Family vacations can be wonderful—and financially exhausting. Guadeloupe is a great choice for families that want to get away without going too far and spending too much money.

It’s close but feels far away.

The warm, sunny islands that make up this French territory in the Caribbean are just a short plane ride away. Getting there is easy with Norwegian Airways—it’s a direct flight from New York’s JFK airport. Plus, it’s only a 3-hour flight, so you won’t have to deal with too many ‘Are we there yet?” inquiries from the kids! Then, once you arrive, there are the family-friendly accommodations along white sandy beaches, inexpensive activities that engage young minds, and tantalizing cuisine featuring the freshest ingredients.

The seafood is unsurpassed in Guadeloupe.

The islands’ culinary style has French, African, Caribbean, and even Indian influences. Each of the islands incorporates these flavors in a unique way, but all of them make the most of the plentiful seafood, which is prepared to the highest culinary standards. Local fish and shellfish are caught fresh every day, sometimes making it from sea to table in just a few hours—whether you’re dining at a four-star restaurant, on-site at your hotel, or enjoying an inexpensive meal on the go from a local street vendor.

(Photo: Aniesia Williams)
(Photo: Aniesia Williams)

Guadeloupe is a paradise for hikers.

You know those movies and TV shows where you see hikes through lush rainforests that end when a majestic waterfall comes into view, complete with a natural pool for swimming? In Guadeloupe National Park (Parc National de la Guadeloupe), you’ll feel like you’re in the movie. And, bonus—it’s free! The islands are known for their excellent hiking, with more than 100 miles of trails.

(Photo: Aniesia Williams)
(Photo: Aniesia Williams)

The park sits at the base of La Soufrière volcano. Bring good hiking shoes because the trails may be muddy or slippery. Pack a swimsuit and a rain jacket, too. Choose among several well-marked, guided hikes depending on your skill, experience, and interest. Birdwatchers, keep your eyes open for the black woodpecker, pearly-eyed thrasher, and lesser Antillean pewee. And don’t miss the Yellow Baths hot spring! The official park website is in French, but most browsers can translate. Trace (trail) statuses are posted regularly, so check it out before you go.

Guadeloupe has a family-friendly beach resort with something for everyone.

La Creole Beach Hotel in le Gosier is nestled among garden surroundings, featuring palm trees and bright bougainvillea. Three on-premise restaurants make feeding the whole family simple, and breakfast is included. Restaurants offer French cuisine, Cajun/Creole cuisine, or a “diner” experience with pizza and quick-service lunch. Amenities include Wi-Fi (for a small fee), satellite TV, room service options, hair dryers, and complimentary crib/rollaway beds.

(Photo: Aniesia Williams)

Children of guests are welcome in the children’s club area, and there’s also a fee-based childcare service. There are two pools (one for children), plus many on-site activities for families traveling with older kids/teens, too. Things like sailing, volleyball, windsurfing, surfing, snorkeling, bicycle rentals, and spa services!

You can island hop to a fort.

Les Saintes is the site of Fort Napoleon, where you can get unforgettable 360-degree scenic views. It’s educational but it’s also fascinating. The fort’s museum is dedicated to the art, culture, history, and natural beauty of the area. Don’t miss the botanical cactus garden (yes, cacti in the Caribbean!) or the roaming iguanas. Get an early start—the site has limited hours, just 9:00 am to 12:30 p m. Also, it’s a steep walk up from the ferry dock, but a short one—only about 15-20 minutes. You may want to pack a French-English dictionary, as many exhibit materials are in French. Guided tours are available in French, although self-guided ones are fine, too. Admission is roughly $4 for adults, $2.25 for children.

(Photo: Aniesia Williams)

Guadeloupe is the perfect family vacation—it’s close to home and there’s lots to do for everyone. It’s hard to see why anyone would pass up a trip to this tropical paradise.

Are your feeling overwhelmed? Asking yourself how do I balance family, business, and my needs? Learn how to use the Self-Care Formula.

I know you are saying “Self-care! What’s that? There is not enough time in a day for self-care. I have a business to run! I have a family to take care of! If I miss work who will do my work for me while I am out? I can’t afford to miss a meeting.”

I understand, but taking care of yourself should be your No. 1 priority. Self-care is a powerful choice to engage in the activities that are required to gain or maintain the best level of health. As an executive in the height of my career, I have had to learn the importance of self-care the tough way.

February 20th started out like any other day in my life. I got up, went through my morning routine, and went into the office. Went into my first meeting of the day fine, and upon leaving the room felt like my leg was dragging. I mentioned to my colleagues that I was feeling off balance, but we all dismissed my related symptoms to tiredness.

I tried to use my cell phone, but it just seemed to jump out of my hand, which I chalked up to my nerves. I continued through my day and even went on to co-host my radio show that evening, came home, and told my husband I was still feeling off. He didn’t see anything wrong with me at the time, and we just went to bed.

The next morning my symptoms had worsened. After a visit to the emergency room, I spent the next 11 days in hospitals, first in acute care, and then in intensive inpatient rehab. My medical teams have been key in helping to restore the function that I lost initially, in my continuing recovery, and helping me to understand and cope with the seriousness of the brain injury I had suffered.

You must stay on top of any health conditions you know about, as the body is a system—one small imbalance can trigger a massive failure. We have all heard it before: eat right, exercise, get rest, do your annual checkups. Choose one thing to focus on and change at a time, through small daily alterations and consistency.

I am eating better, listening to my body more, and resting when it tells me too. In order to take care of my clientele, I had to do a total life change including making self-care a priority.

Try the Self-Care Formula below:

S- Support System

E- Eat 3 healthy meals plus snacks through the day

L- Love yourself so you can Live

F- Family—take time out to enjoy your family

C- Commit to taking an hour a day to do something fun

A- Active—make sure that you are active throughout the day

R- Rest/Sleep at least 8 hours at night  

E- Environment (office & home) should be organized and functional  

Dr. Catrina Pullum has been called a Trailblazer, a Transformer, a Visionary, & The Chain Breaker. As a Film, TV, & Theatrical Producer, Dr. Catrina is creating a platform for women to share their stories of Triumph through the Arts. Dr. Catrina has an enlivening presence that compels people to stop allowing limits placed on them to hinder their growth toward becoming all that they have been destined to be.

Learn more about Dr. Catrina by visiting her websites www.pullcorp.com or www.drcatrinapullum.com.

Follow Dr. Catrina Pullum on Twitter: @drpullum

As a college student at Miles College in Alabama, Lauren Daniels was always asked to be the bartender at parties off-campus. Thus, an idea struck.

“I was always the person that everyone would come to for the drinks. People were still asking when I moved back to Detroit. I saw a need for it but I wanted to make sure that our services were tailored to give that luxury experience,” Daniels says.

After attending bartending school, Sumptuous Spirits L.L.C. was created. According to the company, they cater to a target market of “social professionals” in entrepreneurial, professional, and corporate communities.

As a wife, corporate maven, and graduate student currently working toward a master’s degree in business administration, Daniels says that her first year in business has been all about balance and time management.

When asked what advice she could give an entrepreneur who is still breaking into their first year of business, she says there is one simple answer: “prioritize, prioritize, prioritize! I always have a planner and I faithfully write down everything I have to do for that day. When you try to do everything at one time you lose focus.”

The full-service mobile bartending company, which recently celebrated its one year in business, now boasts a staff of 10 cocktail waiters and bartenders. Daniels says managing a staff and dealing with the rapid growth of Sumptuous Spirits has been challenging, yet very rewarding.

“I’m very fortunate to now have an event coordinator and bar lead who help me with managing day-to-day operations. You can’t do it all alone and I’m learning to delegate tasks to my team,” Daniels states.

“When I started my business, I was so hesitant to host events but I realized that the events that I was having were bringing people together and people were able to see our services. Sumptuous Spirits is more than just a bartending service; we’re having events where people in the community can come together over a great cocktail. Whatever your dreams are, just do it. Put a plan in motion and go for it!” she concludes.

We’ll drink to that!

 Danielle D. Hughes is a social entrepreneur, journalist, and youth advocate. When she’s not writing or covering news, you’ll find her at church, spending time with loved ones, or enjoying a great read! Keep up with her: @danielledhughes