Stan Loomis – Travel

Vacationing in Cancun, Mexico

by Stan Loomis on September 15, 2015

Stan Loomis has been an avid traveler all his life. He enjoys going on vacation with his family and exploring the world around him. One of his favorite destinations he has visited is Cancun, Mexico.

As one of the top vacation destinations throughout all of Mexico, filled to the brim with endless activities to partake in, glorious beaches to spend hours at, and an array of incredible restaurants and nightlife opportunities, it is no wonder why so many people head to Cancun, Mexico year after year. Whether you are traveling as a couple, with a group of friends or with your entire family, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy in Cancun. The following are some ideas on what to fill your days with next time you find yourself in this beautiful resort town:

Explore Chichen Itza

If one of your goals while in Cancun is to get a better feel for its rich history and heritage, then you will not want to miss out on an exploration of Chichen Itza. It serves as a large Mayan archeological site as well as one of the most notable landmarks of the Yucatan.

Dig Your Toes In The Sand

If the beaches of Cancun are not already on your list, then make sure to add them right away. Turquoise waters and soft sand paired with the perfect climate will have you relaxed and soaking up that hot Mexican sun in no time at all. If you want to do more than just that, head into the water and enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and even jet skiing! Head to Playa Delfines to get away from the crowds or enjoy some local company at Playa Tortugas.

Have Some Fun At the Interactive Aquarium

If you are in fact traveling with little ones, then this is an excellent opportunity to take a break from the hot sunshine and get an up close and personal look at some of the beautiful marine life at Cancun’s Interactive Aquarium. You and the kids will enjoy the many touch tanks, dolphin swims and exciting shark feedings while there.

Spend A Night Out On The Town

If you do not have to worry about any kids while on vacation and are looking to enjoy a night out on the town, Cancun will far from disappoint. If dancing, conga lines, acrobats and live performances are what you are after, then head to Coco Bongo for all of that and so much more. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere, you will be glad to know there are plenty of beachside and in-town bars that are ready and willing to serve you up a mean margarita.

Filed Under: Family, Travel Tagged With: Beaches, Cancun, Family Fun, Mexico, Stan Loomis, travel, vacation

Benefits of an Active Family

by Stan Loomis on June 16, 2014

The Loomis boys are enjoying the ocean air as they share in their father’s boating hobby.

Stan Loomis and his wife are outdoor enthusiasts who take advantage of every opportunity to connect with nature.

Whether it is boating, vacationing, hiking, or bike riding, the Loomis’ strive to set a healthy example for their growing children, and promotes a path to a healthier lifestyle.

Many of their adventures can be found on Stan Loomis’ blog.

Let’s Move! is an initiative to solve childhood obesity. According to Michelle Obama, who began this program, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled in the past three decades. Unfortunately, if this problem is not solved, nearly one third of children born in 2000 or later will face chronic obesity-related health issues. This may include high blood pressure, cancer, heart disease, and asthma.

Let’s Move! recognizes that everyone has a role to play if we hope to reduce childhood obesity. This includes parents, who should provide a healthy example for their children. One way to do this is by engaging in physical activity as a family. Studies show that children who feel supported by their families to become active are likely to be more active.

Combined with healthy eating, physical activity can help prevent a range of diseases and can help control weight, promote muscle development, and reduce stress. Let’s Move! recommends children have 60 minutes of play every day to develop a healthy weight.

A few activities and steps are provided on the official website that can guide families on their path to a healthier lifestyle. Some activities include:

Encourage children to join a sports team or try a new physical activity.
Walk around the neighborhood after a meal together.
Limit TV time and keep the TV out of a child’s bedroom.
Volunteer with after school programs or sports teams.
Find time to spend together doing a fun activity, whether it’s a day at the park, swimming, or biking.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: boating, family, let's move, Stan Loomis

How to Charter a Yacht

by Stan Loomis on May 16, 2014

Stan Loomis chartered this boat in March 2014.

As evident by his Pinterest page, Stan Loomis and his wife have traveled to many picturesque destinations. The couple was in a position to travel to many of their favorite vacation spots via yacht, which Stan Loomis is very skilled at chartering. With years of experience in this particular area, he is able to provide useful tips about chartering a yacht to his blog followers.

Stan Loomis recognizes that not everyone has the opportunity to their own yacht, and recommends rentals instead.

Even with very little knowledge of sailing, anyone can rent a boat to sail to hidden coves and secluded dive spots. No official certification is required, only a list of experience (if any), and an onboard briefing and Q&A session. Armed with this information, the company will decide what boat is best and what size. If an individual is vastly under qualified, the company will recommend a skipper to join the trip.

According to budgettravel.com, most rental require a rental period of five to seven days. Prices for renting will vary depending on the size of the boat, its age, amenities, and staff. A typical rental ranges from 32 to 52 feet. With up to 12 passengers, bareboating can start with prices as low as $50 per person per night, and reach $200 a night per person.

After dropping anchor in a cozy cove, many sailors spend the day swimming, catching fish, and utilizing the grill aboard the yacht.

Stan Loomis also advises new sailors to maintain their distance from other yachts, as a main point of chartering is privacy.

Over the course of the weekly rental, parties can also spend time snorkeling or exploring shops, beaches, restaurants, and bars at other ports.

Stan Loomis and his wife recommend chartering to the British Virgin Islands, their favorite travel destination. Learn more about Stan by visiting his Flavors.Me profile: http://stanloomis.flavors.me/.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Boat Charters, British Virgin Island, Stan Loomis

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

by Stan Loomis on April 11, 2014

Avid drum player Stan Loomis considers a trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with his kids to be one of his favorite vacations.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum is one of Cleveland’s top attractions and a memorable destination for Stan Loomis and his family.

When his kids were younger, Stan Loomis remembers walking through the museum, dedicated to archiving the history of the world’s best musical talents.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation was created in 1983 and began inducting artists in 1986. At this time, the Hall of Fame still did not have a base location. Several cities were considered for the museum, including Memphis, Detroit, New York City, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. Ultimately, the organization chose Cleveland as the home of the museum, as it was once the home of Alan Freed, a disc jockey who coined the term ‘rock ‘n’ roll’ in the 1950’s. For this reason, Cleveland became the location of this popular museum, which traces the history and social context of rock music and artists throughout generations.

Since its opening, the Hall of Fame has hosted over 8.5 million visitors, impacting Cleveland’s economy for the better. Its existence has created more than 950 jobs, bringing in greater than $100 million a year.

There are several levels in the building that showcase exhibits on the roots of rock and roll, gossip, rhythm and blues, country, and bluegrass. In addition, exhibits on Memphis, London, Liverpool, San Francisco, Detroit, and other musical cities are showcased. Several of the greatest musicians of all time have their own personal exhibits, including The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and the Rolling Stones. Another floor hosts a stage for various events, and a section dedicated to contemporary artists called, “Right Here, Right Now.”

In 1997, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame added temporary exhibits into the mix. Some of the most popular temporary exhibits include, “I Want to Take You Higher: The Psychedelic Era, 1965,” “Elvis: The King of Rock and Roll,” and “Lennon: His Life and Work.”

As Stan Loomis has always had a passion for music, learning how to play the drums when he was a teenager, he thoroughly enjoyed studying artifacts and learning about a number of musical legends throughout the decades.

Want to learn more about Stan Loomis and his travels? Ask him a question on Quora, or view photos he has taken on these trips by following his Pinterest pins: http://www.pinterest.com/stanloomis/pins/

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: music, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Stan Loomis

Disney Cruise

by Stan Loomis on March 28, 2014

Stan Loomis poses with his wife during their first Disney cruise.

Stan Loomis and his family have been on a number of Disney Cruises, mainly because they offer something for the entire family to enjoy.

At the enchanting youth clubs, the Loomis children were cared for by trained counselors, leaving Stan Loomis and his wife the opportunity to explore the ship on their own. The venues and activities created exclusively for adults 18 and older included:

Spa & Fitness

Each of the Disney Cruise Line ships feature an elegant salon, spa, and fitness center for rejuvenation and recreation. The couple’s favorite was the Senses Spa & Salon, which included 17 treatment rooms, two private Villas, a sauna, steam room, and relaxing atmosphere for guests. Stan Loomis’ wife enjoyed a manicure and relaxing full body massage.

Dining

The couple had a romantic dining experience amid an elegant atmosphere. The Northern Italian food at Palo boasts upscale cuisine and provides an excellent view of the ocean. Adding to the experience is a pianist who softly serenades diners.

Quiet Cove Pool

This pool is one of three aboard the ship and allows adults to cool off and mingle with one another. To maximize relaxation, the pool also includes two whirlpools and 40 comfortable deck lounge chairs. Cocktails and snacks are served throughout the day, as well as games and activities hosted by Cast Members.

Nightclubs and Lounges

An array of nightclubs and lounges are offered on the ship where adults can mingle, dance, and listen to live music.

Stan Loomis’ favorite was Fathoms, a club that hosted different entertainment options nightly.

During the day, Fathoms is open to everyone, but at night, caters exclusively to adults. Live music, dancing, live shows, and even karaoke brought out a fun adult crowd and kept everyone entertained.

Live Shows

Stan Loomis was impressed with the Broadway quality musicals, specifically one titled “Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story.” The costumes, choreography, and music in the show were top quality and kept the Loomis’ attention for the entire 50 minutes.

Learn more about Stan Loomis and his most memorable vacations by adding him on Google+ or following his Tumblr blog: stanloomis.tumblr.com

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Disney Cruise Line, Stan Loomis

British Virgin Islands (BVI)

by Stan Loomis on March 21, 2014

Stan Loomis often charters boats with his family to the British Virgin Islands.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is the Loomis’ favorite vacation spot of all. They have racked up a total of thirteen trips and intend on many more.

One of the reasons Stan Loomis favors this destination is that he is able to visit the island via boat chartering.

He loves sailing his yacht and competing in multiple races that are held at the islands each year.

A few years ago, Stan Loomis took his wife and kids to BVI, where they experienced yet another memorable vacation.

The British Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean and contain more than fifty islands, not all of which are inhabited. The main islands include Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke.

Tortola

Tortola is the largest of the islands and accounts for 80% of the BVI’s 25,000 citizens. The island was formed by volcanic activity and therefore consists of sharp peaks and mountains. In addition, minor earthquakes are common. Plentiful beaches make Tortola a popular destination for sailing, scuba diving, surfing, and other water sports. Stan Loomis found that the underdeveloped Josiah’s Bay provided the best surf without being too crowded.

Virgin Gorda

The plush lifestyle the island provides makes it the perfect location for billionaires and stars to settle down. The island is much less commercialized than the rest but still provides beautiful sights, restaurants, villas, and more. Stan Loomis enjoyed hiking over the giant granite rock formations of the Baths to Devil’s Bay.

Anegada

This island has a desert style landscape that provides a unique, mysterious experience. Its name comes from the Spanish word “drowned,” as it has sunk more than 300 ships in the past. Stan Loomis loved diving on the shipwrecks and snorkeling in beautiful blue waters.

Jost Van Dyke

Jost Van Dyke is the smallest of the main islands and remains untouched by development. Still, more than 7,000 boats pass through the island’s port annually. Stan Loomis relished the relaxing atmosphere and free-spirited locals.

View other photos Stan Loomis took by viewing his Pinterest boards, or by connecting with him on Google+: https://plus.google.com/+StanLoomisPharmacyConsultant

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: British Virgin Islands, BVI, Stan Loomis, vacation

Florence, Italy

by Stan Loomis on March 14, 2014

Stan Loomis poses with his wife during their trip to Florence, Italy.

Not too long ago, Stan Loomis and his wife took a trip to Florence, Italy, where they did quite a bit of sightseeing.

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence attracts a surplus of tourists annually. In addition, Forbes ranked Tuscany as one of the most beautiful cities in the world due to its architectural and artistic legacy.

Stan Loomis and his wife efficiently explored Florence with a ‘Hop-on Hop-off Tour.’

Aboard a double decker bus, the duo was able to hop off the bus as many times as they wanted to enjoy a full day of sightseeing at places such as the Cathedral, Piazzale Michelangelo, San Marco, and Santa Croce.

The Palazzo Vecchio was one of the most memorable destinations. This fortress was designed between 1298 and 1314 and offers architecture that is unsurpassed. In addition to the sheer size, Michelangelo’s sculpture, Genio della Vittoria, and the battle scenes painted from the floor to the ceiling add to the building’s grandeur. On the terrace, Stan Loomis enjoyed viewing the panorama of Piazza della Signoria and the breathtaking city skyline beyond.

One of the Loomis’ favorite museums was the Uffizi Gallery. Here, they were able to gaze at a collection of Renaissance artwork from artists such as Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. The couple adored famous paintings and sculptures before heading to the rooftop café, where they enjoyed lunch and a beautiful view of the city.

A cooking class in the heart of Florence provided a unique, memorable experience for Stan Loomis and his wife to cherish. With the assistance of a famous local chef, the class made homemade pasta, bruschetta, and a main course, while sampling other local foods and wines.

Bubbling over with priceless art and museums, it was impossible for Stan Loomis and his wife to see all of Florence in one trip. They hope to return someday soon to delight in more of the world-class galleries, baristas, and skilled local bakers.

Learn more about Stan Loomis and his travels by reading his travel blog or viewing the photos he has shared from his travels on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/stanloomis/

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Florence, Hop-on Hop-off Tour, Italy, Stan Loomis

Rome

by Stan Loomis on March 10, 2014

Stan Loomis and his family enjoy dinner at Tartufo dei tre Scalin.

Rome, often referred to as “The Eternal City,” is the birthplace of Western civilization. Monuments, museums, ancient ruins, and local cuisine have earned Rome the 11th spot on the list of most visited cities in the world.

Recently, Stan Loomis and his family visited this history-rich capital of Italy.

Art

As one of the world’s greatest art cities, breathtaking masterpieces, architecture, and sculptures provide artistic splendor that the entire Loomis family enjoyed. The family’s favorite gallery in Rome was the Museo e Galleria Borghese. Paintings and sculptures from famous artists such as Botticelli, Raphael, and Caravaggio provide an art collection that is unsurpassed. The gallery’s superb mosaics and intricate design work add to the grandeur of the experience.

Historical Landmarks

Rome is home to many historical landmarks that leave Stan Loomis and other tourists in awe.

The family visited the famous Colosseum, one of the most thrilling ancient wonders. This top tourist attraction draws more than five million visitors annually and dates all the way back to 80 AD, when crowds would gather to watch gruesome gladiatorial games.

Architecture

Rome’s churches date back to the 4th century and are plentiful throughout Rome. Furthermore, the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica highlight the pope’s presence in the city. Stan Loomis and his family also reveled in the Sistine Chapel, the sight of Michelangelo’s most famous works, including “Genesis,” and “Last Judgment.”

Cuisine

A trip to Rome wouldn’t be complete without gorging on traditional Roman foods and wines. The city caters to locals as well as tourists. Some of the restaurants on Stan Loomis’ itinerary included Colline Emiliane, one of the best Italian restaurants in the city. The family enjoyed homemade pastas, desserts, and other Italian delicacies. Another restaurant favorite included Tartufo dei tre Scalini, where the Loomises were able to get a family picture that serves as a reminder of their remarkable trip.

Learn more about Stan Loomis and his travels by viewing his Weebly page or ask him a question about his vacation destinations on Quora: http://www.quora.com/Stan-Loomis

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Rome, Stan Loomis, travel

France

by Stan Loomis on February 28, 2014

Stan Loomis and his wife took in an outdoor art exhibition while vacationing in France.

Stan Loomis and his wife took a trip to France not long ago.

While abroad, they toured Paris and Marseille-Provence and enjoyed the sights, art galleries, and cuisine at each locale.

Paris

Paris is one of the most enchanting cities in France; its grandeur attracting visitors from around the world. Items that made the Loomis’ itinerary included:

Eiffel Tower: This major landmark was a must, acting as the defining monument of the city.
Musee du Louvre: More than 35,000 works of art are on display at this monumental building. The collection ranges from Islamic, Greek, Etruscan, Assyrian, and Coptic Art.
Palais Garnier: The couple enjoyed a night out at the city’s original opera house.
Musee Rodin: Here, Stan Loomis and his wife appreciated the art collection of Auguste Rodin.

Marseille-Provence

In southeastern France, Marseille-Provence has a rich history that makes it a popular destination for tourists. Shops, music, multicultural urbanites, and famous world cuisines have made this bustling port city the second largest in France. Some of Stan Loomis’ favorite things to do in Marseille include:

Perched Villages of the Luberon Day Trip: This walking tour guides a small group of explorers to Oppede le Vieux, a village carved into rock; Menerbes, an old fortress that has experienced many wars; and Roussillon, a village that sits on breathtaking red cliffs.
Jardin du Pharo: Located at the edge of the peninsula, this park provided a perfect spot for the Loomises to picnic and watch the sunset.
Espace Julien: Here, people can listen to a variety of live music, including hip-hop, reggae, rock, alternative, and more.
Le Café des Epices: This fan favorite offers the best French food around, including various sea foods and the catch of the day.

Stan Loomis and his wife enjoyed their trip to France so much that they are considering returning in the near future to tour the rest of Europe as well.

Learn more about the places Stan Loomis has visited by reading his bio on Expertfile or visiting his Weebly page: http://stanloomis.weebly.com/‎

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: France, Paris, Stan Loomis

Miami, Florida

by Stan Loomis on February 24, 2014

Stan Loomis takes in the Miami nightlife with his wife.

In August of 2006, Stan Loomis and his wife took a trip to Miami, Florida.

Traveling by motorcycle, the duo’s adventure was indeed memorable. On their way to the most populous metropolis in the United States, Stan Loomis enjoyed taking in the vast cityscape, as well as the beautiful beaches.

As one of the leading cities in finance, culture, entertainment, media, commerce, international trade, and the arts, Miami provided no shortage of things for the Loomis’ to do. They took advantage of the warm climate by spending some time at South Beach, where the gulf stream and warm ocean current keep the waters at a comfortable swimming temperature year round.

Stan Loomis and his wife also enjoyed the fact that Miami is the cleanest city in the United States.

Its good air quality, clean drinking water, recycling programs, and more ranked Miami “America’s Cleanest City” according to Forbes.

The couple also enjoyed entertainment and performing arts at Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, which is the second-largest arts center in the United States after New York City’s Lincoln Center. As a major music production hotspot, Miami attracts many music festivals as well, such as the Ultra Music Festival. Stan Loomis, who holds a deep passion for music, took his wife to one of the many nightclubs to experience the dance scene. The most well known Miami nightclubs include Mansion, Space, Ink, Cameo, and Parkwest.

In terms of cuisine, the Loomises had an array of options to choose from, as the Miami cuisine is reflective of its diverse population. Stan Loomis added “Floribbean” cuisine to his list of foods to try. This mix of Caribbean, Latin American, and American cuisine is unique to South Florida and widely sought out in Miami. The couple ended their trip with a relaxing seafood dinner alongside Miami Bay, where they appreciated some quality time as the sun set.

Learn more about Stan Loomis and his travels by visiting his about.me page or reading his bio on Expertfile: http://www.expertfile.com/experts/stan.loomis‎

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Florida, Miami, Stan Loomis