Good Tips

When my husband suggested I take a baby-free girls trip to escape the neverending Minnesota winter, I found it pretty hard to say no.  However, I was still breastfeeding my youngest and not quite ready to be done, so I finally had to tackle pumping while traveling. Here’s the advice I would give a fellow mom looking to do the same thing.

I’m meticulous about leaving a clean and tidy home behind when I go on vacations. The thought of my space festering with dirty dishes, an unkempt room, or a kitchen floor covered in crumbs has the potential to take the relaxation out of my trip. Granted, I’m on the extreme side of the clean and organized spectrum, but I think we can all agree there’s nothing better than coming back to a clean house. So take some time and follow these tips before heading out the door so you can honestly say: “it’s good to be home.”

Traveling with kids can be a wonderful experience, but active toddlers and moody kiddos can make it pretty stressful, too. While we love traveling with our little guy, this summer we’ve decided to stick close to home and take some time to explore the region with a few staycations. From impromptu family barbeques and loose schedules to photo opps and splurging on yourself, here are a few tips to successfully unplug, unwind and experience your city with fresh eyes.

While there are certainly moments when I miss the languorous uninterrupted pool time that characterizes a vacation without kids, I find family trips are so much richer and more interesting, and I love seeing new sights through my son’s eyes. That being said, there are definitely some things to keep in mind to ensure that your entire family (including you!) have a great time away. Here are a few tips that have worked for us.