I start to get giddy from the second I begin planning a trip and the closer it get the more excited I get. However, it sometimes takes a bit of nudging to get the kids to show a little enthusiasm.
Here are 10 ways to get your kids excited about your next trip:
The choice between hotel and all-inclusive is a hard one. Some people see the prices and wonder if it’s really worth it. What draws so many people towards this option?
After a few long, whiny, nights full of crying and fussing…and that was me, not the kids…we started renting condos for vacations. Think a rental might be a good option for your family? Here are 10 reasons for a rental:
I don’t know about you, but the most important factor of our accommodations is my family has their own space to spread out. When we are in cramped areas we slowly turn into cornered animals that can turn on each other in a split second. It turns into a National Geographic documentary with my daughters stalking each other like prey. OK, OK…that may be pushing it…but it sure is nice to have some room. A house rental gives everyone their privacy and allows us all to choose our own schedule. My husband is a night owl so it’s great for when he wants to go in the living room to watch some TV after the kids go to bed, or allows my daughters to sleep in if I get up early.
St. Ermin’s Hotel
Where you stay can make or break your vacation. We once stayed in a hotel in NYC that placed earplugs on the nightstand because of its loud neighborhood. When planning your trip, the first decision is should you stay at a hotel, all-inclusive, or rent a place. Today we’ll focus on hotels, so let’s start by breaking down the reasons why you should or should not stay in a hotel:
YES!!! Cheers break out from moms everywhere!! Even on vacation parents do not get a vacation from being a parent. The advantage of having a hotel room is you can’t cook…not even if you wanted to! Don’t get tricked into getting a room with a kitchenette or you may as well put your apron on.
A week of not making beds or vacuuming sounds like heaven to me. Leave the housekeepers a big fat tip because they deserve it.
Obidos is one of the most charming towns I have ever been to and I could have daydreams of myself living there for a month… spending my afternoons hanging laundry on my clothesline while talking to the local elderly ladies and gossiping about the town. When my mind starts drifting, I imagine living in a small town like this where everyone knows each other and old traditions are used today. Need more proof that this town is amazing? Consider this: In the 13th century, Queen Isabel visited this town and fell so in love with it that her husband, King Denis I, gave it to her. That’s right…he gave her the actual town. (Good luck topping that gift Buddy!) Although it is good for a day trip, there is nothing like being here after the crowds have left. That’s when the magic happens.
The days of long layovers where you sit back, enjoy a latte, and lose yourself in a good book seem to disappear after you have kids. Layovers are a lot more work when you now have to entertain little ones. In fact, after having kids I try to avoid layovers as much as possible, but sometimes they can’t be avoided. Here are 10 tips for how I survive a layover:
Since it’s Spring break for New Englanders, I thought I would repost one of my articles on how to keep your home safe while you’re traveling. Hope it’s helpful! Safe travels!
Vacation is a time for relaxation and tranquility, but it’s human nature to worry about the house you left behind. A home is a huge responsibility and you want to keep it safe even when you are away. The following are 10 tips for keeping your home safe while traveling:
1. ASK SOMEONE TO WATCH YOUR HOUSE. Personally, I don’t feel the need to hire a house sitter for a short trip. My house is able to take care of itself. However, I do let my neighbors know that I’ll be away so they can keep an eye on anything suspicious. It’s nice to get a quick text saying our house is still standing.
2. PUT YOUR MAIL ON HOLD. It takes ten minutes to get online and put your mail on hold. Nothing screams, “No one’s home!” like mail bulging out of a street mailbox. I have delivery start the day we return so it’s there when we get home.
Jet lag can make or break your vacation because it is this foggy cloud that settles over you. My husband travels to California for work and I have no clue how his body acclimates to the time difference so well. I started to do some research and realized there are things you could do to adjust your body to jet lag, so I thought I’d share some of the tips I’ve found:
SO, WHAT THE HECK IS JET LAG?
The medical term for jet lag is desynchronosis. It is a physiological condition that is caused when the body’s circadian rhythms (internal time clock) is warped due to rapid long-distance (east–west or west–east) travel.
WHAT SYMPTOMS CAN JET LAG CAUSE?
Everyone can experience different symptoms of jet lag. Personally, I feel like I have a cloud of smog surrounding my head. People complain of having memory problems, a hard time concentrating, irritation, difficulty making decisions, loss of appetite, tired muscles, and bathroom issues.
So, what can you do to prevent some of these symptoms?
When we were boarding the plane a few weeks ago, my daughters and I were laughing at all the ridiculous things people do when boarding a plane. The process could go so smoothly if people would just pay attention to common sense rules. Most of the time people don’t even realize that what they’re doing is holding up the rest of the passengers, but others are just plain selfish. So…here are 10 things we thought people should NOT do when they’re boarding a plane:
1. ARMS AND LEGS: If you have an aisle seat you will have plenty of time to stretch out during the flight. I will not feel bad for you if you get your elbow banged while I’m walking if your elbow is halfway across the aisle. Keep them in your seat until everyone is on board!
2. OVERHEAD BINS: Crazy concept… but we are actually ALL sharing the overhead bins, so please set your bag sideways and allow room for others to do the same. Don’t be that guy that puts it lengthwise right in the middle of the bin!
3. STANDING IN AISLE: We all have the same task…put our bags up and sit down. Please do not stand in the aisle taking out your magazines while we all wait for you.