Why Travel Became Our Biggest Investment (Even When Life Was on 1.5x Speed)

When people find out we have three boys, the first thing they usually say is "your hands must have been full." They have no idea. With three kids under one roof, life didn't just move fast, it felt like someone had permanently set the house to 1.5x speed. Meals, homework, practices, family dinners, meltdowns, bedtime, repeat. Marco and I loved every minute of it and also, some days, could barely hear ourselves think.

That's the thing nobody tells you about parenting: it's not that you stop being yourselves, it's that you stop having the space to remember who that is. And we found, again and again, that the version of us who could think clearly, who could actually hear each other finish a sentence, who could remember why we fell in love with this whole chaotic life in the first place, that version of us only fully showed up when we stepped outside our everyday responsibilities. Even for a little while.

That's what travel gave us. Not an escape from our family, an escape into it.

The balcony rule

Somewhere along the way, we made a habit of it: all five of us crammed into one hotel room, no separate space to retreat to, and every evening we'd end up on the balcony together with whatever snacks we'd smuggled from the day's adventures. No screens buzzing, no schedules pulling at us, just one shared day to talk about. Those balcony nights are some of the best conversations we've ever had as a family, better than most conversations we've had at home, if I'm honest, because there was nowhere else anyone needed to be.

Disney, before it was easy

We became Disney regulars back in the early 2000s, and it wasn't for the reason most people assume. Our boys had food allergies, and in those days, very few destinations anywhere in the world were set up to handle that with any real care. Disney was. It’s so amazing that families can now enjoy this same care many places in the world, and we are so grateful to our Disney theme park and cruise vacations for keeping our babies safe for years. That reliability meant we could actually relax instead of white-knuckling every meal, and it opened the door to something we didn't expect: the chance to really watch our kids, closely, trip after trip, and see who they actually were.

What we saw in our kids surprised us in the best way. One of our boys bonded hard with me over something I've never grown out of: keeping the child in you alive, no matter how old you get. He's studying to be a teacher now. Another fell completely in love with the Imagineering side of things, the technology, the engineering, the way a great meal can be part of the storytelling, and he's working toward an AI/ML degree with dreams of building roller coasters one day. And our third learned something on those trips that's followed him well beyond them: how to plan a "perfect" day, watch it fall apart a little, and roll with it anyway. That skill, bending instead of breaking when things don't go to plan, has become one of the ways he manages his anxiety at school today.

We didn't set out to discover any of that. We just kept traveling, kept paying attention, and it revealed itself.

Forever friends, and Nonno e Nonna

Some of our richest trips weren't just the five of us. We traveled often in bigger groups, and for most of our vacations, Nonno and Nonna came along too. There's something about shared adventure, a delayed flight, a rainy day rerouted into something better, a sailing where everyone ends up at the same dinner table, that turns travel companions into forever friends, and turns grandparents into co-conspirators in your kids' best memories.

Looking back, every trip, every sailing, every ordinary balcony evening added up to something we didn't fully understand we were building at the time: trust. A family community our boys can carry with them forever, built on "good times" we actually lived, together, away from the 1.5x speed of everyday life.

That's why travel has been our biggest investment. Not because of where we went, but because of who we became, and who our kids became, every time we went there.

Why We Keep Coming Back to the Winona Peach Festival - And Why It Means Everything to Us

If you live in our lush part of Ontario, you know that every August, something happens that reminds us exactly why we do what we do. The Winona Peach Festival comes around, we set up our booth in the Commercial Exhibit area, and within minutes the community finds us!

This year the festival runs August 28, 29 and 30, 2026 at Winona Park on Barton Street - just a short drive from our home in Grimsby, and we are already counting the days. The Winona Peach Festival is one of Ontario's top 100 festivals, completely free to attend, and entirely run by volunteers and not-for-profit organisations. Parking may come at a small cost, but there are shuttles in addition to parking at Puddicombe farms and various stops nearby. That spirit of community giving? It's exactly our kind of place.

IT'S ABOUT SO MUCH MORE THAN PEACHES

Yes, the peach sundaes are legendary. Yes, the peach pies and cobblers and ice cream are worth every single calorie. But what keeps us coming back year after year isn't just the food it's the people. Our kind of people.

Over the years, the Winona Peach Festival has become one of our favourite ways to meet families from all across Ontario. Families from Hamilton, Toronto, Burlington, Fonthill, and everywhere in between all gathered together in one beautiful, unhurried place. And yes, those peach sundae lines are absolutely worth the wait. We've had some of our best conversations with future clients while standing in line together, peach in hand, nobody in a rush. Just like a vacation, people come to slow down. To be with each other. We don’t know how long these kinds of festivals will last, but we hope it’s forever.

EVEN THE VENDORS BECOME FAMILY

One of our favourite things about returning to the Commercial Exhibit area each year is the vendors we've come to know and love. What started as neighbouring booths has grown into genuine friendships. These are the kind where you pick up right where you left off, year after year. There's something beautiful about that. Just like our Italian routes, the idea that the people around your table, or in this case your booth, become your extended family. That's what the Peach Festival has given us. Thank you SO much if you are one of our tried and true booth buddies!

COMMUNITY, CHARITY, AND PEACH PIE

What makes this festival truly special is its heart. The charitable peach pies and ice cream showcases are delicious (and iconic), but they also represent something we deeply believe in: that food, community, and generosity belong together. The festival is run entirely by many local not-for-profit organisations and every volunteer shows up because they love what this weekend represents. We feel right at home. Some of them have become dear clients to us too. We absolutely adore you guys!

COME FIND US FOR A GIVEAWAY TOO!

So, if you're heading to the Winona Peach Festival this August, come say hello at our booth in the Commercial Exhibit area. Every year we run a giveaway that includes a night's stay in Niagara Falls Canada, a carry-on bag, and other travel goodies. Just visit our tent and fill out a 2 line ballot in person. We'd love to meet you, talk travel, and maybe share a peach sundae. No pressure, no sales pitch, that’s not how we role, or what the festival is about. We will always love a conversation about where your family might go next though.

THIS IS WHY WE TRAVEL AND WHY WE HELP YOU DO THE SAME

At the end of every Peach Festival weekend, we drive home full of peach pie, a little sunburned, and genuinely happy, because we spent three days surrounded by community. By connection. By families enjoying each other.

That feeling of being together, and of the world feeling a little warmer and slower is exactly what we try to create for every family we send on a trip. Community at its core. We hope to see you at the festival folks! Is this up your alley, or do you prefer checking out local businesses in different ways?

Travel With The Finocchis · Grimsby, Ontario · finocchi@playcationtravel.com

Gamers, Get Your Warp Pipes Ready: Super Nintendo World is Coming to Epic Universe! Let's-a Go!

Universal Orlando lovers the rumors were true, the anticipation was real, and now it's finally happening!

To all of the Mario mains, Yoshi enthusiasts, and Donkey Kong devotees – prepare to jump into a world of pure Nintendo fun, because Super Nintendo World is landing at Universal's Epic Universe in 2025! That's right, it's time to dust off your overalls and polish your shells, because we're about to warp into a land bursting with iconic characters, thrilling rides, and delicious treats.

Buckle up Ontario, because we're about to take a victory lap through the three epic attractions that await:

• Yoshi's Adventure: Saddle up on Yoshi's back and embark on a whimsical quest atop Mount Beanpole. Help Captain Toad track down those elusive mystery eggs – who knows what fantastical treasures they hold?

• Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge: Get ready to rev your engines and throw some virtual banana peels! This high-octane ride throws you right into the heart of a Mario Kart race against the infamous Team Bowser. Put your drifting skills to the test, collect coins, and aim for that coveted Golden Cup!

• Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness: Calling all thrill-seekers! Join Donkey Kong on a wild mine cart adventure that's guaranteed to unleash your inner banana-hoarding primate. Hold on tight and get ready for a bumpy, but unforgettable, ride!

But wait! No theme park experience is complete without some truly epic eats. Super Nintendo World will tantalize your taste buds with three unique dining destinations, each serving up themed treats that will have any Nintendo fan cheering for more:

• Toadstool Cafe: Fuel up for your adventures with delightful dishes inspired by the Mushroom Kingdom. Who knows, you might even get a glimpse of Princess Peach!

• Yoshi's Snack Island: Take a break and recharge with refreshing treats that are as adorable as Yoshi himself.

• Turbo Boost Treats: Need a quick sugar rush to keep you going? Turbo Boost Treats will have all sorts of energizing goodies to keep you on top of your game.

So there you have it, folks! The Finocchi family is booking their own Epic adventure for next year, will you be joining us?

We are super confident that Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe is shaping up to be the ultimate destination for gamers of all ages, so come one and come all!

Mark your calendars, grab your Power Stars, and get ready to experience the magic of Nintendo like never before! See you in 2025! Let's-a go Canada!

ACCIO ADVENTURE! These are the top 3 reasons to visit Ireland for a Harry Potter fan!

Accio Adventure! Top 3 Reasons Ireland is a Harry Potter Fan's Dream in 2024

Calling all witches, wizards, and muggles alike! You KNOW that Travel with the Finocchis are magical at creating the perfect Universal Orlando Resort vacation. But we also help you visit the places that inspired these magical books. J.K. Rowling's magical world wasn't just conjured from thin air. The Emerald Isle, Ireland, played a huge role in inspiring the landscapes, locations, and even atmosphere of the beloved Harry Potter series.

For your travel inspired pleasure here at Playcation Travel Ltd, Marco and I have brewed up the top 3 reasons why Ireland should be your 2024 vacation destination for the ultimate Harry Potter fan:

1. Walk Where the Magic Began: The Cliffs of Moher

Remember the breathtaking opening scene of "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"? The windswept, dramatic Cliffs of Moher on Ireland's western coast served as the backdrop for this iconic moment. Imagine channeling your inner Harry as you stand where he once did, feeling the invigorating sea spray on your face and gazing out at the endless horizon. Who knows, you might even spot a creature soaring in the distance that could have sprung straight from the pages of a Hogwarts textbook!

2. Step into Hogwarts at Ashford Castle

Ever receive your Hogwarts letter in your dreams? Well, step into a real-life castle that directly inspired the magical school itself! Ashford Castle, a luxurious 5-star hotel nestled in County Mayo, boasts a rich history and an uncanny resemblance to Hogwarts. With its winding staircases, grand fireplaces, and sprawling grounds, it's easy to imagine sorting ceremonies taking place in a majestic hall or students dashing through hidden corridors on their way to class.

3. Explore Magical Villages and Landscapes

Ireland's magic extends far beyond these specific locations. Explore the charming village of Killarney, rumored to be the inspiration for the whimsical Hogsmeade. Visit the enchanting Glendalough valley, with its ancient monastic ruins that could easily be mistaken for hidden corners of Hogwarts grounds. Throughout your journey, keep your eyes peeled for quaint shops and local folklore that might spark your imagination and remind you of your favorite wizarding world moments.

Beyond the Spellbinding Sites

Of course, no trip to Ireland is complete without indulging in a frothy Butterbeer (minus the magical effects) at a cozy pub and immersing yourself in the rich history and culture that continues to inspire countless stories.

Let Us Craft Your Unforgettable Irish Adventure

Travel with the Finocchis specialize in working with fun guided tour itineraries and adding little tips for the ultimate Harry Potter fan. Contact us today and let us help you plan your dream Irish vacation – it'll be an experience that's guaranteed to leave you saying, "Mischief Managed!"