Tips for Staying in a Hotel During COVID-19

After not traveled for six months, I was finally ready to step out of my comfort bubble, kiss the kids goodbye, and peel out of my driveway head to one of my favorite states…Maine.  I base my travels on risk vs. reward and for a while I felt safer at home with my family during this pandemic. I had to come to the realization that travel would not be the same right now.  However, it was doable.   I knew that one day I would feel comfortable packing my bags and heading off on an adventure, but I also knew I would have to put new safety measures on my agenda.

Here are 10 tips I learned from my first trip during COVID-19.

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION WISELY

I decided that the first place I would go to would be somewhere I’ve previously stayed so I’d know exactly what it is like. Ask yourself the following questions: Is the hotel in an area that has a high amount of positive cases? Does the state have any requirements for quarantining before you go? Are attractions open, like beaches, state parks, or hiking trails.  I chose Maine because they were so strict with self-quarantining, and I knew I’d feel safe. Is there enough to do on the grounds of the hotel or will you just be confined to your room?

RESEARCH HOTEL SAFETY MEASURES

Does the hotel stress what they’ve been doing to sanitize rooms? Have they changed the amount of people they allow to book? Does the hotel offer contactless check-in? Do they provide sanitation stations throughout the hotel? The hotel may have closed many amenities, so make sure you research before you book.

SANITIZE YOUR ROOM

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Winter Bucket List

Hello Winter Solstice! Winter is finally here, and in New England, if you don’t embrace winter, it is going to be a LONG few months.  My husband and kiddos love being out in the cold and this year I can appreciate the need to get some fresh air and move our bodies.  You know I’m a big fan of Bucket Lists.  A Winter Bucket List can make your whole family excited about this magical season. So, bring on the snow, cozy nights by the fire, and making family memories.

Here is our WINTER BUCKET LIST:

Go snowshoeing in the fields across the street

Spa night (mani/pedi, facials, hot oil treatments)

Go ice fishing (and actually catch a fish)

Board game night

Go tubing at the mountain

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25 Perfect Stocking Stuffers for Kids

Stocking stuffers are one of the favorite parts of Christmas for my kids.  Since they were little, I tried to fill them with things they will actually use.  It’s easy to lots of cheap toys you will throw out in a week, but it’s much better knowing they will use their gifts and love them! Here are…

25 Perfect Stocking Stuffers for Kids

FLAVORED LIP BALM

SLIME KIT

HOT CHOCOLATE SPOON

BEANBOOZLED

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Perfect Stocking Stuffers for Kids/Teens

Stockings are one of my favorite things about Christmas.   I love sitting back, having a cup of coffee (ok…a mimosa) and watching the kids open them up.  Last year I even wrapped the stocking stuffers and my girls loved that, so I’ll be doing that again this year.  The one negative thing about stockings is it’s easy to put junk in them.  I hate giving my kids stuff I know I’ll be throwing out in a month.  Click on the link to get more info or to purchase.  Happy shopping!

Here are 20  perfect stocking stuffers for teens!

RUBIX CUBE KIT 

WATERPROOF DECK OF CARDS

DIVE STICKS

 

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Ultimate Stocking Stuffers for Women

Today is the first day for stocking stuffer ideas. They are actually my favorite gifts to open on Christmas morning, but it is so hard to find unique items to put in it.  Today is all about those fabulous women in your life!  Show her that good things come in small packages!

Here are 20 ultimate stocking stuffers for women…

TRAVEL WINE TOTE

WRISTLET

MINI HOMESICK CANDLE

SILK PILLOWCASE

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More Beauty Products that Make Perfect Gifts

Beauty products are amazing gifts and I’ve been so lucky to sample so many great ones in the last few months.  Here are some of the best of the best… Enjoy!

FaceTheory

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM:

They make clean skincare with the actives you love – packaged sustainably and priced affordably.  They’re vegan and cruelty-free. I also love that they’re so confident in their products that if you don’t get better skin they’ll give you your money back with no returns required.  That’s confidence.

WHAT DID WE GET?

Hot Cloth Cleanser Set ($16.99)

This kit contains an Organic Muslin Face Cloth and a Vitamin C Cream Cleanser. It is free of parabens, silicones, and mineral oils. It is also vegan and cruelty-free.

This was my favorite product! mandarin scent smells fabulous and it wakes me right up in the morning! It would make an incredible Christmas gift and I am already thinking of who should get one.

Glycolic Acid Face and Body Scrub

($13.99 – 6.1 fl oz)

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My Interview

I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Choosy Traveler about what it is like to be a travel blogger during the COVID-19 pandemic.  It was so nice talking about why my family likes to travel, what kinds of travelers my kids are becoming, and what future plans we have when we’re ready to travel again.  Find out how I’ve been spending my time during these crazy months… Enjoy!

Interview With a Travel Blogger: Christine from My Traveling Kids

Perfect Christmas Gifts for Your Dog

You know I’m a little obsessed in love with my two golden retrievers.  They are my boys and I love them to death.  If your furry little friends have been good this year (well…”good” may be pushing it) then don’t forget that Santa needs to bring them a gift too.  A big sorry to all of the cat owners out there…maybe next year…this year it’s all about the pups! Here are some perfect gifts for your dogs:

INTERACTIVE TOY

INTERACTIVE TOY: This food-dispensing dog toy keeps dogs mentally and physically active while they play.  It is made from hard plastic and it disassembles so you can clean it.  They will love playing with it.

TRAVEL SHOWER

TRAVEL SHOWER:  If your dogs are anything like mine, they love to get dirty!  Walks are better when they roll in mud and they finish every swim by rolling in sand.  This portable shower will let them get squeaky clean before going into the house.  It has a spray nozzle and it rolls up for easy storage.

WATER BOWL

WATER BOWL:  One thing I always would forget is a water bowl for them.  This collapsible bowl is easy to store in the car, in a backpack, or in your purse.  I love that you can clip it to your bag or backpack.  You just pop it open to use it, clean it, and then pop it closed again.  Keep them from getting dehydrated when out having fun.  Holds up to 25 fluid ounces of water or 3 cups of dog food.

AUTOMATIC TENNIS BALL THROWER

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Beauty Products that Make Perfect Gifts

Beauty products make the best gifts and I’d like to share a few companies that I am obsessed with.  January is also a great time to start a new skincare routine.

Enjoy!

Rosemira Organics

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

Rosemira Organics products are made from the purest ingredients, plant extracts, vegetable and nut oils, and from the highest-quality essential oils. Their commitment is to provide you with the proper natural formulations to protect and balance your skin. Their products are designed to help protect and balance your skin.  I love that they never use additives, alcohol or any preservatives. They maintain a minimum standard of 98% Organic, 90% vegan (they do use honey), and they do no animal testing.

WHAT DID WE GET?

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