NYC Itinerary

NYC skyline

As a born and raised New Yorker, NYC holds my heart! It is the perfect destination for families because there is something fun for everyone and you’ll never run out of things to do. I didn’t put any recommendations for dinners because I usually like to eat near whatever hotel we’re staying at so we can walk there with the kids.

Here is our itinerary for 5 full days in paradise:

Where do you fly in?

The best place to fly in is Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) 12 miles away, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) 5 minutes away, and John F. Kennedy Intl. Airport (JFK) 13 miles away

CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT

DAY 1

Today is all about Central Park.  In the morning, take a carriage ride to get a feel for the park.  On your trip you are likely to pass the zoo, Wollman Rink, the Dairy, the Carousel, the Pond, and the Dakota.  The drivers are knowledgeable about the park but also entertaining and my kids always liked hearing all the facts.

Location: Central Park between 5th and 6th street.

carriage ride in central park

Have lunch at Alice’s Tea Cup. As soon as your children walk into the restaurant they are given a pair of fairy wings and are sprinkled with fairy dust.  Seriously…what kid wouldn’t love that? Have the Mad Hatter so you get a taste of everything.

There are 3 locations: 102 West 73rd Street at Columbus Ave, 156 East 64th Street, and 220 East 81st Street between 2nd & 3rd Avenue.

Alice’s Tea Cup

Spend the afternoon at the Central Park Zoo.   It is such a quaint zoo that lets you have a fun zoo experience without having to do an entire day of staring at animals.  This is a great place to watch adorable animals such as penguins, snow leopards, grizzly bears, polar bears, monkeys, and sea lions.  There is a beautiful rain forest section that lets you forget you are in the middle of a busy city.  Don’t forget to do a 4-D movie while you’re there. 

Location: 64th Street and 5th Avenue

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St. Martin/St. Maarten

girls in the pool in St. Maarten

St. Martin/ St. Maarten Itinerary

 We rarely go to the same destination twice, so when we return somewhere it speaks highly of that destination.  St. Martin/St. Maarten is an island where we felt safe exploring, comfortable driving, and loved the variety of activities.  The people are so welcoming and love to share their culture with visitors.  Since the island is half Dutch and half French, you feel like you’ve traveled to two islands in one trip.  Here is our itinerary for a perfect week in St. Martin/St. Maarten.

Where do you fly in to St. Martin/ St. Maarten 

The best place to fly in is Princess Juliana International Airport

CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT

Itinerary for a perfect week in St. Martin: 

DAY 1

I always spend the first full day enjoying my hotel and spending time in the sun and sand with my family.  Enjoy the pool or the closest beach and soak up all the sunshine!

girl jumping into the pool in St. Martin

Lunch: Kali’s Beach Bar.  This is a toes-in-the-sand restaurant.  Kids can play in the sand while you enjoy a cocktail and wait for your food.  Great burgers!

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Itinerary for a Perfect Week in Sarasota

Why choose Sarasota, Florida? 

When I think of Florida, I don’t picture Disney. I envision walking across powder white sand collecting shells and shark teeth on the gulf coast.  We spend our days doing an excursion for half of the day and enjoying the sunshine at the beach or by the pool for the other half. It really is the perfect vacation scenario and our town of choice in Florida is Sarasota.  It has diverse dining, cute boutique shopping, bustling arts and culture, and some of the best beaches in the US.

Where do you fly in?

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport

Tampa International Airport (It is usually cheaper to fly here.) (1 hour drive)

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (1 hour 15-minute drive)

CLICK HERE TO FIND SOME GREAT FLIGHTS 

 Here is our itinerary for 5 full days in paradise:

DAY 1

Mote Marine Laboratory

Spend the morning at our favorite place in Sarasota! The best thing about this aquarium is the fact that it’s a working research facility.  You’ll love meeting our two favorite manatee…Hugh and Buffett.  Also, say hello to our pal Hang Tough, a blind green turtle that lives at Mote because he couldn’t survive in the wild.  The aquarium is filled with fish, sharks, eels, otters, crocs, ands more.  

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Itinerary for Grand Cayman

 

Sunset in Grand Cayman

When we traveled to Grand Cayman we had one thing in mind…get away from the depressing lovely piles of New Hampshire snow.  We wanted to soak in the sunshine and play in the sand.  We did a few outings but the beach was our main agenda.  Here is our 5-day itinerary for Grand Cayman:

Where do you fly in?

The best place to fly in is Owen Roberts International Airport 

CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT

Where did we stay?

We rented an amazing condo at the Regal Beach Club. There were 2 pools and right on the stunning Seven Mile Beach.  The beaches were never crowded and the sand was powder white.

CLICK HERE TO FIND THE PERFECT RENTAL

DAY 1

We always spend the first full day enjoying our hotel and spending time in the sun and sand with our family.  Splash in the pool or head to the closest beach and soak up all the sunshine!

After playing in the sun we had to do a few errands. Since we stayed at a condo, we went to the market to load up on local food to make for breakfasts and lunches. We found a farmer’s market and bought delicious local fruit and vegetables.

After lunch, we rented jet skis on 7 Mile Beach.

Girls walking on sand in Grand Cayman

Dinner:  Deckers Caribbean Grill   This is a fun beach bar where you can sit with your feet right in the sand.

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Itinerary for a Week in Bermuda with Kids

kid on a beach in Bermuda

Bermuda

Bermuda is a gorgeous island and an ideal location from Boston and NY.  Quaint downtown areas and white sandy beaches make it a lovely family vacation destination.  This trip was a Mother’s Day gift and we loved soaking up the sun! Here is our itinerary for a week in Bermuda with kids:

Where do you fly in?

The best place to fly in is L. F. Wade International Airport

CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT

DAY 1

I always spend the first full day enjoying my hotel and spending time in the sun and sand with my family.  Enjoy the pool and the beach and soak up all the sunshine!

girls reading by the pool

If you feel like stretching your legs on an easy stroll with gorgeous views, try the Bermuda Railway Trail.  There are 21 miles to walk on this path so choose a section and enjoy.  (Click here for a link to the trail)

Dinner:  Wahoo’s Waterside Bistro (St. George’s)          

  Wahoo’s Waterside Bistro, Bermuda (more…)

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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