Day in Boston with Teens

buildings in boston

If you live in New England and have a teen that loves theater, then Boston is the perfect destination for a getaway.  Plays, musicals, bands… Boston has it all! Here is an itinerary for an amazing day in Boston with teens:

Check In

First stop is to drop off your bags at Kimpton Nine Zero hotel.  This boutique hotel has it all…gorgeous rooms, elegant charm, and one of the most desirable locations in the heart of Boston. I recommend a City Skyline 2 Queen Beds room.  The room has personal touches that give it historic charm while keeping modern amenities. (Check out a review of our stay!)

sitting area in a hotel room

Look at the stunning view we had!

sunset of Boston skyline

New England Aquarium

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New England Aquarium

colorful fish at at New England Aquarium

New England Aquarium

(Boston, Massachusetts)

As soon as you walk through the doors of the New England Aquarium, you leave the busy streets of Boston and are transported to a world under the sea. Beneath the dim lights you are surrounded by the calls of penguins and the shadows of the large fish swimming in the center tank.

Our favorite animals live outside of the aquarium and even if you choose not to go in, take some time to visit with the adorable Atlantic harbor seals.  They are seriously the cutest little guys and they are so curious that they come right up to the tank to peek at you.  Look at this sweet face!

harbor seal at New England Aquarium

Now let me show you around the aquarium.

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Review of the Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel

sunset of Boston skyline

Nine Zero Hotel

(Boston, Massachusetts)

One of the things my daughters and I love to do is see a good show.  My daughter’s latest favorite, Hadestown, finally came to Boston and we HAD to go.  As soon as we bought tickets, I knew there was only one hotel I wanted to stay at…the Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel! This hotel has it all…gorgeous rooms, elegant charm, and one of the most desirable locations in the heart of Boston.  I love boutique hotels and the Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel is quaint and welcoming.

Click here to read all about our stay…


A Perfect Weekend in Salem, Massachusetts

waterfront in salem, ma

Salem, Massachusetts is a fun place for a family getaway.  It has it all…entertainment, history, shopping, and great restaurants. If your kids are too young for anything involving witches, there is still a ton of things to do.  Here is an itinerary for A Perfect Weekend in Salem, Massachusetts.

DAY 1

House of Seven Gables

Your first stop in Salem is to the House of Seven Gables.  This historic home, built in 1668, is best known today as the setting of world-renowned American author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel. Take a guided 45-minute group tour through this seaside home. Never read the book? Don’t worry…most visitors haven’t.  It’s a wonderful way to get a glimpse of what Salem was like at that time period.

(Read all about our time HERE.)

house of 7 gables

Hawthorne Hotel

Now it’s time to check into your home for the next 2 nights…the historic Hawthorne Hotel.  Established in 1925, it is rumored to be one of the most haunted hotels in America. (Although I never saw anything spooky while I was there.) The Hawthorne is a piece of Salem’s history and it has a classy, yet welcoming, feel to it.

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House of Seven Gables

House of Seven Gables

Salem, Massachusetts

If you are in Salem, MA, and want to get away from all the talk about witches, The House of the Seven Gables may be the destination for you.  This historic home, built in 1668, is best known today as the setting of world-renowned American author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel. Take a guided 45-minute group tour through this seaside home. You’ll have an expert guide that is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the subject.  Never read the book? Don’t worry…most visitors haven’t.  It’s a wonderful way to get a glimpse of what Salem was like at that time period.

House of Seven Gables

What do you see during your visit?

Let me show you a peek at some of the rooms you’ll view:

Make sure you go outside an look at the view of the harbor.

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Hawthorne Hotel

Hawthorne Hotel

(Salem, Massachusetts)

As I was packing for my night away, my daughter came in to tell me she just watched a YouTube video and the Hawthorne Hotel was one of the most haunted hotels in America.  I told her, “As long as the ghost isn’t saying ‘Mom. Mom. Mom’ a hundred times a day they were more than welcome to stay with me!” Spoiler alert…I didn’t see any ghosts, but I did experience a relaxing, comfortable stay in this gorgeous historic hotel in Salem, Massachusetts.

When I pulled up to the Hawthorne, I was impressed by how grand it was.  The brick building has an impressive presence as it looms over the corner of the block. The navy blue awnings, golden eagle, and colorful mums welcome you in.

Click here to read all about my stay…


December 2021 Product Roundup

Product Roundup, a snowman made out of sand sitting on a beach chair at the ocean

Hello December! I wanted to share a few last-minute gifts…or some treats for yourself to celebrate getting through this crazy holiday season. Enjoy our December 2021 Product Roundup! Wishing your family a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year! See you in 2022!

Eat 2 Explore

a subscription box filled with Ethiopian spices

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

I love that the creators of this box have the same beliefs as I do.  They feel mealtime should be an experience and cooking are life-skills everyone should have.  They also feel hands-on cooking and culture explorations is even more important in today’s world.  Creating new foods from different countries allows you to “travel” without leaving your home.  I had so much fun playing Ethiopian music while prepping the meal and learning all the new facts about the country while our food was cooking.

WHAT COMES IN EACH BOX

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12 Days of Christmas Gift Guides

Here’s a recap of the 2021

12 Days of Christmas Gift Guides:

Happy Shopping!!

Monday 11/22: November Product Roundup http://mytravelingkids.com/november-product-roundup-2021/
Tuesday 11/23: Best Skincare Companies of 2021 http://mytravelingkids.com/best-skincare-companies-of-2021/
Wednesday 11/24: Best Coffee/Tea Companies of 2021 http://mytravelingkids.com/best-candle-companies-of-2021/
Friday 11/26: Best Candle Companies of 2021 http://mytravelingkids.com/great-subscription-boxes-of-2021/
Tuesady11/30: Gifts for Women (Amazon) http://mytravelingkids.com/25-perfect-gifts-for-women/
Wednesday 12/1: Gifts for Men (Amazon) http://mytravelingkids.com/25-perfect-gifts-for-men/
Thursday 12/2: Gifts for Teen Girls (Amazon) http://mytravelingkids.com/30-perfect-gifts-for-teen-girls/
Friday 12/3: 20 Amazing Books for 2021 (Amazon) http://mytravelingkids.com/20-must-read-books-for-2021/
Saturday 12/4: Gifts for Wellness/Self-Care (Amazon) http://mytravelingkids.com/30-perfect-self-care-gifts/
Monday 12/6: Gifts of Books that Promote Wellness (Amazon) http://mytravelingkids.com/20-amazing-books-about-wellness/
Tuesday 12/7: 50 Best Experiences to Give as  Gifts http://mytravelingkids.com/the-50-best-experiences-to-give-for-gifts/


20 Amazing Books About Wellness

These days, wellness should be a number one priority in everyone’s lives.  A little bit of self-care each day can make a huge difference.  So how can you help spread this awareness?  Give the gift of wellness through these books.  Give them alone, or paired with some accessories.  In fact, give some to yourself to prepare you for the new year.  Hello…New Year’s Resolutions are just around the corner! Here are 20 amazing books about wellness.

You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life

By: Jen Sincero

You Are a Badass: In this refreshingly entertaining how-to guide, bestselling author and world-traveling success coach, Jen Sincero, serves up 27 bitesized chapters full of hilariously inspiring stories, sage advice, easy exercises, and the occasional swear word, helping you to: Identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that stop you from getting what you want, Create a life you totally love. And create it NOW, Make some damn money already. The kind you’ve never made before.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

By: Elizabeth Gilbert

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear: Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Elizabeth Gilbert’s books for years. Now this beloved author digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives. Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work,  embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.

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25 Perfect Gifts for Men

man wrapping gift

Time to start shopping for those sweet men in your life.   Here are 25 Perfect Gifts for Men that he is sure to love!

Beef Jerky Slicer

Beef Jerky Slicer

Professional Beef Jerky Slicer: Making jerky doesn’t get any simpler. This meat slicer set comes with everything you need to make delicious jerky. It includes a premium meat jerky slicer, professional 10” chef’s knife, knife guide rails, safety finger guard, recipe book and instant pro seasoning.

Flight Glasses

Flight Glasses in a wooden crate

LEGACY – a Picnic Time Brand Craft Beer Four-Glass Flight Tasting Set: Features a two-tiered, gorgeous acacia wood tray and beer glasses suspended in top shelf. It includes a chalkboard panel across the base and soapstone pencil for beer labeling.  It has a hollowed areas below glasses hold beer caps. It also has handles carved into its sides for easy transport.

iPhone Cup Holder

iPhone Cup Holder

WeatherTech CupFone Cup Holder for Car Phone Mount: Designed using interchangeable base cups allowing you to customize the perfect snug fit. The adjustable phone holder fits virtually all known mobile phones, including those with normal sized protective cases. The base allows phone to rotate 360°, adjustable for viewing from any seat position.  Open access bottom lets you easily charge your mobile device while it is in place. Knob tightens easily and securely locks position

Pickleball Set

Pickleball Set net and rackets

FILA Accessories Pickleball Net Set: Their pickleball paddle set comes with a 10ft net, 4 regulation size outdoor pickleballs, 4-pack wood paddles, and a carry bag. The 10 ft wide mesh net included in this pickleball set is fast and convenient to install and set up in less than a few minutes. This pickleball starter set includes 4-pack paddles with PU grip which most pro athletes use, and the 4 Outdoor Balls are official USA pickleball’s size and weight.

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