15 Ways to Entertain Kids on a Plane

stock5
One of the questions I’m most asked is “What tips do you have for keeping kids happy and busy on a plane?”  So I thought this would be a wonderful time to re-post one of my most popular articles.
Before I had kids I was a horrible flyer.  When turbulence would hit I’d practically sit on the lap of the person seated next to me.  (Awkward!) But after having kids, those fears were replaced by an even scarier one… fear of the crying/screaming child!! I want our vacation fun to start as soon as we get on the plane so I had to develop some tricks to keep the natives from getting restless. Now that my girls are 7 & 9 they can entertain themselves, but they’ve come to love our plane traditions so they’ve stuck.  Here are my Top 15 Ways to Entertain a Kid on a Plane:

(more…)

10 Things NOT to Do When Boarding a Plane

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.

(more…)

10 Things to do when You’re Sick While Traveling

10 Things to do when You’re Sick While Traveling

Life doesn’t always happen the way you want it to and sometimes even when you’re in paradise, you can get sick.  I wish you could just snap your fingers and feel better, but it’s not that easy.  However, there are some things you can do to help your recovery or at least make yourself more comfortable.  Here are 10 things you can do when you’re sick while traveling:

REST:  I know you’ve spent a long time planning this trip and have lots of adventures you want to do, but if you don’t want to be sick for your entire trip, you need to get some rest.  Grab some pillows and blankets and camp out on the couch in your hotel room.  Tell your family to have a fun day without you and spend your day recovering. 

SLEEP:  I’m sure you’re dying to get out and explore the town, but you need to get plenty of sleep. Go to bed early and sleep late.  Lack of sleep will weaken your immune system so this is the perfect time to take naps.  I always pack Nyquil in my suitcase. 

HOT SHOWERS:  A stuffy head, aching sinuses, and a nagging cough may have you feeling miserable, but a hot steamy shower will loosen the congestion and make you breathe a little easier.  You could also run hot water in the bathroom sink, hold your head over it and drape a towel over yourself to get some reliefs.  Be careful not to burn yourself.   

(more…)

10 Tips for Taking Kids to their First Concert

10 Tips for Taking Kids to their First Concert

One question you’ll be asked throughout your entire life is, “What was your first concert?”  U2…Saratoga Springs!  I knew I had a huge responsibility because if I didn’t choose wisely their response could be Kid Bop for the rest of their life.  We waited until the perfect concert and this year it happened…Ed Sheeran came to Gillette Stadium.  When we were in Ireland my girls begged us to go to Grafton Street, they squealed when they saw signs to Galway, and they want our next vacation to be Barcelona.  (All based on Ed Sheeran songs!) Yep…they LOVE him, so we knew this would be the perfect first concert and they ended up having a blast!

Here are 10 tips for taking your kids to their first concert:

APPROPRIATE: Radio stations censor their music, so you may want to do some investigating to see if the lyrics will be appropriate for kids.  Watch some YouTube videos about their concerts to see what vibe to expect. 

(more…)

A Peek at How I Pack

 

My husband should win an award for packing.  Since he travels weekly for work, he has it down to a science.  It takes him about fifteen minutes, he rarely forgets anything, and he doesn’t even use a list…gasp! He’s explained his system to me and it involved the order of how he unpacks his clothes at a hotel, but it could never work for me.  My world consists of a list, Post-It notes, and a highlighter. Honestly…what would the world do without a highlighter! I’m a visual person so I need to see it right in front of me.  Also, when we’re traveling for my blog we don’t travel like most people.  In Iceland we stayed in seven hotels in 10 days and had different activities each day, making packing a challenge.  My method works for me so I wanted to give you a peek at how I pack.

  (more…)

Perfect Itinerary for a Week in Santorini

view of Santorini

Santorini Itinerary

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 they say they were bored.  Being in Santorini is like walking into a postcard and this concept is not lost on kids.  Here is a Perfect Itinerary for a Week in Santorini.

DAY 1

Today is all about exploring Oia. 

BYZANTINE CASTLE RUINS

If possible, get up early to beat the crowds and head over to the BYZANTINE CASTLE RUINS.   The actual building is more like a shell but the views from around it is breathtaking.  360 degrees of blue water, white buildings, and amazing cliffs welcome you from the top of the ruins. 

church in Santorini

Spend the rest of your morning getting lost in the maze of streets of Oia.  Peek into little shops and small art studios.  Have breakfast in a tiny café and enjoy some delicious Greek coffee!  There are hundreds of steps in Oia, so be prepared to get a good workout.

(more…)

Itinerary for a Perfect Week in 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. Looking for a perfect week in St. Martin/St. Maarten

Get ready to fall in love with the Caribbean charm, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture of St. Martin. From relaxing on breathtaking beaches to savoring mouthwatering local cuisine, this 5-day itinerary has everything you need to make the most of your trip.

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/rental 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, located on the serene Friar’s Bay Beach. This laid-back beachfront spot serves fresh, flavorful Caribbean dishes like grilled fish, spicy ribs, and fried plantains.  Kids can play in the sand while you enjoy a cocktail and wait for your food. With its reggae vibes and ocean views, it’s the perfect introduction to the easygoing island lifestyle. 

(more…)

Being Prepared for Sick Kids on Vacation

 

I’ll never forget our nightmare eventful first morning on our trip to Turks and Caicos.  I woke up to the sound of birds chirping and waves crashing as I rolled over and wrapped myself up in our fluffy down comforter.  Oh, and did I mention it was a white comforter? When suddenly I noticed my sleepy five-year-old standing by my side lean over and throw up all over our bed. Perfect start to our vacation!

You can’t prevent your kids from being sick or getting hurt, but you can be prepared for these vacation hiccups by packing a few supplies.  We’ve seen it all…pneumonia in the Turks, ear infection in Florida, stomach bug in St. Lucia, sliced chin in Grand Cayman, jellyfish sting in Santorini, and countless sunburns.  (Holy cow…we’ve had some really bad luck!)  I’ve learned to pack for many “what if” situations.  Here’s what I always carry on vacation for these occasions:

(more…)

Itinerary for a Week in Bermuda with Kids

kid on a beach in Bermuda

Bermuda

Bermuda, with its pink sand beaches, turquoise waters, and charming colonial towns, is the ideal destination for a mix of relaxation and adventure. It is a gorgeous island and an ideal location from Boston and NY.  Quaint downtown areas and calm 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.  This peaceful path winds through the island’s lush greenery and offers stunning ocean views. This 18-mile trail lets you take in Bermuda’s natural beauty at your own pace, with plenty of photo-worthy spots along the way. It’s a serene introduction to the island’s laid-back vibe. You don’t have to do the whole thing, just choose a section and enjoy.  (Click here for a link to the trail)

Dinner:  Wahoo’s Waterside Bistro (St. George’s) End your first day with dinner at Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio, a waterfront gem in St. George’s. Known for its fresh seafood, the menu features dishes like wahoo tacos, blackened fish sandwiches, and Bermuda fish chowder. Pair your meal with a Rum Swizzle, the island’s signature cocktail, while enjoying the harbor views.

  Wahoo’s Waterside Bistro, Bermuda (more…)

10 Best Apps to Use While Traveling

phone

 

Since I’m not lucky enough to have my own personal assistant, I rely on certain apps to help me out while I’m traveling.  Some get me where I need to go and others make it more fun while I’m there.  The following are my top 10 apps I use while traveling:

(more…)