Author: mommaintraining

Family travel
Uncategorized

Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa Review: Is It Worth It for Families?

mommaintraining

Last September, we visited Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa with my parents and our kids, and it ended up being one of those trips we’ll always remember.

There is something so special about travelling with three generations and watching your parents make memories with your kids. Add in one of the most BEAUTIFUL beaches we’ve ever seen, and this trip was pretty hard to beat!

Before I get into everything we loved, if you’re planning your own trip to Mexico or anywhere in the Caribbean , I’ve put together all of my Amazon travel favourites that we use for our family vacations. From packing essentials to things that make travelling with kids SO much easier, you can find them here:

🇨🇦 CANADA: https://amzn.to/3Gmpy4R

🇺🇸 USA: https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-6a33a028

Since our visit, Dreams Cozumel has also undergone a huge renovation and expansion, so the resort is now even better than when we stayed.

Here’s what we loved and what I would recommend if you’re thinking about booking!

The Beach at Dreams Cozumel

Hands down, the BEACH was my favourite part.

The water was literally CRYSTAL clear, the sand was white, and the turquoise colour was unreal. We’ve been lucky enough to visit some incredible beaches, and this one is definitely up there for us.

If you’re someone who chooses a resort based on the beach, Dreams Cozumel is a 10/10 for me.

Our kids spent SO much time in the water, and some of my favourite memories from the entire trip are just all of us hanging out together on the beach.

Our Rooms

My parents stayed in an ocean view room and their view was UNREAL. Waking up and looking out at that gorgeous Caribbean water every morning was pretty hard to beat.

But if you’re travelling with kids, I HIGHLY recommend the swim up room.

The kids and I stayed in a swim up room right by the beach, and it was honestly one of the best decisions we made.

Being able to walk outside our room and basically be right at the pool AND steps from that incredible beach made everything so easy. No packing up a million things just to spend a few hours by the water, and if someone needed something from the room, we were right there.

If I were booking Dreams Cozumel again with kids, I would 100% choose the swim up room.

Is Dreams Cozumel Good for Families?

Absolutely.

One of the things I loved most about Dreams Cozumel was how easy it was for our multigenerational trip.

We were travelling with my parents and the kids, so we wanted somewhere everyone could enjoy without constantly having to plan activities or figure out where to go next.

That’s one of the reasons I love an all inclusive with kids. You can wake up, grab breakfast, head to the pool or beach and actually VACATION.

Dreams Cozumel also didn’t feel overwhelmingly huge, which I really appreciated. When you’re travelling with kids and grandparents, having everything easily accessible makes such a difference.

Dreams Cozumel Has Been Renovated and Expanded!

One thing to keep in mind is that we visited before the resort’s latest renovation and expansion.

Since our stay, Dreams Cozumel has undergone a major expansion with updated and new areas throughout the property.

We already loved the resort when we visited, so seeing everything they’ve added honestly makes me want to go back and experience it all over again!

If you’ve seen photos or videos from our trip, just remember that certain areas may look different now.

What We Loved Most

For me, this trip was really about two things: the BEACH and getting to experience Cozumel with my parents and kids.

There is something so special about watching your parents travel with your children. The kids won’t always be this little, and having these memories of all of us together is something I’ll always be grateful for.

And then there’s that water. 😍

I seriously cannot talk about Dreams Cozumel without mentioning it. Crystal clear, turquoise and absolutely beautiful.

Would We Go Back?

100% YES.

Especially now that Dreams Cozumel has been renovated and expanded!

There are so many all inclusive resorts in Mexico that we’re always tempted to try somewhere new, but Cozumel is one of those places I would happily return to.

If you’re looking for a family friendly all inclusive with white sand, ridiculously clear water and an amazing beach, I would definitely put Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa on your list.

And my biggest tip?

Book the swim up room by the beach. Trust me on this one. 🌴🌊

Any questions leave them in the comments below !!

family travel

4 Days in Lisbon With Kids: Our Family-Friendly Itinerary (That We’d Do Again!)

mommaintraining

Planning a trip to Lisbon with kids?

We recently spent 4 nights in Lisbon with our family, and it completely exceeded our expectations. Before visiting, I wasn’t sure how kid-friendly it would be,but Lisbon turned out to be one of the easiest European cities to explore with children.

From parks with cafés where parents can actually relax, to castles overlooking the city, delicious pastries, and scenic tram rides, this itinerary includes everything we loved (and a few things we’d do differently).

Here’s exactly how we spent our four days.

Where We Stayed

We booked a beautiful Airbnb in central Lisbon, and I honestly wouldn’t change a thing.

Being able to walk almost everywhere made traveling with the kids so much easier. We were close to restaurants, shopping, parks, and many of Lisbon’s biggest attractions.

Tip: Stay somewhere central if you’re traveling with children. Lisbon’s hills are no joke, so cutting down on transportation makes a huge difference.

Day 1: Parks, Pastries & Exploring Lisbon

One of the first things that surprised me about Lisbon was how family-friendly the parks are.

We started our morning at Parque Eduardo VII, where the kids ran around at the nearby playground (Parque Infantil).

One thing I absolutely loved? Many Lisbon playgrounds have cafés or bistros attached, so parents can enjoy a coffee, snack, or even a glass of wine while keeping an eye on the kids. Every city should do this.

Afterward we wandered down Avenida da Liberdade, admiring the beautiful mosaic sidewalks, luxury shops, and local street vendors.

By lunchtime everyone was ready for a break, so we headed back to our Airbnb for naps before dinner.

That evening we ate at Bonjardim, and it ended up being one of our favourite meals in Lisbon.

Before heading home, we made one essential stop…

The Best Pastéis de Nata in Lisbon

I know everyone recommends Pastéis de Belém…

But my favourite was actually Fábrica da Nata.

The pastries were warm, flaky, and perfectly creamy, and their milkshakes were incredible. We grabbed a table outside while the kids people-watched, and it was one of those simple travel moments we’ll always remember.

On our walk home we stopped by the famous Lisboa sign in Praça dos Restauradores and strolled through the beautiful gardens along Avenida da Liberdade.

Later that evening my husband and I met friends for dinner at Zazah.

It’s absolutely stunning, but I’d save this one for date night rather than dinner with little kids.

Day 2: A Day Trip to Sintra

Sintra deserves an entire blog post of its own.

Between the colourful palaces, castles, and incredible views, it’s one of the best day trips from Lisbon.

(Coming soon: My complete family guide to Sintra.)

Day 3: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Lisbon’s Best Views

We decided to explore more of Lisbon using the Hop-On Hop-Off bus.

My biggest tip? Buy the two-day pass.

Trying to squeeze everything into one day felt rushed.

Some of our favourite stops included:

  • Praça Marquês de Pombal
  • Santa Maria Maior
  • Waterfront area (the kids loved playing near the water while we grabbed drinks)
  • Time Out Market for lunch
  • Rossio Square

Time Out Market Tip

Go after the lunch rush.

It gets incredibly busy, and finding a table during peak hours can be difficult.

Belém

Later we visited the Planetarium and Museum before finally trying the famous Pastéis de Belém.

They were delicious…

But if I’m being completely honest, I still preferred Fábrica da Nata.

Shopping in Lisbon

Our kids were just as excited about shopping as sightseeing.

We stopped at the world famous Zara in Rossio Square where my daughter happily did some shopping of her own and then walked around the square where my son found a Ronaldo jersey! (His dream)

Don’t Miss St. George’s Castle at Sunset

If you only do one thing in Lisbon…

Make it St. George’s Castle.

Arrive about an hour before sunset so you have time to explore.

Then head up onto the castle walls before they close access in the evening. Watching the sun set over Lisbon from above the city was easily one of the highlights of our entire trip.

The entrance fee was around €15 per adult, and it was worth every euro.

The panoramic views are unforgettable.

Dinner & Dessert

After the castle we went back to Rosio square and wandered through the surrounding streets until we found a lively outdoor restaurant with live music called Marisqueira.

It was the perfect relaxed ending to the day.

Of course, we couldn’t leave without dessert.

We stopped at PAUL Patisserie, ordered far more pastries than we needed, and ended the night walking through Lisbon with tired kids and very happy stomachs.

Sometimes those are the best vacation memories.

Is Lisbon Worth Visiting With Kids?

Absolutely.

Lisbon surprised us in the best possible way.

It has beautiful parks, amazing food, incredible history, walkable neighbourhoods, and plenty of opportunities for both kids and adults to enjoy themselves.

It’s one of those destinations that feels exciting without feeling overwhelming.

We’ll definitely be back.

Save This Lisbon Itinerary

If you’re planning a family trip to Portugal, save this itinerary for later.

And if you have questions about traveling to Lisbon with kids, leave me a comment or send me a message on Instagram @MommaInTraining.

Uncategorized

Our Family Travel Rules: How We Raise Confident Young Travelers

mommaintraining

The rules that changed our travel game !

Traveling with kids isn’t always easy, but it doesn’t have to be chaotic either. Over the years, we’ve learned that setting clear expectations before a trip makes a huge difference. Our goal isn’t to raise perfect travelers. It’s to raise confident, curious, and respectful kids who know how to navigate the world around them. One of my biggest tips to help prepare for any trip is packing the right essentials! I’ve included all my amazing travel must haves here for you and highly recommend you browse through this list before any flight or family trip. A lot of these items have saved me on trips and I can’t recommend them more!

🇨🇦 LINKS : my travel must haves

🇺🇸 LINKS : my travel must haves

These are the family travel rules we follow every time we pack our bags.

1. Carry Your Own Backpack

From a young age, our kids are responsible for carrying a small backpack with their travel essentials. Whether it’s snacks, a water bottle, headphones, or a favorite toy, having ownership over their belongings teaches responsibility and independence. HOT TIP: a sturdy backpack with a luggage sleeve (can hook onto your suitcase handle) has saved us on long haul flights or flights with connections. I’ve linked some of my favourites here for 🇨🇦 and here for 🇺🇸!

It’s a small rule, but it helps them feel like active participants in the journey rather than passengers being dragged along.

2. Be Kind to Airport and Airline Staff

Travel days can be stressful for everyone. Flights get delayed, lines get long, and plans change. One thing we emphasize is treating airport employees, flight attendants, hotel staff, and tour guides with kindness and respect.

A simple smile, a thank you, or a little patience can go a long way. We want our children to understand that every person they meet deserves respect.

3. Headphones On for Devices

Long flights often mean extra screen time, and we’re okay with that. Our rule is simple: if you’re watching something or playing a game, headphones stay on. We had these headphones 🇨🇦 or these headphones 🇺🇸 for the kids for 2 years now and they’ve used them on around 20 flights and we’ve never had any issues!

It’s a small act of consideration for the people around us and teaches our kids that sharing spaces means being mindful of others.

4. Try One New Food in Every Country

One of our favorite travel traditions is trying at least one new food wherever we go. Nobody has to love it, but everyone has to give it a chance.

Travel is one of the best ways to expand a child’s perspective, and food is often the easiest gateway into understanding another culture. Some discoveries become family favorites, while others become funny stories we laugh about later.

5. Stay Together in Busy Places

Airports, train stations, markets, and tourist attractions can get crowded quickly. One of our most important rules is staying together and paying attention to where the group is at all times. We also have AirTags in the kids bags or air tag bands which is a great option but to be honest we don’t always take them with us however it is just another added level of security which is always a good thing!

This rule isn’t just about safety. It teaches awareness, responsibility, and the importance of looking out for one another.

6. Help Keep Our Space Clean

Whether we’re on a plane, in a hotel room, or riding a train, we encourage our kids to leave spaces better than they found them.

Throw away your trash. Put things back where they belong. Respect shared spaces.

These simple habits build a sense of responsibility that extends far beyond travel.

7. Memories Over Meltdowns

No trip goes exactly as planned. Flights get delayed. Attractions close unexpectedly. Weather changes. Kids get tired.

One of our family mottos is “memories over meltdowns.”

We remind our kids, and ourselves, that travel is an adventure. The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is experiencing new places, meeting new people, and creating memories together.

Often, the things that go wrong become the stories we remember most years later.

Why Family Travel Rules Matter

Travel offers countless opportunities to teach life skills that can’t be learned in a classroom. Independence, patience, adaptability, cultural awareness, and respect are all lessons our children absorb every time we explore somewhere new.

Our family travel rules aren’t about controlling every moment. They’re about creating a framework that allows everyone to enjoy the experience while learning valuable lessons along the way.

At the end of the day, we’re not trying to raise kids who simply travel well. We’re trying to raise future adults who feel comfortable exploring the world with confidence, curiosity, and kindness.

And that’s a journey worth taking!! If you are travelling soon and are looking to get ahead of the game find all my favourite travel essentials here. These are things that have made my travel game 10000% better and easier especially with kids!

Thanks so much for being here

Xox

Tehseen!

Uncategorized

Family Travel Made Easy: Our Favorite Trips + Packing Must-Haves

mommaintraining

If you’ve ever messaged me asking “Where should we take our kids?” or “What do you pack when you travel with little ones?” — this post is for you.

After years of traveling with kids, I’ve learned that the right destination + the right travel gear can make all the difference. That’s why I’ve put together two things families ask me for the most:

👉 My Amazon travel favourites 🇨🇦and my Amazon travel favourites🇺🇸
👉 Our top family trips from this year

✨ Amazon Travel Favourites for Families

You can find all of my Amazon travel must-haves — from packing organizers to kid travel essentials — right here on my 🇨🇦Amazon Canada page and here on my 🇺🇸Amazon storefront.

These are the items we actually use on our trips and the things that make packing and traveling with kids so much easier. Whether you’re flying, cruising, or heading to a resort, these favourites help everything run more smoothly.

Family Travel Made Easy: Our Favorite Trips + Packing Must-Haves

If you’ve ever messaged me asking “Where should we take our kids?” or “What do you pack when you travel with little ones?” — this post is for you.

After years of traveling with kids, I’ve learned that the right destination + the right travel gear can make all the difference. That’s why I’ve put together two things families ask me for the most:

👉 My Amazon travel favourites, and
👉 Our top family trips from this year

✨ Amazon Travel Favourites for Families

You can find all of my Amazon travel must-haves ,from packing organizers to kid travel essentials ,right here on my Amazon Canada page and here on my Amazon storefront.

These are the items we actually use on our trips and the things that make packing and traveling with kids so much easier. Whether you’re flying, cruising, or heading to a resort, these favourites help everything run more smoothly.

Our Top 7 Family-Friendly Trips This Year

One thing I want families to know: there are so many affordable, doable options for traveling with kids ,from all-inclusive resorts to Florida trips to cruises. You don’t need to wait until your kids are older.

1. Disney World (Our #1 Recommendation for Any Family)

Disney will always be my number one recommendation for families.

You can absolutely make Disney budget-friendly by:

Disney is incredibly well set up for families with young kids, and the magic truly makes the experience unforgettable.

2. Dreams Sapphire (A Family Favourite)

Dreams Sapphire was one of our most memorable trips, and staying in the villa made it even better.

This resort is amazing for kids because:

  • Plenty of space for families
  • Kid-friendly pools and activities
  • Great food options for picky eaters
  • A relaxed, safe environment parents can enjoy too

It’s one of those resorts where you feel like everything is taken care of.

3. Margaritaville Cruise (Our First Cruise!)

This was our first cruise, and we completely fell in love with cruising.

What we loved:

  • Easy travel days
  • Endless food options
  • Kid-friendly entertainment
  • No unpacking and repacking

There are so many types of cruises available ,short cruises, longer cruises, international sailings, and even European cruises ,which means you can choose one that fits your budget and your family’s travel style. We already can’t wait for our next cruise.

4. Florida (We Went 3 Times in 12 Months!)

Florida is one of the best places to travel with kids, and we went three times in the past year , loving every single trip.

Why Florida works so well:

  • Short flights
  • Direct routes with airlines like Allegiant and Porter
  • Very affordable airfare
  • Tons of family-friendly, budget hotels
  • Theme parks, beaches, and attractions all in one place

It’s an easy, stress-free option for families.

5. Hyatt Ziva (All-Inclusive Family Luxury)

Hyatt Ziva resorts are fantastic for families who want an all-inclusive experience with great food and kid-friendly amenities.

These resorts offer:

  • Family suites
  • Kids clubs
  • Great pools and beaches
  • Excellent service

It’s a great option when you want something easy but still high quality.

6. Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe (Perfect for Families with Young Kids)

Hilton Cancun is another standout for family travel.

Parents love it because:

  • It’s modern and clean
  • Super family-friendly layout
  • Great kids’ activities
  • Easy, relaxing atmosphere

It’s a wonderful choice for traveling with little ones.

7. Grand Sunset Princess / Bahia Principe Resorts

Both Grand Sunset Princess and Bahia Principe resorts are amazing, affordable options for families.

They’re known for:

  • Large family resorts
  • Tons of pools and activities
  • Budget-friendly pricing
  • Great value for families traveling together

These resorts prove that Mexico has so many incredible family-friendly options.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re planning a Disney trip, a Florida getaway, a cruise, or an all-inclusive resort vacation, there are so many affordable and realistic ways to travel with kids.

Don’t forget to check out my Amazon travel favourites 🇨🇦 on my Amazon Canada page and my Amazon storefront 🇺🇸 — they truly make packing and traveling with kids a breeze.

If you’re planning a family trip soon, you’re not alone -and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself 🤍✈️!

Xoxoxo

Tehseen aka Mommaintraining

family travel, Uncategorized

Top 5 All-Inclusive Caribbean (and Pacific!) Resorts for Families (Tested by a Travel Blogger Family!)

mommaintraining

Before you head off on your next family getaway, don’t miss our list of must-have Amazon travel essentials 🇨🇦— Amazon travel essentials 🇺🇸everything we pack to make traveling with kids smoother, easier, and more fun! No matter which resort you choose to go to you’ll need these essentials trust me you won’t want to leave without them! (The following reviews reflect my personal opinions and experiences—please do your own research to ensure each resort is the right fit for you and your family.)

As a full-time family travel blogger and mom, I’ve had the joy (and challenge!) of traveling to over 30 destinations with our adventurous 7 and 9‑year‑old in tow. Along the way, we’ve discovered which resorts truly cater to families — not just with kid-friendly amenities, but with the kind of comfort, food, and fun that make everyone happy. If you’re planning your next tropical getaway, here are our top 5 favorite all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean (and beyond!) that have earned our family’s seal of approval: if you’re looking for more details visit my Instagram page where I have highlights of all the resorts we’ve visited ! Mommaintraining

1. Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe
This resort checks all the boxes — stunning beachfront views, great food, and an activity-packed kids’ club. It’s elegant without being stuffy, which means parents can relax while kids stay entertained. It’s a small property which I love and the beach is fantastic!

Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe

2. Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa
We loved this one so much! The water park, spacious family suites, and nightly entertainment make it a standout for families. It’s also beautifully laid out so everything is easy to access — even with tired little legs. The two story villa in the Indigo Preffered club was such a dream however their regular rooms are also beautiful! The resort has amazing amenities and great service so no matter what part you stay in you’ll have the best time ! Make sure you try their passion fruit daiquiri and margaritas – they are the best I’ve ever had.

Dreams Sapphire two story villa

3. Bahia Principe Grand Coba
A great value for families who want the full resort experience without breaking the bank. We have visited this resort twice and have zero complaints. The kids loved the splash park, and we appreciated the variety of dining options and shaded areas around the pool. The property is huge and stunning and depending on which property you stay on you may have access to the other two! There is also an option to purchase a daily wristband if you decide to stay at Coba but want access to the other resorts!

Bahia Principe Grand Coba

4. Grand Riviera Princess Resort & Spa
Huge property, great beach, and lots of family activities. We’ve actually been here twice as well and loved it both times ! It’s perfect if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere and plenty of things to do. The kids’ club here was a big hit, and the nightly shows were surprisingly impressive. I highly recommend the upgrade to the family princess club- the rooms come with bunk beds, access to their waterpark and a ton of other perks !

5. Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
Though technically on Mexico’s Pacific coast, this gem deserves a spot. Another resort we have visited twice and it’s definitely one of our family favourites! With its sprawling infinity pools, incredible private beach (I explain more about how it’s “private” in the story highlight on my Instagram page daily kids’ activities, and beautiful Pacific sunsets, it’s a wonderful addition — and a great option if you want to mix it up outside the usual Caribbean routine. It’s a more quiet resort without a kids waterpark but the views are breathtaking, the property is immaculate and the food was incredible. They also have a kids club with a ton of activities throughout the day. The only thing lacking was evening entertainment so if that’s your jam then this probably isn’t the place for you!

Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta

These resorts have given our family some of our best vacation memories — and hopefully they’ll do the same for yours!

If you have any questions feel free to visit me over on Instagram where I share more detailed reviews and send me a DM ! Thank you for reading 💕

Visit me over on Instagram by clicking here