How to Feel at Home while Traveling

 People sometimes say they don’t travel because they hate the feeling of being away from home.  Traveling is about the unknown, and that makes some people uncomfortable.  So how can you feel at home while traveling? The trick is to bring a piece of home with you…wherever you are. 

Here are 10 tips to feel at home while traveling

STICK TO YOUR ROUTINE

  If you work out every morning then head to the fitness room.  If you have a bedtime ritual, don’t let being in a hotel stop you.  Bring your face wash, makeup removal, and moisturizer.

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7 Ways to Entertain Kids at Museums

 

mytravelingkids.com

I love going to museums and have always wanted my kids to be just as excited about them as me. Their first museum was visited in a stroller, and when they were finally able to walk it was time to explore the Museum of Natural History in NYC.  Some of my friends think it’s pointless to bring their kids because they don’t get anything out of it.  Seriously?  How can you possibly stand next to the statue of David and not get anything out of it? However, how do you entertain kids at museums?

Now don’t get me wrong, my kids and I don’t stand at a painting and discuss the contrasting and muted tones or the use of negative space.  It usually sounded more like, “Hahaha…look Mom…BOOBS!”

My girls have been to museums in NYC, Boston, Portugal, London, and Greece and have never once told me they were bored.  When they were young, they treated a museum as a place to use their imagination and they come up with some pretty cool ideas.  Now that they’re teens they still love going to museums. I asked the girls to share in their own words some tips on how they’d entertain themselves at museums when they were younger. Take it away ladies…

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15 Tips for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep in a Hotel

15 Tips for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep in a Hotel

You spend so much time planning the perfect getaway, but it’s not so perfect when you’re wide awake at 3 am.  Talk about frustrating! Those nights can be endless and makes me want to throw something. So, what can you do to ensure you get a good night’s sleep in a hotel? Here are 15 tips:

Before you get to the hotel:

CHOOSE YOUR ROOM WISELY

Not all rooms are created equally so don’t be afraid to make some requests.  You may want to avoid rooms that are on the first floor, or near elevators, ice machines, or housekeeping closets.

PACK A PILLOW

If you know me you know I’ve been on the search for the perfect pillow for year.  (Still haven’t found it…. gggrrrrrr) If you’re picky about your pillow choice, you may want to bring your own.  Thick, hard pillows or thin deflated ones may be your neck’s worse nightmare. 

GET SHADY

Nothing is worse than planning on sleeping in, when suddenly a ray of sunshine pierces your eyes at 6 am! Most rooms have light block shades, but an eye mask takes up almost no room in your bag, so you may want to bring on.  It is better to be safe than sorry.

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10 Tips for Taking Kids to the Fair

fair

  Fairs are a fun activity to do with families, but they can also be a lot of work. Rides, animals, food…so much fun!  Here are 10 tips for taking kids to the fair. 

HOW MANY RIDES WILL YOU DO?

Decide before you get there how many rides you are going to allow them to go on.  Some fairs have unlimited rides but others require individual tickets and that can cost a fortune.

   MINIMUM HEIGHT REQUIREMENT

Nothing is worse than having your kid wait in line only to find out they are one inch too short to ride.  Save the tears and have them check the height requirements first.  There is usually a place to measure your height right at the entrance. 

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What to Pack for Sleepaway Camp

Summer camp is right around the corner and that means it’s time to start planning.  One of the most stressful things about camp is your kids needing something but you not being able to give it to them right away.  That’s where the planning comes in. With the right list you can sit back and relax that they’ll have everything they need. So, what should you pack for sleepaway camp?

TRUNK

My girls got their trunks from Everything Summer Camp.  It has so many fun colors to choose from! Word of warning…they will be using this trunk for many years and bubblegum pink may be great for a fourth grader, but will they still like it in high school?

Fun stickers to decorate their trunk

Their camp requires you to bring a plastic chest of drawers

CLOTHING (Label everything!)

T-shirts/shorts

Long sleeve shirts

A pair of jeans

Athletic pants or leggings

Sneakers

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To-Do List for a Trip

suitcase

If you know me then you know I LOVE LISTS!! I get so nervous about forgetting things that a list helps calm my anxiety.  Getting ready for a trip can be really stressful because there are so many little things to remember.  I thought I would share with you my to-do list for a trip …it’s a lifesaver!

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Solo Travel…15 Things You Can Do Alone

Solo travel can be intimidating but also good for the whole family. I love my kiddos but it’s also nice to get away and have some “Me Time.”  My kids don’t mind because they know I recharge, regroup, relax and come back with much more patience.  My husband doesn’t see the fun in traveling alone and often asks me why I’d want to do it.  Friends seem shocked when I tell them I’m doing a solo trip and ask me if I’m bored and what I could possibly do while I’m there to entertain myself. 

Here are 15 things you can do when traveling alone:

 

 Dinner

 You’ve got to eat so why not make the most of it.  This trip is all about you so find something the rest of your family may not enjoy.  I always find it’s the perfect time for sushi, Thai, or Indian, since not everyone in my family will eat it.  It is also a great time to get room service, pour a glass of wine, and eat pizza in bed without anyone asking if they can have a bite!

Get Lost

  I plan everything out when I’m on a trip but when I’m alone I often leave down time to wander the streets or take a drive to see where it will lead me.  I’m open to changes in plans and welcome last-minute adventures.

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15 Ways to Save Money While Traveling

Who doesn’t like to save money when possible? Traveling can be expensive, but with a bit of strategizing you can bring down the cost.  Try these 15 tips on your next vacation and your wallet will thank you.

15 Ways to Save Money While Traveling

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Blue Lagoon with Kids: 10 Tips

When many people imagine Iceland they immediately think of the Blue Lagoon.  Pinterest is flooded with pictures of this amazing man-made geothermal pool.  It is a great way to start or end your vacation since it is so close to the airport and the whole family will have fun there. 

Here are 10 tips on doing the Blue Lagoon with kids:

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Travel Like a Local: 15 Ways to Plan the Perfect Trip

Vacations are the perfect time to immerse yourself into a new culture.  Many people like to feel like they are part of a new community and experience what everyday life is like there.  So how can you feel like a local when you are a tourist?  Sounds impossible?  Here are 15 ways to travel like a local:

STAY IN A CONDO OVER A HOTEL

 If you want to travel like a local, a condo/townhouse/house will surround you in everyday life.  Staying at your own place lets you immerse yourself into the community.  Enjoy some coffee in your backyard, people-watch from your front stoop, and say hello to your new neighbors.  Check out my article on how to choose the perfect rental. 

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