15 Safety Tips for Solo Travelers

Traveling solo can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s important to keep safety in mind at all times. About a month before my solo trip to Puerto Rico I began to get really anxious. We’re talking, “What the heck am I thinking? Should I cancel this trip?” Then I reminded myself that women do this every day and as long as I plan ahead, stay alert, and remain level-headed, I could do this. As a solo traveler, you are responsible for your own safety, and it’s important to take precautions to avoid any potential dangers. Here are 15 safety tips for solo travelers.

Research Your Destination

Before you leave, research your destination thoroughly. Look up any safety concerns and read about any recent incidents or crime reports. Are there areas you should avoid?

Stay in a Safe Area

Choose accommodation in a safe area, preferably with good reviews from other travelers. Avoid areas that are known for crime or that have a high rate of theft. Once I’ve decided on a hotel, I looked on blogs and TripAdvisor and emailed people with safety questions I had. As for the hotel, is there a 24-hour front desk? Is there a doorman or security on duty all night? I like to bring a door lock and alarm.

Avoid Walking Alone, Especially at Night

If possible, avoid walking alone at night, especially in areas that are unfamiliar to you. If you want to explore an area, take a peek HERE to find a reputable tour.

Use Trusted Transportation

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April 11, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

52 Weeks of Self-Care: Weeks 9-12

What a relaxing month of self-care. Spring is in the air and it’s the perfect time to start new habits of taking time each week to pamper yourself. Find some inspiration in our March Self-Care Roundup.

Week 9

Pamper Your Lips

Living in New England during winter can wreak havoc on your lips so this week let’s give them some love. A little bit of pampering and you’ll be puckering up again.

First step is to give them a good scrub. My favorite lip scrub right now is Kiss My Grits, praline lip scrub. Made by Salacia, this scrub instantly changes the feel of your lips. It smells incredible! It is made of Georgia stone ground white corn grits, organic sugar, organic coconut oil, pecan oil, Atlantic sea salt and vitamin E to make your lips more kissable. The scrubs come in a variety of fun flavors like Peach, Margarita, Mint Julep, Coconut Cream Pie, Praline, Blueberry, Key Lime Pie.

Give them a follow on Instagram and Facebook!

Next, follow up your lip pampering with a great lip balm. I have been alternating with these two amazing balms. The first is New England Apothecary Lip Conditioner. These silky lip balms bring the moisture right back into your lips with cocoa butter and coconut oil. They smell incredible and are perfect for every-day wear.

Give them a follow on Instagram and Facebook!

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March 20, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

15 Teen-Friendly Activities in Boston

Boston, Massachusetts is one of those cities I immediately fell in love with… cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and it’s WICKED New England charm. It was love at first sight! Boston is a city with rich history and culture that offers family-friendly activities to explore. From outdoor adventures to educational experiences, there are many things to see and do in Boston that the whole family can enjoy. Here are ten family-friendly activities to do in Boston:

Visit the New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is a popular attraction for families, featuring over 20,000 aquatic animals, including sea turtles, penguins, and sea lions. Kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits and touch tanks, where they can get up close and personal with marine life. Make time to watch a 3D movie at the Simons Theatre.

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March 13, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

20 things You Must Do on Carnival Sunrise

Carnival Sunrise is a fun cruise ship that offers a large range of activities and amenities for travelers. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or fun with family and friends, this ship has something for everyone. Here are 20 Things You Must Do on Carnival Sunrise.

Get a Cloud 9 Spa Suite

These suites give you priority spa reservations, unlimited use of Thermal Suites plus a free scrub kit, two complimentary fitness classes per guest, exclusive discounts on treatments during port days, and cozy use of bathrobes and slippers in your cabin.

Get a room with a balcony

Although it costed a bit more, I absolutely loved having a balcony in my cabin. I loved being able to sit outside in the morning and enjoy a cup of coffee while I read a book. I also loved having a glass of wine while sitting out there and Facetime my family each evening.

Sing at Piano Bar 88

We had so much fun singing along with Keith each night at the piano bar. We laughed until we had tears and you’ll feel like a superstar as you belt out familiar tunes. Make sure you come with plenty of song suggestions. Hint: Want a specific song? Attach a few dollars to your song request and it will let you jump the line. It’s a fun way to tip.

Head to the Serenity deck

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March 6, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

15 Tips for Your First Cruise

I have been traveling since I was a kid, but last fall was the first time on a cruise. I couldn’t believe how different it was from other trips I’ve taken. I must admit that I was a little nervous before I went. What I learned was going on a cruise can be an exciting experience, especially if you have an open mind. Here are 15 tips for your first cruise.

Choose the right cruise

Do your research and choose a cruise that matches your interests and needs. Consider the itinerary, cruise line, and ship size. Is it going to be a family vacation, girls’ trip, romantic getaway? This could change the ship that works best. Click HERE to see how to find the right cruise line.

Plan your budget

Plan your budget, including the cost of the cruise, airfare, transfers, and excursions. Make sure you plan on incidentals and tips. Decide what aspects of your trip you don’t mind cutting back on and what aspects you are willing to splurge on.

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March 4, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

52 Weeks of Self-Care: Weeks 5-8

February Self-Care Roundup

Week 5

Make Time for Stretching

Stretching can help improve flexibility, reduce tightness, reduce stress, and protect your muscles from those fierce workouts you’re doing. Whether you’re doing it before a cardio workout, after a HIIT workout, or right before bed, make some time in your week to add this step to your wellness routine.

For me, yoga is the best way to stretch, so I’ve been trying to take a class twice a week. I love to start and end my week with a class.

Looking for ways to stretch at home? Try these free online stretches:

10 Gentle Yoga Stretches For Beginners For Head To Toe Flexibility

Want a video? Try this 10-Minute Total Body Stretch

Looking for tools to help you stretch?

High-Density Foam Roller

ProStretch The Original Calf Stretcher

Chirp Wheel+ Foam Wheel

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February 13, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

40 Useful Items for a Cruise

The items I packed for a cruise were so different from the things I usually pack for a trip. It was exciting getting to research and shop for items I don’t usually buy. You know me…I asked everyone’s opinions and read lots of blogs to see what I would need. I bought some and borrowed some, and am so thankful for all the recommendations. Here are 40 useful items for a cruise:

Luggage Tag Holders

You check your luggage when you get to the ship so these are a must since you have to attach the paper luggage tag they make you print out.

Lanyard

When you get on the boat, they give you a card with your name/picture on it. You have to pull it out all the time because it’s your room key. It is also used whenever you get a drink or get on/off the boat at ports.

Magnetic Cabin Hooks

Who knew the walls and door were magnetic? You can use the clip to hand your lanyard so you don’t forget it when you leave the room. You can also use them to organize cruise daily schedules.

Non Surge Protector Power Strips

My room had 2 outlets so it was nice to have more spots to charge my hair straightener, phone and computer chargers, and blow dryer.

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February 5, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

52 Weeks of Self-Care: Weeks 1-4

WEEK 1

START A NEW BOOK

I love nothing more than getting lost in a good book…the characters, the setting, and all the adventure. It’s a great way to transport yourself to another world. 2023 is the perfect year to try new books, or even new genres. To help you find a great new book, take a peek at some of these recommendations:

Best Summer Reads of 2022

WEEK 2

GET BACK TO YOUR WORKOUT ROUTINE

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January 30, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

Reykjavik in One Day with Kids

Iceland is the new “it place” to travel to and some people are deciding to add a few days there as a layover. If you have one full day to explore Reykjavik, Iceland, the capital, you may want to get an early start because there is so much to explore in this picturesque port town. I decided I wanted our time in the city to be about culture and our time in the countryside to be about nature. So how can you do Reykjavik in one day with kids?

Here is my itinerary for a full day of fun for the entire family:

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January 23, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

Simpson Bay Beach Resort

Photo Credit: Simpson Bay Beach Resort

Simpson Bay Beach Resort

Since my younger daughter was having fun at sleepaway camp, we thought it was the perfect time for my husband and I to take our oldest daughter away on a trip since she will be heading off to college a year and a half. Since we’d been to St. Martin two times before and always loved it, we knew it would be an amazing destination for our getaway. The Simpson Bay Beach Resort had everything we would need for our stay.

After a long day of flying from Boston (we had a delay and a long layover…yuck.), we finally felt the Caribbean sun on our face and could smell the salty air. Check-in was fast and informative and we couldn’t wait to head to our suite since we didn’t know what to expect. Our jaws dropped when we saw what our accommodations looked like.

Click here to read all about our stay