DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld

Ironically, my family often runs around so much during vacation that it doesn’t always feel as relaxing as a vacation should be.  By the time we got to the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld we were already exhausted.  That all changed as soon as we walked into the hotel lobby.  We were suddenly transported from the commotion of the outside world into a tranquil place where the world suddenly slows down. The DoubleTree is nestled in 28 acres of gorgeous flower gardens, fountains, and tropical palm trees. Even though you are in the middle of all the action of Orlando, you will feel like you are tucked into your own private oasis.

Click here to read all about our amazing stay. 

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

My girls are big fans of Hope and Winter, the dolphins portrayed in the movies Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2.  Winter is a great role model of strength and determination. If you don’t know their story, Winter was 3 years old when her tail became entangled in a crab trap line that cut off the circulation of her tail flukes.  She was brought to Clearwater Marine Aquarium and, with the help of the staff, was given a prosthetic tail and fluke and relearned how to swim. Unlike a typical aquarium, Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a working animal hospital and marine life rescue center. 

We started our day with a tour of the aquarium with Julia, who was knowledgeable of all the animals and answered all our questions.  What struck me most was how committed the staff is to the well-being of all of the animals brought here.  They were all quick to answer questions my girls had and if you were looking at an exhibit they would come over and give you facts about the animals like what led them to need help.   It was a welcoming environment and we walked away with tons of knowledge about marine animals.  The girls couldn’t stop telling my husband all about it over dinner. 

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Ashworth by the Sea

 

It is already April in New Hampshire and it is STILL SNOWING! Seriously, I don’t know who made Mother Nature angry, but she’s not letting us forget who is in charge.  Thanks to the Hotel Tonight App we were reviewing, we were able to choose from a number of hotels to stay in.  We had two criteria: it had to have a pool and we wanted to smell the ocean from our room.  The Ashworth by the Sea gave us this and much more.

Read my complete review of this seaside treasure.

My Top 10 Restaurant Picks for Portsmouth, NH

 

Portsmouth, New Hampshire is one of my favorite seacoast towns in New England.  In addition to beaches, great shopping, and beautiful parks, Portsmouth has a thriving restaurant scene.  It has everything from breweries to ice cream shops and most are family friendly.  With so many options, how can you choose? Here are my top 10 picks:

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Perfect Itinerary for a Week in Santorini

view of Santorini

Santorini Itinerary

Many people think of Santorini as a honeymoon destination filled with starry-eyed newlyweds and wedding proposals around every corner.  However, Santorini is actually an amazing destination for a family vacation and is filled with fun activities to do with your kids.  There is no need for electronics to keep your kids entertained and never once did they say they were bored.  Being in Santorini is like walking into a postcard and this concept is not lost on kids.  Here is a Perfect Itinerary for a Week in Santorini.

DAY 1

Today is all about exploring Oia. 

BYZANTINE CASTLE RUINS

If possible, get up early to beat the crowds and head over to the BYZANTINE CASTLE RUINS.   The actual building is more like a shell but the views from around it is breathtaking.  360 degrees of blue water, white buildings, and amazing cliffs welcome you from the top of the ruins. 

church in Santorini

Spend the rest of your morning getting lost in the maze of streets of Oia.  Peek into little shops and small art studios.  Have breakfast in a tiny café and enjoy some delicious Greek coffee!  There are hundreds of steps in Oia, so be prepared to get a good workout.

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Review of Ice Castles, Lincoln, NH

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.

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London Itinerary

Big Ben on a foggy day

London Itinerary

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)

CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT

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.

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Packing Smart

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.

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Why You Should Try New Food While on Vacation

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. 

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7 adventurous days in Iceland…the Land of Fire and Ice

hiking in iceland

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:

Where do you fly in?

The best place to fly in is Keflavik International Airport

CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT

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.

Viking Museum in Iceland

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.

puffin tour in Iceland

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