Top 10 Things To Do in Santorini

Santorini, Greece

 

Many people think of Santorini as a honeymoon destination filled with starry-eyed newlyweds and wedding proposals around every corner.  However, Santorini is actually an amazing destination for a family vacation and is filled with fun activities to do with your kids.  There is no need for electronics to keep your kids entertained and never once did my kids say they were bored.  Being in Santorini is like walking into a postcard and this concept is not lost on kids. Here are my top 10 things to do in Santorini with kids:

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One Ocean Resort & Spa

One Ocean Resort & Spa

Photo Credit: One Ocean Resort & Spa

One Ocean Resort & Spa

Atlantic Beach, Florida

With all the craziness the school year brings, it is always fun to get away with my girls on a mom/daughters’ weekend. One Ocean Resort & Spa is the perfect place to get some relaxation and recharge.  Their location on beautiful Atlantic Beach is within walking distance to shops and restaurants so we didn’t have to worry about driving anywhere. We had tons of laughs and felt completely at home at this beautiful oceanfront resort. Let me tell you all about this fabulous resort on the east coast of Florida.

CLICK HERE TO READ ALL ABOUT OUR STAY… AND YOU’VE GOT TO CHECK OUT THIS SHARK’S TOOTH WE FOUND!


10 Tips for Planning the Perfect Staycation

 

If I had my choice, I would pack my suitcase and jump on a plane every week.  However, my bank account may not feel the same.  So what can we do while we’re not traveling?  A good alternative is a STAYCATION.  It’s the perfect solution because you can do as much or as little as you want…it’s all about your comfort level.  No need to worry about getting on a plane, staying at a hotel, or renting a car.  The key to a fantastic staycation is to deviate from your daily routine.  Here are 10 tips to planning a fun staycation:

Plan Daily Activities

Just like you would never go on vacation without plans (well…maybe you would but I would NEVER), it may be best to plan out your days before your staycation starts.  Make a list of things you could do.

OUTDOORS: ice skating, rollerblading, swimming, mini golf, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, biking, parks, zoos, fishing, a day at the beach.  

INDOORS: museums, planetariums, movies, ice cream parlors, bowling, paint pottery, cooking classes, 

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15 Food You Need to Try in Portugal

seafood from Portugal

One of the best memories of my childhood were holidays where our dining room was filled with friends and family.  We would sit for hours and tell stories and laugh while we ate course after course. Meals were built with fresh ingredients and cooked with love. When traveling to Portugal, you have to try its delicious cuisine. From fresh seafood to savory meats, there is no shortage of amazing food to try. Here are 15 foods you need to try in Portugal:

APPETIZERS

Queijo da Serra

 Queijo da Serra is a soft and creamy cheese that is made from sheep’s milk. It is great for a petisco (a Portuguese version of tapas).

Sausages

My four favorite are Chouriço: You can have it cold or hot, but an awesome way to eat it is a flame-grilled chouriço assado, cooked in a clay dish and they light the sausage.

Linguiça: It is a lot like Chouriço, but has more paprika and garlic.

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A Drive on the Kancamagus Highway

New England is all about nature and simple pleasures.  The Kancamagus Highway (known to locals as ‘The Kanc’) is a gorgeous scenic drive along Rt 112 in New Hampshire.  People flock to this road, especially in summer and fall.  The 35-mile drive will take you from Conway to Lincoln through beautiful spots that will draw you out of your car to take pictures.  The word “highway” is misleading since it is more of a 2-lane road that winds back and forth next to a river bed, with mountains surrounding it and trees creating a canopy above you. 

Here are some highlights of the Kancamagus Highway:

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Autumn Bucket List

I LOVE FALL!  The crisp smell in the air, the crunch of leaves under your feet, and the fabulous display of color on the trees.  It’s one of my favorite things about living in New England.  However, I feel like this season goes by so quickly so we have to make the most of it while it’s here.  So, what do I do?  That’s right…a LIST! Here is a list of 35 items for my Autumn Bucket List:

Apple picking

There are so many amazing farms out there and doesn’t an apple taste best when it’s picked right from the tree, rubbed on your shirt, and you take a big CRUNCH out of one! Here are 15 of the best apple orchards in New England.

Burn some autumn scented candles

Autumn candles set the mood.  Some wonderful ones include: Yankee, Pumpkin Spiced, Village Candle, Warm Apple Spice, Yankee, Macintosh, and Sweet Water Décor, Hello Fall.

Make some gourmet s’mores

At the lake we have making s’mores down to a science.  Gourmet s’mores are when we use yummy candy bars instead of plain chocolate. This Hershey’s S’mores Caddy is great to store everything.

Make some warm apple cider

Warm apple cider is one of those drinks that immediately puts me in a calm mood. Here is a great recipe for homemade apple cider. The cinnamon sticks are key!

Time to take out those cozy sweaters

Sweater weather!! It’s a great time to invest in a few sweaters that you will wear all winter long.  Check out this gorgeous long cardigan. This jacket sweater is perfect for layering in fall. I love the wooden buttons on this cable knit sweater.

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Review of RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain

RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain

Photo Credit: RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain

RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain

Lincoln, New Hampshire

With one daughter at camp and one working, I was able to slip away for a solo getaway in the stunning White Mountains of New Hampshire. Lincoln is a quaint New England town that is fun during all four seasons. I’ve been looking at RiverWalk at Loon Mountain for years and I was so excited to finally get to stay.

 

Click here to read all about my stay!


52 Weeks of Self-Care: Weeks 13-16

52 Weeks of Self-Care Monthly Update

These next 3 weeks of self-care are about showers, baths, smudging, and salt caves!

Week 13

Turn Your Shower into a Spa Experience

Isn’t a shower just a daily necessity? Well, yes, but it can offer more than just cleanliness—it can be a transformative self-care ritual. Step into a shower and allow the warm water to instantly wash away physical and mental fatigue. With the right products, you can awaken your senses, providing a refreshing start to the day or a soothing wind-down in the evening. A shower can provide a moment of solitude and self-reflection, allowing us to pause, let go of distractions, and focus on the present. I’m always looking for new products that turn my everyday shower into a spa experience. So, embrace the therapeutic power of a shower, savoring each droplet of water as it revitalizes your senses, uplifts your spirit, and brings a renewed sense of well-being to your day.

Let me share some of my favorite products right now!

New England Apothecary Shower Steamers

shower steamers

These shower steamers create the perfect environment for a spa experience.  Get the steamers a little wet and move them away from water and the scent will fill your shower.

Give New England Apothecary a follow:

Instagram

Facebook

Plaine Products Body Wash (16 oz)

Their Body Wash gently cleanses your skin while improving tone and texture. With aloe as the main ingredient, daily use will restore nutrients without drying. It smells incredible and immediately wakes you up in the morning!

Give Plaine Products a follow:

Instagram

Facebook

Majestic Pure Blueberry Body Scrub

Body Scrubs exfoliate skin to remove dead cells, toxins, dirt & pollution from pores; scrubbing also promotes blood flow to assist in rejuvenation of skin, leaving not only your skin revived but also renewing your whole mind, body, and spirit.

Philosophy Amazing Grace

A 3-in-1, multi-purpose, fragrant gel wash to gently cleanse body & hair. This product is great for travel because it has several functions.

Rose Geranium Felted Soap by Fiat Luxe

The combination of rose geranium oil and sweet orange oil uplifts your spirits. And, with the addition of ground rose petals it makes a great facial soap.

 

Week 14

Soak in a Bath

Immersing ourselves in warm water creates a sanctuary for relaxation, rejuvenation, and self-care. A bath provides an escape from the busyness of our lives, allowing us to unwind and release tension. The warm water soothes tired muscles and eases joint stiffness, promoting physical relaxation and relieving stress. Adding natural ingredients like Epsom salts, essential oils, or herbs can enhance the therapeutic experience, offering benefits such as muscle relaxation, improved sleep quality, and nourished skin. Additionally, a bath provides a space for quiet reflection and self-introspection, allowing us to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with ourselves.

Take a peek at some for my favorite products.

Cuccio Somatology Yogahhh Milk Bath

bath milk

This amazing milk bath contains Epsom Salt which is which is wonderful for relaxation and relieving pain.

Coconut Crush Effervescent Salt Soak by Salacia Salts

Bring home the beach with this single use effervescent salt soak. Cover yourself head to toe in bubbles scented of muddled citrus, fresh pineapple, and coconut blended with woodsy, sweet notes from the sandalwood tree.

Lemon Lavender Effervescent Salt Soak by Salacia Salts

Bring home the beach with this effervescent salt soak. Sink into the tub with Lemon Lavender scented mineral salts to relax, detox, and reap the benefits of the sea at home.

Give them a follow

Instagram

Facebook

Herbivore Botanicals Coconut Milk Bath Soak

Made from organic coconut milk, protein-rich coconut pulp and natural essential oils, this bath soak has luxurious softening and moisturizing properties helping to target dryness and dullness, and leaving the skin feeling silky-soft

Sweet Water Décor Spa Day Candle

The scent of sea salt, jasmine, and wood make a relaxing aroma that fills the room.

Bubble Bath Bomb Set 

Their bath bombs contain Epsom salt, detoxifying clays & luxurious butters and oils. This is perfect for stress relief and relaxation.

Deep Steep Bubble Bath

Its natural essential oils of lavender and chamomile create a tranquil atmosphere. It’s the ultimate self care!

Week 15

Go to a Salt Cave

Salt caves, also known as halotherapy or salt therapy, have been used for centuries as natural sanctuaries for relaxation, healing, and rejuvenation. These tranquil environments are crafted with Himalayan salt rocks that create a serene ambiance and release negative ions into the air. It is believed to cleanse and detoxify the respiratory system, promoting clearer breathing and alleviating symptoms of allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. So, step into the serene embrace of a salt cave and embrace the therapeutic benefits it offers, allowing yourself to unwind, restore balance, and embrace a renewed sense of well-being.

Salt room of Villa Hygge Hotel, Conway, NH

Want to create a salt cave experience at home?

Plant Therapy Pink Himalayan Salt Inhaler with Pink Himalayan Crystal Salt

When you inhale through the mouthpiece, the passing moisture absorbs micron particles of the incredibly pure and mineral-laden Himalayan Pink Salt that filters through the entire respiratory system.

Himalayan Glow Salt Lamp

Himalayan Glow Pink Salt lamps are a popular choice due to their natural ionizing properties. Crystal Lamp releases negative ions into the air, which can help to purify the air by attaching to positively charged particles and neutralizing

 Majestic Pure Himalayan Salt Body Scrub with Lychee Oil

This scrub is infused with Lychee Oil complex and Sweet Almond Oil is a self-care solution for the body and soul. It will help give your skin the ultimate detox and will promote its hydration levels.

Week 16

Sage your House

Saging, also known as smudging, involves burning dried sage leaves to cleanse and purify the energy within a space. This sacred practice has been used for centuries by different cultures around the world to rid homes of negative vibrations and create a peaceful environment. As the smoke from the burning sage wafts through the rooms, it is believed to clear away stagnant energy, ward off negativity, and invite in a renewed sense of balance and tranquility.

I love my new sage bundle that I bought in Portland, Maine.

sage

Here are some other items that will help you learn the process of saging.

White Sage Smudge Candle

Cleanse your home of negative energy and invite all positive energy into your life.

White Sage Smudging Kit 

Sustainably Grown Sage, Responsibly Collected Abalone & Smudging Feather + Hand Carved Wood Stand & Chakra Bracelet

Malicious Women Candle Co – Go Smudge Yourself

The citrus and sage smell incredible. It’s a hysterical candle that would make a great gift.

 

Click HERE to see what other kinds of self-care we will be doing this year!

 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, and this post contains affiliate links. It does not cost you anything extra.  Using these links will help MyTravelingKids continue to help you create unforgettable family memories. 


Review of Caribe Hilton San Juan

Photo Credit: Caribe Hilton

Caribe Hilton

San Juan, Puerto Rico

I was absolutely thrilled when I heard that my favorite travel conference, Women in Travel Summit, would be held on the gorgeous island of Puerto Rico! I was counting down the days until I could sink my toes in the sand and have a cocktail in my hand! The Caribe Hilton San Juan was the perfect hotel to meet up with 600 other women traveler creators.

Click here to read a full review of my stay.


Review of Royal Sonesta San Juan

Photo Credit: Royal Sonesta San Juan

Royal Sonesta San Juan

San Juan, Puerto Rico

I have traveled overnight and long weekends alone, but I have never gotten on a flight and taken a vacation all by myself.  However, this has always been a dream of mine.  When I heard the Women In Travel Summit was taking place in Puerto Rico I knew there was no better time for a solo trip. I’ve got to admit, I was a little nervous, but I kept reminding myself it was an adventure. I even added a two-night stay before the conference so I could experience more of the island. I knew there was nowhere I’d rather stay than the Royal Sonesta San Juan.

Click here to read all about my stay!