Photo Credit: RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain
Lincoln, New Hampshire
With one daughter at camp and one working, I was able to slip away for a solo getaway in the stunning White Mountains of New Hampshire. Lincoln is a quaint New England town that is fun during all four seasons. I’ve been looking at RiverWalk at Loon Mountain for years and I was so excited to finally get to stay.
Photo Credit: Caribe Hilton
San Juan, Puerto Rico
I was absolutely thrilled when I heard that my favorite travel conference, Women in Travel Summit, would be held on the gorgeous island of Puerto Rico! I was counting down the days until I could sink my toes in the sand and have a cocktail in my hand! The Caribe Hilton San Juan was the perfect hotel to meet up with 600 other women traveler creators.
Photo Credit: Royal Sonesta San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico
I have traveled overnight and long weekends alone, but I have never gotten on a flight and taken a vacation all by myself. However, this has always been a dream of mine. When I heard the Women In Travel Summit was taking place in Puerto Rico I knew there was no better time for a solo trip. I’ve got to admit, I was a little nervous, but I kept reminding myself it was an adventure. I even added a two-night stay before the conference so I could experience more of the island. I knew there was nowhere I’d rather stay than the Royal Sonesta San Juan.
Traveling solo can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s important to keep safety in mind at all times. About a month before my solo trip to Puerto Rico I began to get really anxious. We’re talking, “What the heck am I thinking? Should I cancel this trip?” Then I reminded myself that women do this every day and as long as I plan ahead, stay alert, and remain level-headed, I could do this. As a solo traveler, you are responsible for your own safety, and it’s important to take precautions to avoid any potential dangers. Here are 15 safety tips for solo travelers.
Before you leave, research your destination thoroughly. Look up any safety concerns and read about any recent incidents or crime reports. Are there areas you should avoid?
Choose accommodation in a safe area, preferably with good reviews from other travelers. Avoid areas that are known for crime or that have a high rate of theft. Once I’ve decided on a hotel, I looked on blogs and TripAdvisor and emailed people with safety questions I had. As for the hotel, is there a 24-hour front desk? Is there a doorman or security on duty all night? I like to bring a door lock and alarm.
If possible, avoid walking alone at night, especially in areas that are unfamiliar to you. If you want to explore an area, take a peek HERE to find a reputable tour.
Boston, Massachusetts is one of those cities I immediately fell in love with… cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and it’s WICKED New England charm. It was love at first sight! Boston is a city with rich history and culture that offers family-friendly activities to explore. From outdoor adventures to educational experiences, there are many things to see and do in Boston that the whole family can enjoy. Here are ten family-friendly activities to do in Boston:
The New England Aquarium is a popular attraction for families, featuring over 20,000 aquatic animals, including sea turtles, penguins, and sea lions. Kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits and touch tanks, where they can get up close and personal with marine life. Make time to watch a 3D movie at the Simons Theatre.
Carnival Sunrise is a fun cruise ship that offers a large range of activities and amenities for travelers. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or fun with family and friends, this ship has something for everyone. Here are 20 Things You Must Do on Carnival Sunrise.
These suites give you priority spa reservations, unlimited use of Thermal Suites plus a free scrub kit, two complimentary fitness classes per guest, exclusive discounts on treatments during port days, and cozy use of bathrobes and slippers in your cabin.
Although it costed a bit more, I absolutely loved having a balcony in my cabin. I loved being able to sit outside in the morning and enjoy a cup of coffee while I read a book. I also loved having a glass of wine while sitting out there and Facetime my family each evening.
We had so much fun singing along with Keith each night at the piano bar. We laughed until we had tears and you’ll feel like a superstar as you belt out familiar tunes. Make sure you come with plenty of song suggestions. Hint: Want a specific song? Attach a few dollars to your song request and it will let you jump the line. It’s a fun way to tip.
I have been traveling since I was a kid, but last fall was the first time on a cruise. I couldn’t believe how different it was from other trips I’ve taken. I must admit that I was a little nervous before I went. What I learned was going on a cruise can be an exciting experience, especially if you have an open mind. Here are 15 tips for your first cruise.
Do your research and choose a cruise that matches your interests and needs. Consider the itinerary, cruise line, and ship size. Is it going to be a family vacation, girls’ trip, romantic getaway? This could change the ship that works best. Click HERE to see how to find the right cruise line.
Plan your budget, including the cost of the cruise, airfare, transfers, and excursions. Make sure you plan on incidentals and tips. Decide what aspects of your trip you don’t mind cutting back on and what aspects you are willing to splurge on.
Iceland is the new “it place” to travel to and some people are deciding to add a few days there as a layover. If you have one full day to explore Reykjavik, Iceland, the capital, you may want to get an early start because there is so much to explore in this picturesque port town. I decided I wanted our time in the city to be about culture and our time in the countryside to be about nature. So how can you do Reykjavik in one day with kids?
Photo Credit: Simpson Bay Beach Resort
Since my younger daughter was having fun at sleepaway camp, we thought it was the perfect time for my husband and I to take our oldest daughter away on a trip since she will be heading off to college a year and a half. Since we’d been to St. Martin two times before and always loved it, we knew it would be an amazing destination for our getaway. The Simpson Bay Beach Resort had everything we would need for our stay.
After a long day of flying from Boston (we had a delay and a long layover…yuck.), we finally felt the Caribbean sun on our face and could smell the salty air. Check-in was fast and informative and we couldn’t wait to head to our suite since we didn’t know what to expect. Our jaws dropped when we saw what our accommodations looked like.
Photo Credit: Oyster Bay Beach Resort
There’s nothing crazier than the weeks leading up to the holidays, so there’s no better time to get away for a long weekend before the hectic season starts. I actually had a credit to the Oyster Bay Beach Resort, which they allowed me to apply to our stay, so my friend and I packed our bags, hopped on a flight from Boston, left New England behind, and headed to the Caribbean.