Ice Castles, Lincoln, NH
1. DRESS WARM: This should be a no-brainer but you’d be surprised at what people do for the perfect selfie! Ice = Cold. Make sure you wear a warm coat, hat, and gloves. Snow Pants are a good idea if you will be using the ice slides.
I have to admit that London was never on my must-travel-to list but since we were heading to Greece we decided to stay here for a few nights as a stopover. I fell in love with this charming city. It is so clean and welcoming that I didn’t want to leave. London is a city where history meets modernity, offering travelers a perfect mix of iconic landmarks, cultural treasures, and vibrant neighborhoods. There are many quaint English pubs where you can stop in for a pint. Many of these pubs welcome families and the loud atmosphere provides good distractions for the kids. I wish I had more time to see the countryside and the next time I go to London I will rent a car and get out of the city for a few days. Here is an itinerary for 5 full days in London, with plenty of time for exploring the city.
Where do you fly in?
The best place to fly in is London Heathrow (LHR) (14.4 miles)
London Gatwick (LGW) (24.5 miles)
London City (LCY) Airport (7.7 miles)
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DAY 1
Spend your morning walking around London enjoying the quaint feel of the city. Walk through St. James Park and take in the flowers, trees, bridges, and ponds that make this park so lovely and offers endless photo opportunities. This is a great place to let your kids run around, stretch their legs, and maybe climb a tree or two. It is a peaceful oasis right in the heart of the city. Stroll along tree-lined paths, feed the ducks by the picturesque lake, and enjoy stunning views of Buckingham Palace. This is the perfect place to soak in the city’s charm and snap some postcard-worthy photos.
You know I love a good beauty subscription box, so I was thrilled to get my hands on Goodbeing! What sets this box apart is you don’t get the same box as everyone else. To build your member profile, they ask you four pages of questions about your skin, hair, beauty/health concerns, and products you are currently using or are interested in. That way they can customize your box. Another interesting option is you get to pick two of the products you will get in your box. I love this! This way, most of the box is a surprise but you also get a little control over what products you’ll get.
What comes in each box?
The standard Goodbeing box has 4-5 items per month that are both travel size and full size. (Average value $40-$50) The mini Goodbeing box contains 2 items per box. (Average value $15-$20) The box will have items of personal care, tailored beauty, bath & body, sustainable living, and optional wellness.
Packing Smart
There is so much planning before a trip. Since so many of my friends are heading off on Winter Break this month, I thought I’d share some tips for how to pack smart. Also, make sure you revisit my To-Do List for a Trip.
Planning
Write it all down. I have no idea how my husband packs for a trip with no lists. Me…I go overboard. I blame it on being a visual person but in reality, it’s probably because I have a small attention span. Anyway, I keep a packing list and it does not get crossed off until it’s in my bag.
What will you be doing? Will you need goggles and snorkels? Will you need jeans to go horseback riding? Will you need hiking boots? Sometimes it’s easy to forget to pack things for your activities.
Check the weather. Never underestimate how weather can affect your travels. In my planning stage, I look up the average temp of our destination and then I make sure I check it again before I put any clothes into my suitcase.
Who can think of traveling to Italy without picturing a steaming plate of pasta and a glass of chianti? Or have you ever had a faint aroma of a dish and you are suddenly transported right back to where you were on vacation when you ate it? Food has a huge impact on travel and it can help build memories, so we encourage our kids to be open to new dining experiences. I like our kids to have the mentality: “I don’t need to like it but I really should try it.” Who knows…their taste buds might thank them.
As parents, we often put our kids ahead of everything…including our relationship. We fall into a routine and don’t take the time to nurture ourselves as a couple. Well time to dust off the romance and step it up a notch. Dates don’t have to be pricy or complicated (But babes…if you’re reading this, know that my passport is always ready!) it just has to be the two of you spending some quality alone time together…ALONE…can’t stress that enough. (Sorry kiddos!) But let’s face it, who has the energy to actually plan these dates and make sure they keep happening? I’m happy to say that it does not have to be you!! Date Box is a monthly subscription box that does ALL the work for you! What? You don’t have to put any thought into it? Nope…let them do the planning and you do the fun!
What do I love about this box?
The whole idea of a date box is perfect because since it comes every month, it is a reminder that it’s time for some lovin’… (Yeah…that didn’t come out the way I meant it!) As much as my husband and I WANT to have a date, sometimes we’ll look at each other and not be able to remember the last time we actually made it happen.
New England’s Finest
I love everything about New England…covered bridges, quaint inns, changing foliage…the air even smells crisper here. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else, which is why I am absolutely in love with New England’s Finest, a subscription box that is all about New England distinct flavors and charm. Every box has a theme and the items are specifically chosen for it. Take a peek…
What do I love about this box?
The theme of this box could not have come at a better time…Health and Wellness! I took my daughter to get X-rays a few days ago and there were several people wearing face masks and, I swear, it’s what has gotten me sick! OK, it’s probably just a cold, but since it’s a snowy day I may take advantage of it and lie around in PJ’s and enjoy this box.
Hiking in Iceland
Iceland is the new IT place, and for good reasons. Waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers, icebergs, and some of the nicest locals around make it the perfect family destination. If you’re looking for amusement parks, you may as well stop reading this. Iceland will get you up close with nature and push you to find your inner explorer. Although there are tons of tour companies, I would definitely suggest renting a car. Driving is so easy in Iceland and we stopped so many times to take pictures and go off the beaten path. From thundering waterfalls and volcanic beaches to serene lagoons and puffin-filled coasts. Along the way, you’ll also experience Iceland’s unique culture and cuisine, staying fueled for epic adventures with traditional dishes like lamb stew and fresh seafood. Here is my itinerary for 7 adventurous days in Iceland…the land of fire and ice:
The best place to fly in is Keflavik International Airport
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DAY 1
Spend the day getting to know Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.
First stop is the Viking Museum. Although it is a little gory, it’s a good way to learn how the Viking culture influenced Iceland throughout the years. Your admission comes with a headset to do a self-guided tour. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the country’s rich history before heading out into the wild.
Lunch: Head down to the water and have some amazing seafood while enjoying a backdrop of mountains and ocean.
Time to get out on the water. Take a Puffin Tour to see a breeding ground of these adorable little guys. (Read our full review HERE) You can take several tours from Reykjavik to see these adorable seabirds in their natural habitat. From May to August, puffins nest on Iceland’s rugged cliffs, and boat tours offer the best view of their colorful beaks and playful antics. Make sure to book in advance.
Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering the streets of Reykjavik. You might want to buy an iconic Icelandic sweater.
As a born and raised New Yorker, NYC holds my heart! It is the perfect destination for families because there is something fun for everyone and you’ll never run out of things to do. I didn’t put any recommendations for dinners because I usually like to eat near whatever hotel we’re staying at so we can walk there with the kids.
Here is our itinerary for 5 full days in paradise:
The best place to fly in is Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) 12 miles away, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) 5 minutes away, and John F. Kennedy Intl. Airport (JFK) 13 miles away
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DAY 1
Today is all about Central Park. In the morning, take a carriage ride to get a feel for the park. On your trip you are likely to pass the zoo, Wollman Rink, the Dairy, the Carousel, the Pond, and the Dakota. The drivers are knowledgeable about the park but also entertaining and my kids always liked hearing all the facts.
Location: Central Park between 5th and 6th street.
Have lunch at Alice’s Tea Cup. As soon as your children walk into the restaurant they are given a pair of fairy wings and are sprinkled with fairy dust. Seriously…what kid wouldn’t love that? Have the Mad Hatter so you get a taste of everything.
There are 3 locations: 102 West 73rd Street at Columbus Ave, 156 East 64th Street, and 220 East 81st Street between 2nd & 3rd Avenue.
Spend the afternoon at the Central Park Zoo. It is such a quaint zoo that lets you have a fun zoo experience without having to do an entire day of staring at animals. This is a great place to watch adorable animals such as penguins, snow leopards, grizzly bears, polar bears, monkeys, and sea lions. There is a beautiful rain forest section that lets you forget you are in the middle of a busy city. Don’t forget to do a 4-D movie while you’re there.
Location: 64th Street and 5th Avenue
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.
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!
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.
