Your Travel Questions Answered!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

There's a section in this video where I talk about solo travel and I regret that I specified Muslim countries. I personally know many people who practice the Muslim religion and my comment is about GOVERNMENTS and laws that restrict women and is NO reflection on anyone's personal religious practice. Oh, also i made reference to families and forgot my normal inclusive language and spoke of just mom and dad families which is NOT OK and I instantly regretted when I was editing. So pretend I did that. OK on with the show!

[@lindamiddleton6785]

What you said was really fine Jen. We know what you were getting at and totally agree!

[@mariak2446]

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Thank you for further explaining/correcting this! I, for one, sincerely appreciate it, since the original comment added to the stigma practicing Muslims (whether here or overseas) experience every day due to western media culture.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

@@mariak2446 THIS and I never want to be part of that!

[@dawnturpin]

I do in-home pet sitting through Lois' dog walking company and the dogs don't get stressed, they're in their own surroundings. It's like a big sleepover party with the person that plays with them. Plus the added bonus of having someone watching the house is a nice perk. When the person there hears water running and is able to shut off the water before the whole basement floods while you're on vacation....priceless.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Seriously I don't know how homeowners shut up their houses and leave for weeks without being worried constantly, pets or no pets. It's one reason we've resisted buying a second home (vacation property): I don't want the stress!

[@crrizello5157]

Thanks for your video. Agree that it is important for both parents to be fully capable with the children. I was the breadwinner and my husband was a stay at home dad. We each had full confidence in each other regarding our children.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Honestly I don't know how anybody operates any other way!

[@rachelspollett3930]

Thanks for your comments about both parents being capable of taking care of their children. I’m the primary caregiver, and I was unexpectedly hospitalized for a week when our son was only 6 months old. All of the nursing and medical staff in the hospital were so concerned for the baby, and it seemed the implication was that my partner couldn’t take care of him! I kept saying, “I miss my boy soooooo much, but I’m so grateful that I don’t have a single concern that his dad is taking the best care of him.”

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

There are so many reasons why one parent might be out of commission for a period of time - for me it was when my dad died and I had to travel back to Arizona for several weeks to help my mom. Had my husband not been perfectly able to jump in? Would have REALLY added to my stress during an impossible time! Of course I missed them like crazy but I wasn't concerned for their well being or safety.

[@lisasproul8027]

I always enjoy the Q and A videos. And you are killing vlogmas!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Oh thank you!

[@Susan-fr1rq]

You're such good company, Jen!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Awww thank you, Susan!

[@LeeLeeFries]

The Disney Magic is my fav!! Love her and her crew so much! When you mentioned the airline 50percent off Disney resort rates I smiled soo big! Those were the days!! We used those too for years! Was sad the day that stopped!! Loved your video today! Can’t wait for more!!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Those were the days….🤣🥰

[@kathleenspeegle3517]

It was so sweet hearing you share about your happy memories with your Mom and Dad. My father passed in 2002, but I treasure our time together. Thank you for sharing!💕

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

You never stop missing them. I’ve decided that must be the way it works.

[@jcarey1357]

The vlog is pure gold! The travel tips are so so so good

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Oh thank you, John!!

[@zivagoldman2001]

Jenn, I am sorry for the loss of your father. I know it's been a while since his passing, but it never seems too far along. My husband is currently battling with MM. He is on a clinical trial that has extended his life 5 years beyond what we originally expected. My bucket trip was going to Alaska, but I had to cancel when he was diagnosed. I've since been with my siblings, but we are working on getting him healthy enough to travel to Vancouver and Alaska on the Wonder! Fingers crossed that he makes it! Much love to you!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Dad was also in an experimental program through the Mayo Clinic and it gained him at least 2 years for which we were SO GRATEFUL. It's a horrible cancer (not that any are good) and I'm so sorry he's having to go through that. YES fingers crossed that he can make that trip!

[@chandram6176]

The Q & was awesome. I always learn a lot in your Q & As. Today was a long day. I watched the vlog and calmed my nerves! Thank you!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Love to read that!!!! I hope today is better and more balanced. I'm working on that myself today.

[@thaiswinmill2153]

Our golden boy stays at his doggy daycare and even though he loves doggy day care he also gets very overwhelmed after being there a few days. I usually have my mom either pick him up earlier or drop him off later. It’s hard to leave pet babies behind!

[@jo-annr.1291]

Funny story about you, read on. WE live close by to Disney and the port ( Canaveral), yet hardly ever go to Disney. This week, we went to and stayed at The wilderness lodge, and park/ hotel hopping to see all the beautiful decor. Also went to the Very Merry Mickey party. While waiting in line to get the boat to MK, from the Lodge; a woman talked extensively about all the Disney You Tubers, to a very young couple next to us. Out of “nowhere” my husband says what’s that lady’s name on you tube, she’s a pilot’s wife, and she’s from Georgia and comes to Disney?” I guess he listens to me when we chat, about the videos I watch.. lol. Thank you for answering the questions about the fur babies!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I once had a man come up to me at Disney and say “hey you’re that woman that puts my wife to sleep every night!” Yes. That’s right. That’s me. Great story!!

[@pamstrahan9266]

I have been watching your channel for the past few months and it has become one of my favorites! I had never used Elemis before but was wanting to change my skincare regimen. After listening to you talk about Elemis I decided to give it a try by getting the advent calendar! I have never had an advent calendar and it’s been so fun. Thank you for the idea. I wonder if I do the Elemis calendar next year, are the products a lot of repeats from the previous year? You also have me hooked to try Beekman’s next year too! Thanks and happy holidays!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Oh, Pam, I'm honored! Thank you for your kind words!

[@iviehasegawa3405]

20:39 Yes! I felt safer in Tokyo than I do in my neighborhood or surrounding areas.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Same! Isn’t it uncanny how safe it is?!

[@shellychandler5583]

These videos are so fun! Thank you!!

[@lindamiddleton6785]

Smart to leave spaces in your calendar. You never know when your mum is gonna have a tough spell vs a well spell. Leaves you open to spontaneity as well.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

That means a lot coming from you, Linda. Truly feels like the least stressful path.

[@angm700]

The Fantasy was my first ship this year and I loved it 🥰 Treasure will be my second Disney ship but not until 2026!

[@bonitak8483]

I love the Disney Magic too. But the Wish is so beautiful!

[@sherriewilliams-intuitiveh6487]

The Dream is my favourite too and for the same reasons. 🥰 you will love the Fantasy!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I’m really looking forward to it!

[@HeatherWinterHomes]

On a cruise I had a pedicure and they used the frangipani oil first followed by the milk bath as a lotion on my feet. Never softer!! And the smell of the two combined is exactly like Cabbage Patch Kids. Mmmmmm

[@jenmcw84]

I’ll be in Disney world in May too :) Old Key West and Copper Creek! 🎉

[@stephaniedecamp2362]

Enjoy the time with your mother. Safe traveks.

[@debraboland7660]

I am opening my Voluspa advent calendar every other day to make it last longer. Can’t burn all those candles that quickly anyway.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Brilliant idea!

[@MagicJennifer71]

Did I miss something on the Veluspa calendar? That long box on the left hand side has a ribbon pull. Is there something in that box? Love the video and your chaotic energy and singing as always. Sadie getting on the bed also made me chuckle.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Chaotic energy has always described me perfectly! And I’ll have to run down and check to see if I missed something!!

[@cathymichaelson1507]

Aw!I love Sadie. ❤

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

She NEVER wants to be on camera so she was a surprise guest!

[@cathymichaelson1507]

@ How sweet. What a love bug.

[@mluvskauai]

I love these videos! I get to hang out with a friend while we get stuff done. We are so much alike. We broken into song at the exact same time 🎶 It’s the final candle 🎶 🤘🎤 Great minds and wicked senses of humor!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I mean how could we not?? Thank you!!

[@lindamiddleton6785]

Jen! I told you to ignore the sales pitch!! Ha ha! Enjoy your new Beekman purchase!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I couldn’t help myself, Linda!

[@lindamiddleton6785]

@ well this is a first! I influenced YOU to make a purchase and not the other way around! lol.

[@catgodfrey6451]

Fabulous Q&A😊

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you!!

[@nicolechapman6440]

My very first cruise ever was in 2000 on the Disney Wonder (I think). I might just have to get out the old scrapbook to see if I was right on which ship it was. My second Disney cruise was in 2011 on the Disney dream. I liked both cruises but definitely prefer non-Disney cruising where there are fewer children. My line of choice is princess, I have been on cruises with them and I’m going on another one in February.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

My grandmothers FAVORITE! She passed many years ago but she was an only Princess cruiser

[@Lisa-zt3oj]

I love Sadie!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

SHE'S THE BEST (on her own terms, of course;)

[@sandyenglund6732]

What brand of suitcase do you suggest when you check a bag. Not large but more like medium I am a senior and I need on that is easy to maneuver- even on carpet in hotels

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I really like the medium Away bag from Away Travel but honestly any roller bag is going to struggle on carpet.

[@Traveling1482]

The magic has a sauna in the ladies changing room area - not a steam room though.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I think that’s true on all the ships - steam room was coming out of my mouth and I meant sauna. Thank you!!

[@Traveling1482]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforgeah I haven’t been in the area in the other ships so wasn’t sure. I would really prefer a steam room to a sauna, but at least the sauna is available!

[@southlove]

I remember Polka Spot. She was a diva. And the fact the boys won the Amazing Race on CBS. I didn’t think they would. Glad I was wrong.

[@GoatChampJ1]

Thank you for your discussion about solo travel as a parent. I'm a stay-at-home and homeschooling mom of soon-to-be 3 and contemplating my first solo trip ever in 2025 (to Disney, no less!) and the guilt is immense. Their dad, my spouse, is extremely involved and wonderful, and very supportive of me going on this trip, but it's really difficult to feel like I "deserve" to take up the expense and time, especially when my job doesn't exactly provide financial support. There's a significant part of me that feels like I used up the expense and time with all of the education that I'm not using for a career! I do have a question for you. When solo traveling as a parent of young children, did you primarily take "busy" trips or "relaxing" ones? I'm planning a "busy" trip because I'm afraid if I'm just hanging out on a beach alone, the overthinking will eat me alive! Which was your preference?

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

So it really would depend on the trip but I will say this (and warning you may not like it): the more you feel like you CAN'T relax and sit on the beach and reach a book the more you probably NEED to do just that. It may take a day or two for you to self regulate the point where you can lean into it but it sounds like it might be important. Another option is something like how I do Disney trips or a visit to a big city - stay in a gorgeous resort where you CAN just chill if you want but there is also plenty to do. That's usually the sweet spot for me. GOOD LUCK and I am so happy to read your prioritizing your own self care!

[@neresq]

Forgot to add that Princess Cruises now has Beekman 1802 toiletries in all cabins on its newest ship, Sun Princess. Not sure if it will go fleetwide or not. TBD.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Love that!

[@neresq]

Celebrity Cruises now sells Beekman 1802 products onboard its ships.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

LOVE THAT.

[@RamrodRedfish]

Sadie ❤❤❤ what a lovely sweet girl.

[@ck2d]

Next March I'm going to Australia - my 5th continent!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Someday! Obviously it's too far of a journey to meet my current 5 day travel limit but when Scott retires it's first on our list!

[@danafrommigratorynerds]

Thanks for your video! May I ask where you found your house sitter? Hiring one is something I have considered but I don’t really know how to find someone trustworthy. Thank you!

[@jo-annr.1291]

Our veterinarian was able to recommend a former Vet Tech that use to work for him, and she started a pet sitting business. We couldn’t have asked for a better human to care for the fur babies .

[@danafrommigratorynerds]

@ oh that’s a good idea to ask our vet for recommendations. Thanks!!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

In our case it’s a relative that lives near by so I’m not much help!

[@danafrommigratorynerds]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge I need one of those! 🤣

[@irishheart1]

Maybe you will do a meet up trip with Adam? That’s how I discovered you 😊

[@nicolechapman6440]

Alaska is the best!! You should definitely put it on your to do list. Maybe try a cruise line other than Disney it would probably cost half as much.

[@juliajones2283]

X😊🎄

[@DianeGedeonArt]

Can we please have your travel agent's info? It's not listed above. Thanks! Love your channel! Long time watcher ;)

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

It's in the description box of the video or at least should be! Here you go if I missed it www.packyourpixiedust.com

[@PegKrum]

So glad to hear good things about the Disney Dream - I’m going on my first Disney cruise in April on that ship!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

You will LOVE IT!

[@omrouk]

I just have to ask. What is it about the Riviera? The exterior feels so poorly themed compared to the actual Riviera. It’s a weirdly grey Parisian theme, rather than a pastel coloured villa on the actual Riviera. Is it the rooms? The proximity to the skyliner (which I would totally get as a major selling point)?

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Have you stayed there?

[@omrouk]

@ no, we thought about it for our last visit, because we wanted to be on the skyliner, but friends wanted to come with us, so we stayed at a resort that was in their budget. That’s why I’m asking. From the outside it seems so uninspiring. Having been to the French Riviera, the theming is off. Plus, when we walked through in 2023, the lobby seemed incredibly underwhelming compared to the other luxury resorts. I was expecting something a little cavernous like the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Animal Kingdom Lodge, etc. If the rooms are amazing, with access to the Skyliner, I can see that appeal.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

@ well we really like it! I didn’t think I would but after we stayed there we changed our mind.

[@omrouk]

@ Maybe next time we’ll give it a try. 🙂

[@bronniepaterson4694]

Loved this Q&A . Your so right about the Muslim countries.. People need to wake to the so called “ good “ holiday areas. They usually have terrible women rights or total lack of them…. I would NEVER visit a Muslim country. I do have Muslim friends who are very dear to me,but I wouldn’t visit a Muslim country…. Home alone parenting now and then is a great thing for everyone. The non primary carer really sees just what you do ….. Loved this…👍🇬🇧

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I just struggle anywhere where rights are being suppressed. Although the country I live in isn’t looking great for that soon either so I suppose it’s all relative.

[@bronniepaterson4694]

@ Yes unfortunately America is at a very strange crossroads. Praying everything isn’t going to be to radical and that people will be strong if they need to be and apply pressure in difficult situations….. Stay strong Jen…the world as usual and especially the UK will stand with America….👍🇬🇧

[@ck2d]

I went to Morocco by myself. It was amazing.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

@ it’s on Scott’s list too so we will probably go together at some point!

[@kristin.o.cooper]

Jen I ADORE the Fantasy! I think you would loveeee the adult lounges on that ship. The Dream was our first ship (first cruise was right after they opened back up post-covid) and I really want to go back on it but a longer cruise. 4 days is not enough! Our next cruise is in February, our first time on the Wish, and I’m excited but nervous I’m gonna have fomo since it only does the short sailings. 🥲 Gonna make the most of it, though!