15 Tips for Your First Cruise

I have been traveling since I was a kid, but last fall was the first time on a cruise. I couldn’t believe how different it was from other trips I’ve taken. I must admit that I was a little nervous before I went. What I learned was going on a cruise can be an exciting experience, especially if you have an open mind. Here are 15 tips for your first cruise.

Choose the right cruise

Do your research and choose a cruise that matches your interests and needs. Consider the itinerary, cruise line, and ship size. Is it going to be a family vacation, girls’ trip, romantic getaway? This could change the ship that works best. Click HERE to see how to find the right cruise line.

Plan your budget

Plan your budget, including the cost of the cruise, airfare, transfers, and excursions. Make sure you plan on incidentals and tips. Decide what aspects of your trip you don’t mind cutting back on and what aspects you are willing to splurge on.

(more…)

March 4, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

52 Weeks of Self-Care: Weeks 5-8

February Self-Care Roundup

Week 5

Make Time for Stretching

Stretching can help improve flexibility, reduce tightness, reduce stress, and protect your muscles from those fierce workouts you’re doing. Whether you’re doing it before a cardio workout, after a HIIT workout, or right before bed, make some time in your week to add this step to your wellness routine.

For me, yoga is the best way to stretch, so I’ve been trying to take a class twice a week. I love to start and end my week with a class.

Looking for ways to stretch at home? Try these free online stretches:

10 Gentle Yoga Stretches For Beginners For Head To Toe Flexibility

Want a video? Try this 10-Minute Total Body Stretch

Looking for tools to help you stretch?

High-Density Foam Roller

ProStretch The Original Calf Stretcher

Chirp Wheel+ Foam Wheel

(more…)

February 13, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

40 Useful Items for a Cruise

The items I packed for a cruise were so different from the things I usually pack for a trip. It was exciting getting to research and shop for items I don’t usually buy. You know me…I asked everyone’s opinions and read lots of blogs to see what I would need. I bought some and borrowed some, and am so thankful for all the recommendations. Here are 40 useful items for a cruise:

Luggage Tag Holders

You check your luggage when you get to the ship so these are a must since you have to attach the paper luggage tag they make you print out.

Lanyard

When you get on the boat, they give you a card with your name/picture on it. You have to pull it out all the time because it’s your room key. It is also used whenever you get a drink or get on/off the boat at ports.

Magnetic Cabin Hooks

Who knew the walls and door were magnetic? You can use the clip to hand your lanyard so you don’t forget it when you leave the room. You can also use them to organize cruise daily schedules.

Non Surge Protector Power Strips

My room had 2 outlets so it was nice to have more spots to charge my hair straightener, phone and computer chargers, and blow dryer.

(more…)

February 5, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

52 Weeks of Self-Care: Weeks 1-4

WEEK 1

START A NEW BOOK

I love nothing more than getting lost in a good book…the characters, the setting, and all the adventure. It’s a great way to transport yourself to another world. 2023 is the perfect year to try new books, or even new genres. To help you find a great new book, take a peek at some of these recommendations:

Best Summer Reads of 2022

WEEK 2

GET BACK TO YOUR WORKOUT ROUTINE

(more…)

January 30, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

Reykjavik in One Day with Kids

Iceland is the new “it place” to travel to and some people are deciding to add a few days there as a layover. If you have one full day to explore Reykjavik, Iceland, the capital, you may want to get an early start because there is so much to explore in this picturesque port town. I decided I wanted our time in the city to be about culture and our time in the countryside to be about nature. So how can you do Reykjavik in one day with kids?

Here is my itinerary for a full day of fun for the entire family:

(more…)

January 23, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

Simpson Bay Beach Resort

Photo Credit: Simpson Bay Beach Resort

Simpson Bay Beach Resort

Since my younger daughter was having fun at sleepaway camp, we thought it was the perfect time for my husband and I to take our oldest daughter away on a trip since she will be heading off to college a year and a half. Since we’d been to St. Martin two times before and always loved it, we knew it would be an amazing destination for our getaway. The Simpson Bay Beach Resort had everything we would need for our stay.

After a long day of flying from Boston (we had a delay and a long layover…yuck.), we finally felt the Caribbean sun on our face and could smell the salty air. Check-in was fast and informative and we couldn’t wait to head to our suite since we didn’t know what to expect. Our jaws dropped when we saw what our accommodations looked like.

Click here to read all about our stay

January 17, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

Review of Oyster Bay Beach Resort

Photo Credit: Oyster Bay Beach Resort

There’s nothing crazier than the weeks leading up to the holidays, so there’s no better time to get away for a long weekend before the hectic season starts. I actually had a credit to the Oyster Bay Beach Resort, which they allowed me to apply to our stay, so my friend and I packed our bags, hopped on a flight from Boston, left New England behind, and headed to the Caribbean.

Click HERE to read all about our stay!

January 9, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

50 New Year’s Travel Resolutions

New Year’s Travel Resolutions

Resolutions are often hard to keep, but travel resolutions help me brainstorm ideas for ways to create family memories. Push yourself to have new adventures, remember old memories, and daydream about future trips. You can also use these to create Travel Bucket lists. Take a peek at mine. Here are some ideas for 50 New Year’s Travel Resolutions.

Whatever you decide to do this year, I hope you have a wonderful year making lifelong memories! Cheers!

Take a solo trip, whether it’s for an overnight or a week.

Do a weekend girls trip/ guys weekend.

Try something that brings you out of your comfort zone.

Stay in a hotel close to home.

Recreate a cocktail from a great night out.

Go on a food tour/ pub crawl/ brew bus.

Head to a winery to sample new wine.

Visiting vineyards in Napa

Sample an exotic new food.

Go camping…or glamping!

(more…)

January 2, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

52 Weeks of Self-Care

52 WEEKS OF SELF-CARE

After a few health scares this past year, I discovered the importance of self-care. Sometimes we try so hard to take care of others that we neglect making time for ourselves. Self-care allows you time to relax, recharge, and be present in the moment. It’s important to focus on both physical and emotional areas in your life.

Self-Care and Travel

I love to practice self-care while traveling and it often becomes some of the best parts of my trip. I love to head to a spa for a signature treatment, enjoy sipping coffee in a courtyard while people watching, breathing in the salty air at a beach, and taking time to put down my camera and be present in the moment. This year I plan on recreating these moments from the comfort of my home.