Ocean City Escape – March 17-24, 2023

After a busy start to the year, Cameron and I took a break from the hustle and set our sights on a little getaway to Ocean City, Maryland. No itineraries, no schedules—just sand, sea, and the thrill of pure relaxation. For a whole week, we soaked up the slower pace, indulged in amazing seafood, and recharged with some much-needed downtime.

Relaxing, Ocean City Style

This was the ultimate “do-nothing” vacation. No activities, no sightseeing, no plans—just pure, unadulterated relaxation. Our days consisted of lounging, taking the occasional stroll when we felt like moving, and indulging in some seriously good food. We let the sound of the waves set the pace and fully embraced the art of doing absolutely nothing. For a whole week, our biggest decisions were what to eat next and whether to nap before or after dessert. It was perfection.

A Meal to Remember at Crabcake Factory

One of the highlights? Dinner at Crabcake Factory. If you’ve never had a meal there, let us just say—it’s legendary. Cameron and I went all in, ordering crabcakes that were out-of-this-world good, paired with local seafood dishes that tasted like the ocean itself. There’s a reason “crabcake” is in the name; they’ve perfected it. It was one of those meals that you talk about long after you leave, and we might still be dreaming about it!

Unwinding and Recharging

This trip reminded us of the importance of stepping away, even for just a little while. Between laughs, incredible food, and a whole lot of quiet time, we returned home with our energy renewed and spirits lifted. We’re grateful to Ocean City for the memories, the crab (of course), and the chance to just be.

Until our next Clashy Adventure, here’s to finding a little bit of Ocean City’s laid-back magic in the everyday!

Tribute: Remembering Momma Judee – March 10, 2023

Today, we take a pause from our usual Clashy Adventures to honor someone who was the heart of our family and a legend in her own right—Momma Judee. Known to many as Judee (with two e’s), Nanny, or simply Momma Judee, she was a light that brightened every room and a force of love, laughter, and joy in our lives.

The Life of the Party

If you ever met Judee, you’d know exactly who she was within seconds—she’d proudly tell you her name, “with two e’s,” and you’d likely be swept into a conversation you’d never want to leave. She had a knack for finding fun wherever she went and a laugh that could make anyone smile. From family gatherings to random adventures, Momma Judee was always up for it, embracing every moment with an open heart and an unbreakable spirit.

A Special Love for Pandas and St. Patrick’s Day

Pandas were her absolute favorite—those big, lovable, black-and-white bears brought out her softer side. Every holiday or special occasion, if you could get a panda on it, she’d adore it. And as for St. Patrick’s Day? That wasn’t just any day; it was her day. Born on March 17, Momma Judee was the original St. Paddy’s Day queen, and she wore her birthday badge with pride, bringing that extra bit of green-tinted joy to every celebration.

Her Legacy: Family, Fun, and Pure Love

Family was everything to her. She loved with her whole heart, showing up for each of us in ways big and small, leaving a lasting mark that shaped who we are today. She taught us to laugh, to cherish our time together, and to always find the joy in life—even in the simplest of moments. She was our Nanny, our mom, our friend, and our teacher in all things love and life.

In Loving Memory of Judee with 2 E’s

Though we miss her every day, her memory lives on in every laugh, every adventure, and every St. Paddy’s Day celebration. We’ll raise a toast to her on her birthday, wearing our green and thinking of her with that big smile on her face, reminding us to embrace life fully and love deeply.

Here’s to you, Momma Judee. May you rest in peace, knowing you are forever in our hearts. We’ll carry your love with us in all of our Clashy Adventures to come. 🐼💚

The Time We Hung with the Beach Boys, John Stamos, & Mark McGrath – March 3-8, 2023

Hey, Clashy Adventurers! Cameron and I set sail on the ultimate retro getaway—Norwegian Cruise Line’s 5-Night Beach Boys Cruise! This time, we brought along my cousin Angie and her husband Marty to join in on the good vibes, epic sunsets, and ’90s throwbacks. This cruise wasn’t just about the Beach Boys; we also got to rock out with Mark McGrath from Sugar Ray and—wait for it—John Stamos! (Yes, that’s right. Uncle Jesse in the flesh!)

Meeting Legends: The Beach Boys, John Stamos, & Mark McGrath

Meeting the Beach Boys was the ultimate fangirl/fanboy moment. They brought their classics to life, serenading us with those legendary tunes that instantly take you to a beach somewhere. Then, out came Mark McGrath, proving that Sugar Ray is still a full-on vibe in 2023! He lit up the stage with "Every Morning" and "Fly," and we all felt transported straight back to the ‘90s. And, of course, John Stamos joined in, showing us that coolness never ages. Turns out, he’s as down-to-earth as he is iconic (and yes, the hair is still perfect).

Costa Maya: Angie and I, Unleashed

While the guys had their own agenda, Angie and I were left unsupervised in Costa Maya, and you can imagine how that went! We found ourselves exploring colorful local markets, sipping tropical cocktails, and making fast friends with the locals. A market here, a margarita there... Let’s just say getting back to the ship was probably a good laugh for some people watchers.

Back on the Ship: Sunsets, Dance Parties, and Endless Laughter

The evenings were pure magic. Picture this: a sky lit with fiery sunsets, live music echoing across the deck, and dance parties that could rival any club. Between living it up with Angie and Marty, jamming out to Beach Boys and Sugar Ray, and just letting loose, this was a trip filled with laughter, music, and memories to last a lifetime.

Lessons Learned:

1. Never Leave Us Unsupervised – Cameron and Marty learned this one the hard way.
2. Stay Hydrated… With Margaritas? – When in Costa Maya…
3. Always Answer the Call to Adventure – Especially when John Stamos and Mark McGrath are involved.

Until next time, keep those good vibrations going, and stay tuned for our next adventure!

Catch us on Clashy Adventures, where the sea is always calling, and the laughs are always loud. 🌊

A Hilarious Getaway to Breathless Riviera Cancun – Dec 18-23, 2022

This December, Cameron, Ryan, Brea, Natalie, my grandpuppy Harvey, and I headed to the beautiful Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa for a much-needed escape. What followed was a week of laughter, relaxation, a few close calls, and some questionable decisions—because, hey, what’s a Clashy Adventure without a little chaos?

Brea’s Study Break…Sort Of

While the rest of us were living it up in the sunshine, Brea was in full Bar study mode. She brought her books and notes with her (talk about dedication!) and spent most of the trip in a study trance. Between her study sessions and the occasional break for sunshine, Brea managed to sneak in some relaxation—but not without juggling the biggest test of her life. We made sure to support her through it with plenty of distractions (aka margaritas) to keep her sane.

The Two Near-Death Experiences

Now, no vacation is complete without a little drama, and let me tell you, I had my fair share! The first close call happened when I tripped and fell straight into the glass balcony railing—right in front of Brea. In the moment, it felt like a scene out of an action movie, but luckily, I survived the fall…with just my dignity in question.

Then, there was the incident with the electric outlet. I managed to spill water right into it, shorting out the power to our entire room. Everything went dark, and I suddenly felt like I might have literally caused a blackout. But hey, I learned my lesson—and fortunately, the lights came back on after a quick visit from maintenance.

The Great Poolside Drama

And then there was the moment when Brea almost literally strangled Ryan. While she was trying to get some poolside studying in (because, you know, Bar prep doesn’t take a vacation), Ryan thought it would be hilarious to splash water near her. But, of course, Brea had her note cards spread out, and when those cards got soaked, Ryan’s life flashed before his eyes. Let’s just say, Ryan learned a very important lesson that day: never mess with Brea’s study materials… especially while she’s trying to enjoy a much-needed break!

Cameron’s Secret Smuggling Operation (and Harvey’s Croissant Obsession)

Meanwhile, Cameron was attempting his own covert operation—smuggling a plate of food from the buffet up to Harvey. Let’s just say, the “smuggling” plan failed, and instead, Harvey’s new favorite treat became croissants from the bistro. Every day, Harvey was happily munching on his buttery, flaky croissants while the rest of us enjoyed slightly less gourmet fare.

Mexican Candy Shots, Pizza, and Guacamole (Well, Mostly)

The drinks? Oh, we drank plenty of Mexican candy shots! Each one was a sweet and spicy reminder of how amazing vacation cocktails can be. And as for food—pizza, pizza, and more pizza. We couldn’t get enough of the delicious slices, and I’m pretty sure we ate enough to feed a small army.

As for the guacamole—well, everyone except me thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m convinced it’s a taste bud thing, but I couldn’t quite get on board with the green goodness. Meanwhile, the others went full-on guacamole enthusiasts, devouring it at every meal. I guess I’m just not a fan of the mushy avocado life!

A Vacation to Remember

Despite my near-death experiences and the occasional mishap, this trip was a blast. We soaked up the sun, enjoyed amazing food (and croissants), and made memories that will have us laughing for years. And of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Clashy Adventure without a few hiccups along the way!

Here’s to more family fun, less electrical mishaps, and more shots of Mexican candy in 2023!

A Glamorous Night at Sea: MSC Seascape Naming Event

On December 7th-8th, 2022, we had the incredible opportunity to experience a one-night stay aboard the MSC Seascape for its official Naming Ceremony — and what a night it was! The event was nothing short of spectacular, blending luxury, excitement, and a touch of glamour.

We arrived at the port, ready to step aboard this stunning ship, which was all decked out for its big reveal. Cameron and I, got dressed up for the evening in our finest attire — I even slipped into my favorite Louboutins (because why not rock the red soles for a night like this?). The energy was electric as we mingled with fellow guests, and the excitement was palpable as we prepared to be part of this historic event.

We enjoyed a delicious dinner, mingling with new friends and reveling in the grandeur of the Seascape. It was an unforgettable night — from the sparkling champagne to the show-stopping entertainment, everything about the MSC Seascape Naming Event was top-notch.

The highlight of the evening? A live performance by none other than Ne-Yo, who took the stage and brought the house down, although he did arrive late and had several technical difficulties. The atmosphere was magical as the crowd danced and sang along to his hits, with the stunning ship as the backdrop. MSC knows how to throw a party, and this event was no exception!

Our one-night stay was a whirlwind, but we wouldn't have wanted to experience it any other way. It was the perfect blend of glamour, luxury, and fun, leaving us excited to see what other amazing adventures MSC Cruises has in store.

Our First Dream Vacations National Conference on the Norwegian Encore

Our first National Conference with Dream Vacations didn’t disappoint! Set aboard the Norwegian Encore, this 7-day Caribbean adventure was an unforgettable blend of learning, laughter, and reconnecting. We sailed from Miami to Great Stirrup Cay and St. Thomas, meeting up with fellow travel agents we had bonded with on previous seminars at sea.

One of the highlights? A mix-up at the cabana on Great Stirrup Cay that led to an unforgettable encounter with Lucy, the not-so-friendly manager, but we worked it out in the end. We also took the gondola (Skyride) up to Paradise Point, where we enjoyed delicious drinks and food at Taste at Paradise Point, joined by our friends John and Paul.

But the real treat came when we ran into Orlando, the bartender we met on our Bermuda cruise. He remembered us — and even remembered Brea, even though she wasn’t with us this time! He and Will were our favorite bartenders on the Norwegian Joy. Orlando even called Will so we could say hi, making us feel like we were truly among friends.

This trip reinforced just how thankful we are to have added travel to our business portfolio by opening Olson Travel Group. The drinks, the atmosphere, and the amazing colleagues (who are now becoming even better friends) made this trip one for the books!

Cheers to amazing colleagues and unforgettable memories! 🌴🚢

Navigating Fun, Hurricanes, and Hollywood Beach

 

This adventure began aboard the Carnival Sunrise, where Cameron and I joined Kathleen and Brett for a 5-night cruise through the Eastern Caribbean. The vibe was upbeat, the ocean views were stunning, and the laughs flowed as easily as the tropical drinks. But little did we know, this trip would have an unexpected stormy twist.

As we cruised back toward Miami, we found ourselves following a hurricane. While the experience on the ship was still enjoyable, the chaos of the storm led to the cancellation of our next planned adventure: a cruise on the Margaritaville ship. With no cruise to board, we improvised and embraced a new plan—Hollywood Beach.

Kathleen, unfortunately feeling under the weather (we suspect COVID may have been the culprit), opted to rest at the hotel. Meanwhile, Brett, Cameron, and I set out to explore the iconic Broadwalk. The salty breeze, live music, and colorful charm of the area quickly turned our change of plans into an unexpected highlight.

We found ourselves swaying to an outdoor concert at Margaritaville, letting the tunes and beach vibes carry us into the evening. A few too many drinks? Perhaps. But as the laughter bubbled over, we knew this impromptu detour was exactly what we needed.

Life may throw hurricanes your way, but with a little flexibility—and a lot of fun—you can turn any twist into a treasured memory.