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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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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20 things You Must Do on Carnival Sunrise

Carnival Sunrise

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.

relaxing on balcony

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.

Piano Bar 88

Head to the Serenity deck

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15 Tips for Your First Cruise

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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50 New Year’s Travel Resolutions

vintage suitcases

New Year’s Travel Resolutions

Resolutions are often hard to keep, but travel resolutions help me brainstorm ideas for ways to create family memories. Push yourself to have new adventures, remember old memories, and daydream about future trips. You can also use these to create Travel Bucket lists. Take a peek at mine. Here are some ideas for 50 New Year’s Travel Resolutions.

Whatever you decide to do this year, I hope you have a wonderful year making lifelong memories! Cheers!

Take a solo trip, whether it’s for an overnight or a week.

Do a weekend girls trip/ guys weekend.

Try something that brings you out of your comfort zone.

Stay in a hotel close to home.

Recreate a cocktail from a great night out.

Go on a food tour/ pub crawl/ brew bus.

Head to a winery to sample new wine.

Visiting vineyards in Napa

Sample an exotic new food.

Go camping…or glamping!

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To Cruise…or Not To Cruise?

cruise

 

I love travel so much that there are not many places I wouldn’t go.  However, one form of travel has always made me nervous… a cruise.  People love cruises and the cheap prices you can get should make it a no-brainer.  Each time I consider it something holds me back.  I feel like I have so many unanswered questions about cruises that I’ve stayed away from them.  I decided to ask five friends to give me their honest opinions about cruises.  I thought I’d share some of their responses in case anyone has the same questions.  Enjoy! (And thanks girls for sharing!!)

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10 Tips for a Fun Day at an Amusement Park

Rides at a Amusement park

Amusement parks can be a great way to spend the day as a family.  With a little planning, you can have a stress-free day that everyone can enjoy.  Here are 10 tips for a fun day at an amusement park:

CHECK OUT THE MAP

 Before you go, look at the park map online.  Decide if there are areas you all really want to do and if there are areas you can skip. Give the kids a say in the day.   

NO PRESSURE

Kids will do scary rides when they are ready.  Let them know there is no pressure for them to go on any rides they don’t feel comfortable with. 

 MINIMUM HEIGHT REQUIREMENT

 Nothing is worse than having your kid wait in line only to find out they are an inch too short to ride.  Save the tears and have them check the height requirement and measure them before they go. 

ride at an Amusement park

Riding roller coasters at Storyland, NH

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10 Things I Look for When Choosing a Resort

 

Planning a vacation can seem like a daunting task because of the large number of resort options.  You may wonder where you even start. 

Here are 10 things I look for when choosing a resort:

 

APPEARANCE

 Is the resort attractive and in good condition?  Does it look family oriented or geared towards adults? What sets the resort apart from others I’ve looked at?  Does it have areas we can walk around or spots where you can relax and hang out? How are the gardens and the lobby? Does it look like it needs major upgrades?

Beaches Jamaica

Beaches Resort

 SPACE

 I can’t stress it enough…my family likes our space!  Especially when the girls were younger and had early bed times, we needed a place to unwind for a few hours without waking them up.  I’ll never forget when, in Bermuda, my husband sat in the bathroom watching a movie on his iPad so he wouldn’t wake up the kids. A suite with a door to the bedroom is a great solution.  That way, you can all sleep in the same room but not have to do it at the same time. 

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10 Tips for Taking Kids to a Broadway Show

There’s no better place to watch theater than Broadway!  Some people think it is an activity that’s only for adults, but I couldn’t disagree more! There are so many great family shows and kids will never forget their first one.  However, family + Broadway = $$$ so you might want to plan ahead! Here are 10 tips for taking your kids to a Broadway show:

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One-On-One Getaways with Kids

One-On-One Getaways with Kids

 Although it is amazing to travel with my whole family, it is special to be able to sometimes only have one kiddo with me.  At first, I thought it would be odd leaving one kid behind, but it has turned out to be an amazing experience for our whole family.  These one-on-one getaways are something we both look forward to.  Here is why it’s important to have One-On-One Getaways with Kids: 

DIFFERENT INTERESTS

One of my girls is sporty and loves anything active and my other is artsy and loves a creative destination. One vacation is filled with water slides, hikes, and trampoline parks and the other with museums, plays, and bookstores. It’s nice to foster their interests without having to worry if the other is bored. 

  FORCES ENCOURAGES PARENTS TO DO STUFF

Did I really want to go back to the indoor waterpark in the morning? Of course not, but I ended up having a great time racing her down the slides. Did I really want to see that musical? Nope, but I ended up loving it and even buying the soundtrack. These trips give me a little nudge to do things I may not have done. 

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