Whether you're planning a honeymoon in Fiji, a family vacation, or a once-in-a-lifetime tropical getaway, this hidden gem offers an unforgettable experience you’ll carry with you long after the tan fades.
Ready to plan your Castaway Island escape? Fill out my registration form or send me an email and we will get started!
When Matt and I visited Paris in 2019, we hit all the major sights. So this time around, we wanted to focus on creating an experience our girls would love—mixing culture, food, fun, and a little bit of magic. I had dreams of a relaxed Parisian escape with my daughters, but in reality, we walked 29 miles over two full days. The surprising part? It didn’t feel rushed. It felt like wandering, which is my favorite way to experience any European city.
Here’s how we made the most of a short trip to Paris—with kids in tow—and some tips that helped make it a smooth and memorable adventure.
Day 1: Art, Palaces & Eiffel Tower Sparkles
Musée d’Orsay at Opening
We kicked things off at Musée d’Orsay right when it opened. Pro tip: go early to get a great shot in the iconic clock face—our girls got a perfect photo with no one else in the frame. Inside, we wandered through works by Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, and more.
Lunch at L’Atelier Artisan Crêperie
After we left the museum, we found a gem of a spot for lunch. Everyone ordered a savory galette and a sweet crêpe—which was way too much food but absolutely delicious. My personal favorite: the Caramel Beurre Salé crêpe (caramel with salted butter). You have to try it.
Versailles in the Afternoon
We took an Uber to Versailles instead of the RER—it was about the same cost for four people and way easier. Our 2:00 PM “skip the line” tickets still involved a 45-minute wait (don’t be fooled by the name), but the palace was worth it. It’s more grand than you can imagine. Had we arrived earlier, we definitely would’ve rented a golf cart to explore the gardens or even a small boat for the Grand Canal. Next time!
Evening Fun & Eiffel Tower Sparkle
After returning to Paris, we visited the Colonnes de Buren for some fun and photo ops. Then, we ended the night sitting between the Tuileries Gardens and the Louvre, watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle. Pure magic.
Day 2: Cathedrals, Culture, Macarons & Butter
Morning at Notre Dame
Notre Dame was high on our list, especially since it was closed during our last visit. We arrived at opening (7:50 am)—perfect timing. The cathedral was quiet and peaceful, with just a few people enjoying the early service. Entry is free, but if you plan to visit later in the day, pre-book free timed-entry tickets to avoid long queues.
Brunch in Saint-Germain-des-Prés & Shopping at Galeries Lafayette
We crossed the Seine for brunch in the charming Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, then made our way to Galeries Lafayette. It’s not just a luxury department store—it’s a must-see. Between the stained glass dome, rooftop views, and great souvenirs, it’s worth the stop.
Picnic in the Tuileries Gardens
We grabbed lunch to-go from our favorite boulangerie (Eric Kayser—always a win) and picnicked in the Tuileries near the playground. The girls ran around while we relaxed in the sunshine. Perfect reset.
Musée de l’Orangerie: Monet’s Water Lilies
Just a short walk from the playground is one of my favorite museums in Paris: Musée de l’Orangerie. Seeing Monet’s Water Lilies in person is breathtaking. When we walked into the first room, our oldest let out an audible “WHOA.” That’s the kind of moment you never forget.
Walk to the Eiffel Tower (with Macarons!)
Feeling adventurous, we walked 30 minutes to the Eiffel Tower, stopping for Pierre Hermé macarons along the way. We ate them at the base of the tower, soaking it all in.
Le Bon Marché: Butter & Viral Reels
Thanks to viral butter reels (yes, that’s a thing), we had to visit Le Bon Marché’s Grand Epicerie. Not only can you buy incredible French butter, but they’ll vacuum seal it so you can bring it home. We froze ours in the hotel room overnight to make sure it survived the flight.
Souvenirs & Farewell Dinner
After one last stroll to grab Paris hoodies for the girls, we ended our trip with a cozy Italian dinner near our hotel—ravioli, bolognese, and local wine. It was the perfect close to our whirlwind Paris adventure.
Tips for Traveling to Europe with Kids
Plan around your kids' interests. Museums and playgrounds matter.
Keep it flexible. Don’t overschedule—leave space to explore.
Pick your restaurants in advance. This helped us so much.
Prepare them for walking. A lot of it. Sure, taxis and the metro are options, but Paris is best explored on foot.
Would we walk 29 miles again in 2 days with our kids in Paris? In a heartbeat.
Want to experience Paris for yourself? Fill out my registration form or send me an email and we will get started!
I recently sailed on the Scarlet Lady for the Fire & Sunset Soirees Sailing from Miami with Virgin Voyages. This was my first cruise ever, not just with Virgin Voyages but with any cruise line.
Virgin Voyages is an Adults Only cruise line that offers a mix of fun, fitness & relaxation. Love theme nights? This may be the cruise line for you!
Here are 5 things that surprised me :
I was NOT Bored - I am a Europe Traveler. Like hit the ground running, 20k+ steps per day, see ALL the things kind of traveler. I was so worried I would be bored “stuck” on a cruise. Nope. Not on Virgin Voyages. You can be as busy (or not busy) as you want. Trivia, summer camp crafts, puzzle contests, yoga, HIIT workout classes and entertaining shows are just a few of the activities we took part in. These don’t sound like your jam? Don’t worry, there were many more options. They even have a casino and tattoo parlor on board. Want to relax? There is a spa on each ship and the hammock on the Sea Terrace was wonderful with the breeze and a book!
The Food - Honestly, I was dreading the food. I get disappointed with bad food, so I was happily surprised by how good the food was at each of the restaurants. The best part no traditional buffets. They have a food court area with different stations that could be considered a buffet, but definitely didn’t have that feel. Also, you didn’t serve yourself, so that was a plus.
Ease of Moving around the Ship - These ships are huge (not the largest cruise ships, but huge). Once I started to remember the name of the different areas and rooms of the shop, moving around was quite easy. There is also a map on the app that makes finding the different locations very easy.
Toilets - Not sure what I was expecting here but they are like airline toilets. Not bad, but surprising.
Size of the Staterooms - Upon first glance I was a little shocked by the size of the stateroom. This was my first cruise, I literally have nothing else to compare it to. None the less, my bestie and I navigated around each other easily. We found dedicated places for our bags (if you’re an unpacker, they can fit under the bed) and were able to have plenty of space to get ready each morning and evening.
Let’s just say, I was happily surprised by my first cruising experience and can’t wait to sail next time with my husband!
Want to experience cruising for yourself? Fill out my registration form or send me an email and we will get started!