To Cruise…or Not To Cruise?

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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 Tips For Traveling to St. Lucia

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Although St. Lucia is often thought of as a honeymoon destination, it is a wonderful island to bring kids.  With a little planning, the entire family can spend a fun-filled vacation doing things that everyone can enjoy.

 Here are 10 tips for traveling to St. Lucia:

Where do you fly in?

The best place to fly in is Hewanorra International Airport at Vieux Fort (UVF)

CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT

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7 Ways to Entertain Kids at Museums

 

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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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Tips for Nervous Flyers

Confession…I’m a travel blogger that doesn’t love flying.  I can’t sleep on a plane, am never fully relaxed, and squeeze the heck out of the hand of the person next to me during takeoff.  Kids learn from your behavior and I want mine to love flying so I’ve learned to keep it together during flights.  I’ve developed some coping strategies that really help me while flying.  Here are my top tips for nervous flyers:

GET DISTRACTED

Some of my tips for nervous flyers happen before they even get on a plane. Make sure you have plenty of things to do that will keep your mind off your worries.  I love to get lost in a good movie, so I always download some onto my electronics. Don’t count on the plane to provide good movies; it’s always better to bring your own and not use them.  I also load new music onto my phone.   

PLAN ON NO ELECTRONICS

 Ironically, takeoff and landing are the times when I’m most nervous and that’s when you can’t use electronics! I always plan things to do like a new book, a magazine, or a crossword puzzle. Here are some great books. 

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To-Do List for a Trip

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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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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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Tips for Staying in a Hotel During COVID-19

After not traveled for six months, I was finally ready to step out of my comfort bubble, kiss the kids goodbye, and peel out of my driveway head to one of my favorite states…Maine.  I base my travels on risk vs. reward and for a while I felt safer at home with my family during this pandemic. I had to come to the realization that travel would not be the same right now.  However, it was doable.   I knew that one day I would feel comfortable packing my bags and heading off on an adventure, but I also knew I would have to put new safety measures on my agenda.

Here are 10 tips I learned from my first trip during COVID-19.

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION WISELY

I decided that the first place I would go to would be somewhere I’ve previously stayed so I’d know exactly what it is like. Ask yourself the following questions: Is the hotel in an area that has a high amount of positive cases? Does the state have any requirements for quarantining before you go? Are attractions open, like beaches, state parks, or hiking trails.  I chose Maine because they were so strict with self-quarantining, and I knew I’d feel safe. Is there enough to do on the grounds of the hotel or will you just be confined to your room?

RESEARCH HOTEL SAFETY MEASURES

Does the hotel stress what they’ve been doing to sanitize rooms? Have they changed the amount of people they allow to book? Does the hotel offer contactless check-in? Do they provide sanitation stations throughout the hotel? The hotel may have closed many amenities, so make sure you research before you book.

SANITIZE YOUR ROOM

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10 Reasons to Stay in an All-Inclusive Resort

St. Marten: Have the perfect family vacation in St. Marten with your kids! www.mytravelingkids.com

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?

Here are 10 great reasons to choose to stay in an all-inclusive resort:

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Top 10 Reasons for a Rental!

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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:

SPACE

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.

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