10 Reasons Kids Should Travel

 

 

The other day a friend of mine told me she’s not sure she will ever travel with her kids again.  I agree that it’s a scary time right now and we’re not getting much use of our passports, but the thought of NEVER traveling with my kids again breaks my heart. I strongly believe there will be a time again soon when we can get lost on winding streets, chat with locals at the pub, and dine under the stars after a day of exploring a new town. Still nervous about traveling with kids? Take a peek at an article I wrote  a few years back about 10 Reasons Kids Should Travel.  Enjoy!

 

KIDS THAT TRAVEL SEE THE WORLD WITH A NEW PERSPECTIVE

My kids are growing up in a town that does not have much diversity.  When we travel they are able to see there are so many amazing cultures.   The more exposure to travel they get, the more they will seek it out.  The world will not seem scary or unknown, but rather something that makes them curious and question where they want to go next.

KIDS WILL LEARN ABOUT THEMSELVES

Do they enjoy vacations surrounded by lots of people or do they prefer solitude? Are they adventurous or do they like to do calm activities?  What do they like to do for fun? Do they want to hike, swim, snorkel, fly, swim with dolphins, or go parasailing? Do they like to follow an itinerary or  be spontaneous? A good vacation is one where they come home changed for the better.

Flying hawks in Ireland

KIDS THAT TRAVEL WILL LEARN TO EXPLORE

 I always research the heck out of the place we’re traveling but I always leave room to just explore and wander around.  (Ok…and I get lost A LOT!) Our favorite times when traveling were wandering in the maze of streets and coming upon a cute café or shop.  Traveling makes kids appreciate how great it can be to get lost.

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Touch of New England

There is nowhere I’d rather live than New England! Fall foliage bursting with color, majestic mountains, rugged coastlines, and quaint family farms are just a few snapshots of our region.  However, it is more than that…it’s a feeling of old world charm. It’s sorta like living in a Hallmark Christmas movie…lol.  New England is a magical place filled with local small businesses that create premium, unique products. Touch of New England is a subscription box that will make you feel like you’re traveling here without leaving your home.

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

They say it best: “When you can’t go there yourself, let us send you a touch of the New England culture, delivered right to your door.” Since many people are not able to travel right now, it’s a wonderful way to “explore” the area without leaving your home. You’ll enjoy quality products from the region, while supporting the artisans and businesses who make New England unique.  I love that their standards are high. If they don’t love a product, they won’t include it in their box.

WHAT COMES IN EACH BOX?

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15 Cookbooks that Inspire Travel

One of the best things about travel is the FOOD! Eating local cuisine can tell you a lot about the culture.  Being Portuguese, I know that lots of love goes into our food and that the best memories are made around a dining room table.  Since we’re not using our passports right now, a great way to “travel” is to discover new places through their food.  I love to gather my family in the kitchen, put on some music, and start giving everyone a task of chopping, measuring, stirring, and tasting.  Here are a few of my favorite cookbooks.

Here are 15 cookbooks that will inspire you to travel the world:

PORTUGAL: Taste Portugal 101 Easy Portuguese Recipes (Volume 1)

(I can’t wait to buy her second book!)

by Maria Dias

SPAIN: Catalan Food: Culture and Flavors from the Mediterranean

by Clarkson Potter

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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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20 US Trips I Want to Take

An important lesson COVID-19 has taught me is to not take travel for granted.  When I start getting that travel itch, it helps to think of all the amazing places we can go someday and all the adventures we can do together.  Creating a list of travel dreams can help you see that one day we will grab our passports, pack our bags, and head out to make some memories. 

Here are 20 USA trips I can’t wait to take…

Listen to country music in Nashville

Go on a morning hike to Havasu Falls, Arizona

Do a wellness retreat in Arizona

Swim with manatees in Crystal River

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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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My Interview

I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Choosy Traveler about what it is like to be a travel blogger during the COVID-19 pandemic.  It was so nice talking about why my family likes to travel, what kinds of travelers my kids are becoming, and what future plans we have when we’re ready to travel again.  Find out how I’ve been spending my time during these crazy months… Enjoy!

Interview With a Travel Blogger: Christine from My Traveling Kids

How to Cope with the Not-On-Vacation Blues

How to Cope with the Not-On-Vacation Blues

We’ve been home for 7 months, and with no travel plans for the time being I’m starting to get a little stir crazy.  My planning notebook is starting to collect dust and It’s time to do something about it.  I am starting to get vacation fever and am daydreaming about sunshine, sandy toes,  and sand castles.  So, what do you do when you’ve got the not-on-vacation-blues?  Here are some ways I cope:

Have a quickie.

Ok…get your mind out of the gutter…I mean a quickie vacation! Plan a weekend getaway and stay in a hotel for a night or two.  Pretend you are somewhere far away and swim, order room service, or do absolutely nothing.  A change of environment can make all the difference. Choose a hotel you feel comfortable staying at and bring any items that will make you feel safer like your own pillow, towel, or blanket. Don’t forget to bring hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.  

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20 Years of Travel Memories

Today is my 20th wedding anniversary!  What?  That can’t be right…we must have been babies when we got married. It’s been amazing sharing these 20 years with my best friend and I can’t think of anyone better to grow old with. Throughout the years he’s given me the most unforgettable gifts of travel and we’ve created so many memories as a family.  Here’s a peek at some of our travel memories throughout the last 2 decades!!

Mexico: 2000

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What’s On Your Travel Bucket List?

“We grow great by dreams. Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; nurse them through bad days until they bring them to the sunshine and light, which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true.”
– W. Wilson

Many of us are taking a pause from traveling, but that isn’t going to stop us from daydreaming.  Now is the perfect time to create your Travel Bucket List so you can do a little daydreaming about your next adventure.  After all…#wewilltravelagain!

Why did I start my list?

When I was in college I had an English professor that was the stereotypical hippy, turtleneck wearing, book loving, ‘Let’s have class outside’ kind of professor. I absolutely LOVED him! (Ok…it helped that he was also really cute!) He had a philosophy that everyone should have a Bucket List. However, he called it a Life List because it should be about your life, not your death. He suggested always having 100 items on your list at all time. When you accomplish one, you need to replace it with another.  As the years went on, a new list was created…my Travel Bucket List.

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