Pink House, Sanotrini, Greece

mytravelingkids.com

When I dreamed of traveling to Santorini, Greece, I knew I wanted to wake up in Oia, look out my window, and see the traditional postcard view of white cave houses blanketing the hillside.  We decided to live in a traditional cave house to feel immersed into the community during our week-long stay. 

We arrived at midnight, but the walk through town to our home for the week woke us right up.  After seeing our view, we decided to skip the bars and instead grab a beer and sit on our veranda to enjoy our first glimpse of Santorini. I had been dreaming of that moment for years.

 The next morning, I opened the door to our room and my jaw dropped when I saw what was in front of me.

Click here to read all about it… 

10 Best Apps to Use While Traveling

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Since I’m not lucky enough to have my own personal assistant, I rely on certain apps to help me out while I’m traveling.  Some get me where I need to go and others make it more fun while I’m there.  The following are my top 10 apps I use while traveling:

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10 Best Apps for Planning Your Trip

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Since so much goes into planning a trip, it is wonderful to get some help. Luckily, help is right at your fingertips.  The following are the top 10 apps that I use when I am planning a trip.

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New Huffington Post article!

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My latest piece on Huffington Post!!!

It’s all about the Italian phrase “Dolche far niente” …the sweetness in doing nothing.  I crave that gift of pleasant idleness that happens on vacation and would love to bring it home with me.  

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-johnson/embrace-the-sweetness-in-_b_12575008.html

Susan G Komen 3-Day Walk- Boston

mytravelingkids.com

(In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month…)

When I was 5 and my brother 7, we lost our mother to ovarian cancer.  That changed my life forever.  Three years ago my daughters were just about to turn 5 and 7 and I knew I had to contribute some way to raising awareness about cancer (all cancers) and help with fundraising for research.  When I decided to do the Susan G Komen 3 -Day walk in Boston I never knew how much it would change me. 

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Castle in the Clouds

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New Hampshire has many special places to view the colorful change of foliage.  At Castle in the Clouds, in Moultonborough, you will be transported back to the early 1900’s to the home of Thomas Plant.  However, do not rush straight up to the castle, take your time and make a few stops along the way. 

What is the first stop? Well…

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My First Night Away…ALONE!

Bass Rocks Ocean Inn mytravelingkids.com

The day is finally here and I’m all packed up to go away all by myself for the first time.  No husband and no kiddos.  I’ve put my bags in the car and grabbed the wine I’ve been chilling in the fridge.  When suddenly…Ring Ring Ring.  “Hi Mrs. Johnson.  This is the school nurse.  Would you mind coming in to pick up your daughter?  She seems to have a bit of a bellyache.” You’ve got to be kidding me!  I can’t make this stuff up.  With a sigh, the wine goes back in the fridge and I’m on my way to pick up my little cherub from school.   

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Itinerary for a Day in Kennebunkport Maine

 

Kennebunkport, Maine 

Kennebunkport is one of the prettiest towns in Maine.  Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend, a relaxing getaway, or a fun-filled family adventure, this is the town to look at.  Here is an Itinerary for a Day in Kennebunkport Maine:

Where do you fly in?

The best place to fly in is  Portland (PWM) Airport (21.6 miles away)

Manchester (MHT) (57.3 miles), Boston (BOS) (74.4 miles)

CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT

Stop #1: Saint Anthony’s Franciscan Monastery

The town of Kennebunkport, Maine, is a peaceful coastal town and Saint Anthony’s Franciscan Monastery is a wonderful way to begin your day.  The grounds are open to the public from sunrise to sunset and the Friars welcome visitors. The grounds are tranquil and is a beautiful place to start your day in a calm way.  Children are welcome, however you will want to discuss with them that using quiet voices is expected here so you do not disturb other visitors.  The grounds have two lovely outdoor chapels.  We are not especially religious but I do love visiting churches.  I did not realize how little knowledge of religion my youngest daughter had until I saw her bow at the altar and whisper, “May the force be with you.”  Oh boy!!!

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Squam Lake Natural Science Center

Squam Lake Natural Science Center

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As soon as we walked into the Squam Lake Natural Science Center, we knew it would be unlike any animal park we’ve been to.  My girls immediately let their creativity take over and pretended to be wildlife explorers scouring the forest for animals.  At the Science Center you don’t find an animal in a cage, you walk to each exhibit through beautifully maintained trails until you reach the animal in a lovely natural habitat. There are 232 acres of fields, forests, and wetlands. You can tell great lengths are taken to see that the animals are well cared for.  Most of these animals are rescued and will spend the rest of their lives in their safe, protected new home.  Let me show you some of our favorite moments of our day.

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Going Away Alone for the First Time!

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Don’t get me wrong…my husband and kids are the BEST people to travel with and I’m fortunate that we get to do it all the time but I can’t help being a teeny bit jealous when friends tell me they are traveling alone on business trips.  Ok…some days I’m so jealous I may actually turn a slight shade of green.  The realistic part of my brain knows they will miss their family but the dreamy part pictures them sitting out by the pool with a glass of wine and a good book.  That may be pushing it but I’m pretty sure no one is yelling from their bathroom, “There’s no more toilet paper and I’ve just pooped!”

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