10 Tips for Doing Blarney Castle with Kids

10 Tips for Doing Blarney Castle with Kids

I’ve always had ‘Kiss the Blarney Stone’ on my Travel Bucket List, but I had no idea how terrifying it would be.  I thought you walked up to a boulder and gave it a peck.  I had no idea you first had to walk up a ton of claustrophobic winding stairs up to the rooftop of a castle.  Then you sit down with your back facing the stone, scoot back, lie down, grab two bars for dear life, and then have a panic attack (Oh wait…maybe that’s just me).  My kids and husband were not scared at all.  In fact, they thought it was really fun. There are bars that prevent you from falling but my brain couldn’t wrap itself around that concept. I was counting down the seconds until it was over since I hate heights.  Don’t even get me started on the fact that a million people before me had also kissed that stone.  I don’t even like putting my hands on railings, never mind put my lips on it.  So, I gave the rock a nice little air kiss.  That counts doesn’t it?

But really, I’m glad we did it and I could not imagine having backed out since it’s a once in a lifetime thing to do in Ireland.  That said, here are 10 tips for doing Blarney Castle with your kiddos.

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10 Tips for Doing the Cliffs of Moher with Kids

Tips for Doing the Cliffs of Moher with Kids

The Cliffs of Moher is Ireland’s most visited natural attraction and should be on your Ireland itinerary. These dramatic works of nature rise over 700 feet at the highest point and span five miles over the Atlantic Ocean.  We rented a house in Doolin so we were near the cliffs and they didn’t disappoint.  Kids will love to see the cliffs and as long as you’re careful, it’s a perfectly safe activity to do together.  The following are 10 tips for doing the Cliffs of Moher with kids:

 WEAR SENSIBLE SHOES

There are loose rocks, patches of mud, and dirt paths for you to walk on so you’ll want to wear sensible shoes.  Hiking boots are ideal but sneakers are fine.  I would avoid flip flops and shoes with heels.

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Hawk Walk at Dromoland Castle

 

Just your typical day of flying hawks in the forest of a castle! How crazy is that?  One of the most memorable things we did in Ireland was a Hawk Walk at Dromoland Castle.  It was an experience we will never forget and I’m so glad everyone got up the courage to do it, so we could experience it together as a family.

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10 Ways to Get Kids Excited About Your Next Trip

I start to get giddy from the second I begin planning a trip and the closer it get the more excited I get.  However, it sometimes takes a bit of nudging to get the kids to show a little enthusiasm.

Here are 10 ways to get your kids excited about your next trip:

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Wentworth by the Sea

Photo credit: Wentworth by the Sea

6 months ago, my sweet family gave me a spa getaway to the Wentworth by the Sea, in Newcastle, NH, and I finally decided to pack my bags and go.  There’s no place that relaxes me more than being on the seacoast, and I was excited to breathe in the ocean air and recharge.  Spa…restaurants…and an amazing view!!

 

Read all about my stay at the Wentworth! 

Make Your Hotel Stay into a Wellness Retreat

Some vacations entail running from attraction to attraction, which result in coming home exhausted, sleep deprived, and regretful of all the junk I ate.  However, some vacations are meant for relaxation,  taking the time to recharge, and an indulgence in self-care.  Sure, it would be great to fly to Arizona to spend the night at a wellness resort, but that may not be realistic. With some creativity, you can turn any hotel stay into a wellness retreat.

Here are 10 Ways to Turn Your Hotel Stay into a Wellness Retreat:

USE THE SPA

Nothing relaxes me more than some pampering, so I try to find a hotel that has its own spa.  I like spas that offers unique treatments I haven’t tried before.  I love when they use local ingredients like blueberry massage oil when staying in Maine and salt scrubs when staying near the ocean. Book yourself a soothing treatment or two.

VISIT THE POOL

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Barcelona Itinerary: Day 2

Photo credit: Barcelona Edition

Day 2

Day 1 was a perfect introduction to Barcelona, Spain, so I couldn’t wait to explore the city more today.

PARK GUELL

Day 2 started off was a trip PARK GUELL.  If you’re looking for a place to truly see the masterpieces of Antoni Gaudi, a Spanish architect and an overall hero in Barcelona, Park Gϋell is the place you’ll want to be.  (Read our full review of the park here.)

ARC DE TRIUMF

From there you can walk to the ARC DE TRIUMF.  Take some pictures and admire the architecture of this beautiful entrance to the park.

PARK DE LA CIUTADELLA

Walk through the park and watch the street performers and artists.  Cross the street and enter the PARK DE LA CIUTADELLA.  Enjoy the beauty of the park and find the famous fountain.

GOTHIC QUARTERS

Since it’s time for some lunch, it’s also time to walk around the GOTHIC QUARTERS.  This section of town is filled with historic buildings and mazes of adorable streets.  Find somewhere that serves lunch outside and have some sangria.  After lunch, keep walking around stopping for a cocktail, some gelato, or souvenir shopping.  It is the best place to people watch. (Read my full review here!)

CATHEDRAL OF BARCELONA

In the Gothic Quarters, head toward the CATHEDRAL OF BARCELONA.  There is often street performers and musicians playing in the square.  Take a peek inside the church.

PONTE DEL BISBE

Next, take a short walk to see the PONTE DEL BISBE. You need to get a picture of this beautiful archway.

This would be a good time to head back to the Hotel Barcelona (if you’re staying there).  Have a rest or go up to the rooftop to read, relax, have a swim, or drink a cocktail.

Dinners is at EUSKAL ETXEA. At this authentic tapas restaurant, you can eat as many tapas as you’d like and at the end of your meal, they will count up the toothpicks to see how much you owe.  It’s a great way to try new tapas.

PALAU DALMASES FLAMENCO SHOW

After dinner, head over to the PALAU DALMASES FLAMENCO SHOW. Watch some amazing musicians, singers, and dancers put on a passionate show.  (Read my full review here!)

On the way home, stop for a drink in a local pub.  Still hungry?  Find a place with outdoor seating and share some paella.

Barcelona Itinerary

 

Streets of Barcelona, Spain

Weekend in Barcelona , Spain

I was so excited to join my husband on a trip to Barcelona, Spain, to celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary, even if we would only be there for a few days.  Here is my itinerary of how we spent two days on a romantic (kid-free) trip to Barcelona:  Cheers!

Where do you fly in to Barcelona?

The best place to fly in is Barcelona International Airport

CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT

 DAY 1

BARCELONA EDITION

After getting a good night’s sleep at our hotel, the Barcelona Edition (Read a full review of our stay here), we were ready to get out and explore the city.

The Barcelona Edition is the perfect location for exploring the city and it has some amazing features…I’ll talk more about those later.

Ok…time to get moving!

First stop of the day was to the SAGRADA FAMILIA. One name you will hear repeated throughout your visit in Barcelona, is of the Catalonian architect, Antoni Gaudi.  He is a hero in these parts and after taking one look at his creations, you’ll see why.  Sagrada Familia, a Roman Catholic church, is one of Gaudi’s most famous creations.  It is hands-down the most beautiful church I’ve ever seen. (Read my full review here!)

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain

LA BOQUERIA

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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!

www.mytravelingkids.com

 

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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