u/midwest_mama_90

Hoping to spend a few days around Geneva in late April with my spouse (kid free trip) before traveling elsewhere for a conference. Hotel recommendations for Geneva? Thinking of having Geneva as our “home base” and taking a few day trips via train. Any recommendations of favorite day trip destinations? Must see sights or restaurants?
We love strolling quaint towns, sitting outside with a coffee or glass of wine, and hiking.
I’ve visited other areas of Switzerland (Bern, Zermatt, Grindelwald, Zurich, etc) and absolutely loved them, but hoping to experience someplace new with my spouse.

Spouse and I are heading to Paris late April before traveling onward to a conference. There are so many nice hotel options in Paris to choose from. We also have diamond IHG status and tons of points to use, so I feel like I should look into IHG options as well. How are the intercontinental(s) and kimpton? Is there a favorite in terms of location, amenities, walkability? We have each traveled to Paris separately, but haven’t been in 15+ years, so I feel like I’m starting from scratch in terms of where to stay, what to do, etc.

Husband and I hope to spend 2-3 (kid free) nights in Paris late April before traveling to another part of France for a business conference. We’ve each traveled to Paris separately, but haven’t been in about 15 years. There seem to be so many high end hotels to choose from. Would like something in a good location (possibly close to Eiffel Tower?), walkable to sightseeing, restaurants, etc and safe. Would prefer under $1,000/night. Can possibly use IHG or Marriott points or chase sapphire points, but not a must.
Hotel recs much appreciated, as well as restaurants or favorite sightseeing. I know there are so many things to see and do in Paris- what are some of your favorites?

Looking for a hair stylist that specializes in blonde highlights (touching up natural color). Willing to drive a little bit, but would prefer to stay close to cypress area if possible.

Anyone have custom in-home sauna builder recs for Houston area?

Complete newbie, so forgive me if things like this have been asked and answered. I did some searching but figure I’d make a post too. We’re redoing one of our bathrooms and looking to add a sauna. Leaning towards custom built vs buying premade.

Located in USA. Where do I even start? Are there specific, reputable sauna companies I should reach out to? We’re going to work with a designer for the overall layout and design of the bathroom; not sure if they would handle something like this too.

We’ve visited Park City/SLC several times, but never in the fall. We’re staying at St. Regis this October mid-week with 2 young-elementary aged kids and a baby. Would love recommendations for nearby hikes or other outdoor activities. Also looking for restaurant recommendations. We eat pretty much anything; big steak and red wine people. Are there any nicer restaurants that are okay with children?

Traveling to Park City mid October with 3 young kids. We’ve visited several times before and have stayed at Canyons and St. Regis. I think it will technically be off season, so I know some things will be closed. Is it better to stay in more of the downtown area? If so, hotel recommendations? We hope to spend lots of time outdoors and hiking (as much as you can hike with littles). I loved our stay at St Regis previously but worry about location during the off season. I’m also looking into Hotel Park City as it’s perhaps a better location for this time of year?

Traveling to Park City mid October with 3 young kids. We’ve visited several times before and have stayed at Canyons and St. Regis. I think it will technically be off season, so I know some things will be closed. Is it better to stay in more of the downtown area? If so, hotel recommendations? We hope to spend lots of time outdoors and hiking (as much as you can hike with littles). I loved our stay at St Regis previously but worry about location during the off season. 

Spending a night in Boston late October before heading to Twin Farms for our anniversary. I have been to Boston several times; husband has never been. If you had to pick 1-2 sightseeing recommendations, what would you choose? We love history but are not group/guided tour people. Would also like recommendations for a nice restaurant (ate at Contessa a few years ago and it was phenomenal) and hotel. We’ll be in town <24 hours so a hotel walkable to some activities/dining would be nice.

Spending a night in Boston late October before heading to Twin Farms for our anniversary. I have been to Boston several times; husband has never been. If you had to pick 1-2 sightseeing recommendations, what would you choose? We love history but are not group/guided tour people. Would also like recommendations for a nice restaurant (ate at Contessa a few years ago and it was phenomenal) and hotel. We’ll be in town <24 hours so a hotel walkable to some activities/dining would be nice. No budget for hotel or dinner.

Mid 30s, 3 young kids and I feel like my skin looks tired. I have some melasma from pregnancies. I get Botox regularly and it’s probably time for a laser treatment. I was great about skincare/treatments in my 20s but that’s stopped with having kids. I’d love to get back into a “nice” skincare routine instead of grabbing random products from the grocery store. Is ZO worth the hype? Are there other products/brands that work better?

Thinking of taking a day trip down to moody gardens with 3 kids (6, 4, 6 months). Interested in both the aquarium and rainforest at Moody Gardens. How long do each of these take? Is it too much to do both in a day? Too little? We’ve never been and for some reason the FAQ on their website for more info isn’t working.

Looking for family-friendly chubby/high-end resorts in Texas (or great hotels within walking distance to dining, activities, etc). We have 3 young children (6, 4, 6 months) so kid-friendly is preferable. 2-3 nights stay. Pools, outdoor activities (hiking/walking trails), and nice dining options. I’ve looked into JW Marriott in San Antonio as well as Hyatt Regency Lost Pines in Austin. I’m curious if there are other similar options throughout the state. This would be any time of year; new to the state and want to expand my list of quick trip ideas. Open budget.

Planning a 10 year anniversary trip for October 2027. We are interested in the mountains somewhere in the United States. Looking for outdoor activities like hiking, great meals (red wine and steaks) and luxury accommodations. Airport access via United Airlines preferable due to loyalty and status. A few options so far are Four Seasons Jackson Hole, Lodge at Blue Sky and Dunton Hot Springs. 

-5/11 submitted minors expedited processing and 1-3 day return shipping DS11 application in person at USPS (Houston) for upcoming trip 6/7

-5/19 still no update, check not cashed. Called USPS branch who indicated application should’ve arrived by now. Called NPIC who confirmed no record of my child in their system

-5/20 went to USPS branch where I applied. Employee looked up their shipping records for my application and discovered it had been sitting in Houston USPS distribution center since 5/11. She was helpful, gave me the tracking number and assured arrival by Friday and since my travel dates are on the application it should move pretty quick. Also filled out a privacy authorization form with my congressmen for assistance as we are getting close to the 14 day mark.

-5/21 (now, early in the morning) received notification the package was delivered to Irving, TX. I was expecting it to go to Philadelphia; from what I’ve read expedited applications only get sent to Philly. I’m grateful my application finally moved out of Houston but now I’m stressed that it’s going to get processed as routine and again won’t make it in time.

Has anyone else had an expedited application delivered to Irving instead of Philly?

Planning a 10 year anniversary trip for October 2027. We are interested in the mountains somewhere in the United States. Looking for outdoor activities like hiking, great meals (red wine and steaks) and luxury accommodations. Airport access via United Airlines preferable due to loyalty and status. A few options so far are Four Seasons Jackson Hole, Lodge at Blue Sky and Dunton Hot Springs. 

Edit to add- not concerned about seeing peak fall colors. If timing works out, awesome, but we don’t need to base our trip around it.

Planning a 10 year anniversary trip for October 2027. We are interested in the mountains somewhere in the United States. Looking for outdoor activities like hiking, great meals (red wine and steaks) and luxury accommodations. Airport access via United Airlines preferable due to loyalty and status. A few options so far are Four Seasons Jackson Hole, Lodge at Blue Sky and Dunton Hot Springs.