Multigeneration Travel

We have been so lucky to travel with my mother-in-law throughout the years. We’ve created so many memories and it has meant the world to all of us.  Multigeneration travel has benefits for everyone involved and is something everyone should do if it’s possible. 

I hear some of my friends saying, “Not a chance!” I’m lucky that I’ve got a great relationship with my mother-in-law and understand that not everyone does.  If your family drives you nuts then stop reading but if not then read on for: 

10 tips for making a multigenerational trip memorable. 

FUN FOR ALL

Make sure everyone has something fun to do.  People have different interests and no one should be forced to do something they don’t want to do.  Make sure it’s stated that you don’t have to do everything together.  It’s also a great time to try something together that you’ve never done before.  Having ptions for everyone is key.

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A Visit to Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA

PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM

If you are looking for a lovely activity for the whole family to do while you’re in Salem, Massachusetts, the Peabody Essex Museum is a wonderful option.  It was a gloomy, rainy day outside when I visited and it was the perfect place to spend the morning. Take a peek at some of the pieces that I most enjoyed:

Protector Goddess, mid-1800’s. Artist in Kerala, India

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Jolie Tea Company

Jolie Tea Company

You know I love a good cup of tea!  I had the pleasure of going to Jolie Tea Company in Salem, Massachusetts, and it was so great I had to tell you all about it.  Because I really wanted the full experience, I didn’t just go for a cup of tea, I did a High Tea!

After I was seated, I had to take a minute to take in the beauty of the room.  The room has seating waiting for guests. I love the pink light that showcases the wall of teas. Good luck trying to buy just one.

Look at how lovely each place setting is! I love the porcelain tea cup and plate.  The gerbera daisy is a fun touch!

I was pleasantly surprised that they bring out a hibiscus iced tea to enjoy while you look over the high tea menu.

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10 Reasons Kids Should Travel

 

 

The other day a friend of mine told me she’s not sure she will ever travel with her kids again.  I agree that it’s a scary time right now and we’re not getting much use of our passports, but the thought of NEVER traveling with my kids again breaks my heart. I strongly believe there will be a time again soon when we can get lost on winding streets, chat with locals at the pub, and dine under the stars after a day of exploring a new town. Still nervous about traveling with kids? Take a peek at an article I wrote  a few years back about 10 Reasons Kids Should Travel.  Enjoy!

 

KIDS THAT TRAVEL SEE THE WORLD WITH A NEW PERSPECTIVE

My kids are growing up in a town that does not have much diversity.  When we travel they are able to see there are so many amazing cultures.   The more exposure to travel they get, the more they will seek it out.  The world will not seem scary or unknown, but rather something that makes them curious and question where they want to go next.

KIDS WILL LEARN ABOUT THEMSELVES

Do they enjoy vacations surrounded by lots of people or do they prefer solitude? Are they adventurous or do they like to do calm activities?  What do they like to do for fun? Do they want to hike, swim, snorkel, fly, swim with dolphins, or go parasailing? Do they like to follow an itinerary or  be spontaneous? A good vacation is one where they come home changed for the better.

Flying hawks in Ireland

KIDS THAT TRAVEL WILL LEARN TO EXPLORE

 I always research the heck out of the place we’re traveling but I always leave room to just explore and wander around.  (Ok…and I get lost A LOT!) Our favorite times when traveling were wandering in the maze of streets and coming upon a cute café or shop.  Traveling makes kids appreciate how great it can be to get lost.

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Should You Travel During Off-Season?

When it’s time to start planning a vacation the first question I ask myself is, ‘When do we want to go?’ The time I most love to travel is late spring.  We’ve done a mid-May vacation for the past few years and I just love everything about it.  Summer may be a more convenient time to travel but I think pulling the kids out of school for 5 days is worth the trouble.  Here are a few reasons I love to travel during off-season and but also a few reasons you may not want to.

Pros of traveling during off season:

Save money on hotels

Who doesn’t love to save money when traveling?  And let’s admit it…we all love to stay in nice places.  Traveling during off-season lets you save money while staying at a place you may not be able to afford during high season.  There’s also a better chance of getting upgrades since most hotels won’t be at full capacity. 

Save money on airfare

Airfare can cost an arm and a leg so I’ll jump at any chance for a deal.  It’s amazing how different the prices can be to fly to the exact location.  High season usually means high prices.

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How to Feel at Home while Traveling

 People sometimes say they don’t travel because they hate the feeling of being away from home.  Traveling is about the unknown, and that makes some people uncomfortable.  So how can you feel at home while traveling? The trick is to bring a piece of home with you…wherever you are. 

Here are 10 tips to feel at home while traveling

STICK TO YOUR ROUTINE

  If you work out every morning then head to the fitness room.  If you have a bedtime ritual, don’t let being in a hotel stop you.  Bring your face wash, makeup removal, and moisturizer.

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September 2021 Product Roundup

September Product Roundup

Hello September!  We’ve had an amazing summer but we’re ready for the structure that comes with the start of the school year.  As you know, I love sharing new products I’ve started using! Here are some great products I’ve used this summer.  Enjoy this September Product Roundup!

Well Told Lake Map Mug

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

A crucial part of travel is finding a way to reminisce about the memories you’ve made.  Well Told has a unique way to help you do this every day.  They create amazing products where they use maps to remind you of special places.  These make perfect gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, engagements, housewarmings…and much more! I also have their etched glass wine glasses and carafe with street maps of Boston and I always get compliments on them.  Take a peek at these beauties.

WHAT PRODUCTS DID WE GET?

Lake Map Mug

($21.95)

You know there is no place as special to us as Ossipee Lake!  I was so touched to receive this beautiful mug that helps remind us of our special place when we’re not there.  This 15 oz ceramic mug has the coordinates of the lake on it as well as a detailed map of the area.  It even has all the bays listed.  I like that they are microwave and dishwasher safe, so you can enjoy more lake time!

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7 Ways to Entertain Kids at Museums

 

mytravelingkids.com

I love going to museums and have always wanted my kids to be just as excited about them as me. Their first museum was visited in a stroller, and when they were finally able to walk it was time to explore the Museum of Natural History in NYC.  Some of my friends think it’s pointless to bring their kids because they don’t get anything out of it.  Seriously?  How can you possibly stand next to the statue of David and not get anything out of it? However, how do you entertain kids at museums?

Now don’t get me wrong, my kids and I don’t stand at a painting and discuss the contrasting and muted tones or the use of negative space.  It usually sounded more like, “Hahaha…look Mom…BOOBS!”

My girls have been to museums in NYC, Boston, Portugal, London, and Greece and have never once told me they were bored.  When they were young, they treated a museum as a place to use their imagination and they come up with some pretty cool ideas.  Now that they’re teens they still love going to museums. I asked the girls to share in their own words some tips on how they’d entertain themselves at museums when they were younger. Take it away ladies…

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Weekend in Woodstock, Vermont

Weekend in Woodstock, Vermont

Day 1

Spend your morning getting to know downtown Woodstock.  There are tons of adorable boutiques to poke in to.  Here are a few of my favorite shops:

37 Central

Fossil Glass

Yankee Books

  1. H Gillingham & Sons

Unicorn

Red Wagon Toy Co.

Stop in to Mon Vert Café, order a latte and walk around enjoying the view.

One of my favorite stores is outside of downtown, but right next to the inn. Make sure you visit Farmhouse Pottery.

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Sugarbush Farm

Sugarbush Farm

Woodstock, Vermont

When visiting Vermont, a visit to a quintessential New England farm is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.  Sugarbush Farm is a 3-generation farm owned by the Luce Family.  This 500-acre farm has gorgeous scenic views, farm animals, and some of the best cheese you’ll find in Vermont!  Take a peek at my morning here…

Maple Sugar Woods

My first stop was walking the nature trail of the maple sugar woods.

You follow the path the draft horses use in the spring to collect the sap.  It’s interesting to see how trees are tapped and collected.

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