Maui With Kids: The Ultimate Family Travel Guide 2026

Kids love RUnning on Airplane beach in Maui and in and out of waves

Is Maui Worth It With Kids? A Real Family-Friendly Travel Guide

Yes — Maui is absolutely worth visiting with kids. From calm beaches and stroller-friendly resort areas to kid-loving restaurants and flexible activities, Maui is one of the easiest Hawaiian islands to enjoy as a family — even with toddlers.

Our kids don’t understand how lucky they are for the amount of times they have gone to Hawaii! Maui is our favorite destination for traveling as a family. There is so much to do and the island has so much to offer for everyone. We have made some sweet memories together from having an infant to toddler and kid years.

We have learned to have a successful trip you need the balance of snacks, naps, and fun! therefore, we have recommendations for accommodations, restaurants, and things to do to entertain (and hopefully tire out) your tot!

Related Post: Don’t miss our ULTIMATE MAUI GUIDE

Honokōwai Beach Park

Quick Jump

• Best Places to Stay in Maui with Kids
• Best Beaches in Maui for Kids
• Best Restaurants in Maui with Kids
• Things to Do in Maui with Kids
• 5-Day Maui Itinerary with Kids
• What to Pack for Maui with Kids

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Best Places to Stay in Maui for Families

After many hotel and condo stays around Maui, let’s break up the island to compare which areas are best for your family!

🏝️ Best Areas to Stay in Maui With Kids

Area	Best For	Walkability	Beach Type
Kā‘anapali	First-timers, toddlers	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Sandy, swimmable
Wailea	Luxury, older kids	⭐⭐	Resort beaches
Napili / Kapalua	Quiet stays, babies	⭐	Calm coves

These are the best areas to stay in Maui with kids based on walkability, beach conditions, and family-friendly amenities.

Kaanapali vs Wailea vs Kapalua with Kids

• Kaanapali is much more kid friendly, as well as budget friendly, than Wailea. Both areas of the island have family friendly hotels but Kaanapali has a long stretch of them! There is a great beach and tons of hotels and shopping along Kaanapali with a long walk way to connect everything together.

• Wailea has more high end hotels that are more geared towards adults, such as the Four Seasons or the Andaz. The Grand Wailea has an awesome pool with lots of water slides but you can also get similar pools in Kaanapali.

• Napili and Kapalua are further North and rockier than the previous areas discussed. It’s not as walkable as the hotel resorts are more spread out, which makes it less crowded and quieter. Kapalua bay has a great beach that doesn’t have big waves but also has a coral reef that is great for snorkeling! The Kapalua coastal trail is great for strollers or walking with a carrier.

🏨 Condo Resorts vs Hotels

Depending on your length of stay, if it’s more than 5 days, you might be more comfortable trying a condo like Outrigger’s Honua Kai! You can pick your room layout (Studio, One Bedroom, Two Bedroom or Three Bedrooms) so that you have plenty of space especially when babies or toddlers are napping and you need another room to hang out in!

Condo Rental Wins:

• Pools are like resort pools! Honua Kai has one of our favorite pools complete with water slides, splash pad, and kiddie pool! You can even get food and drink poolside service from Duke’s restaurant!

• My favorite feature is having a full kitchen with the little ones so you can make pancakes or have fresh fruit and milk available in a full sized refrigerator as opposed to a mini fridge.

• We book through Maui Resort Rentals and they have cribs/pack n plays so you don’t have to bring a bed!

Taking first steps on a Little Beach bridges in front of Honua Kai

Best resorts for families

Don’t get me wrong, the resort hotels are wonderful too! If you have kids that are 4+, traveling is a bit easier since you don’t have to bring diapers, strollers, pack n play, etc!

Kaanapali has a few great hotel resorts:

• Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas

  • The Westin in Kaanapali has an amazing pool area with slides, fountains, and one especially parent-friendly feature: our 3-year-old could climb up to the slide on their own and land in a shallow pool (about 1.5 feet deep). This setup was a huge win for us—it gave our toddler independence while giving us a much-needed break from constant stair climbing.

  • The Westin also has great restaurants, a Starbucks, and an ARCADE!

  • Other activities include feeding the flamingos and birds in the morning. Ask the front desk about the times for daily feedings. We were even able to hold the birds too!

• Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

  • The pool at the Hyatt Regency Maui is a kid’s tropical playground that feels more like a mini-waterpark than a hotel pool. Between the sandy lagoons, waterslides, swinging rope bridge, hidden grottos tucked behind rushing waterfalls, and the legendary Ululani’s Shave Ice located right on the pool deck, it provides enough adventure to keep children entertained from sunrise to sunset.

  • The Hyatt Regency Maui resort has a resident colony of African Black-Footed Penguins. Located right in the atrium lobby, these charismatic birds are a must-see, especially during the daily 9:30 AM feedings where children can watch them waddle, swim, and dive for their breakfast while learning about conservation from the wildlife team. It’s essentially a mini-zoo experience without leaving the hotel, featuring not just the penguins but also flamingos, swans, and talking parrots scattered throughout the lush grounds.

  • Has a game room/arcade area geared toward kids and teens.

African Black-Footed Penguins at the Hyatt Regency Maui

Wailea also has a family friendly hotel:

• Grand Wailea

  • Though there isn’t an arcade, the Grand Wailea offers a kids club and teen lounge including video games and indoor activities— which is more structured and supervised than the Hyatt or Westin Arcades.

  • The Grand Wailea pool is widely considered the heavyweight champion for kids on Maui. The massive Wailea Canyon Activity Pool is a sprawling 25,700-square-foot playground that is actually nine individual pools connected by a network of lazy rivers and whitewater rapids.

  • Children can choose from five different waterslides, including the three-story Lava Tube for the brave and gentler interconnected slides for the younger ones. Between the Tarzan rope swing, the hidden caves behind waterfalls, and a dedicated Baby Beach with a sandy bottom and zero-entry slope, it essentially functions as a private, world-class waterpark that keeps kids engaged for days on end.

    See our full review of The Grand Wailea.

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Honokōwai Beach Park

🏝️ Best Beaches in Maui for Kids

The key to the best kid friendly beaches in Maui:

• Calm water

• Shallow entry

• Easy parking

• Nearby bathrooms

Here’s what we recommend:

• Kaanapali Beach is great for kids who are strong swimmers or like to boogie board. There are a few free lots to park in but they fill up quickly. Otherwise it’s best to park at a resort or the Whalers Village Shopping parking lot. See more but

• Airplane Beach just north of Kaanapali has a more shallow entry and calmer waves than Kaanapali. Our toddlers loved running up to the waves crashing on the shower then running from the water before it could catch them. Parking is harder to find or the free lot near the Sheraton is quite a distance and fills up quickly.

• Kapalua Bay is also a great play for littles that want to play in the ocean that is more Shallow with softer waves. If you peak on the other side of the bay off the grassy knoll, you’ll find turtles sleeping. There’s a parking lot (fills up quick, get there early) with public bathrooms nearby too.

• Honokōwai Beach Park has a playground AND a great beach that is protected by a rock reef so it’s more like a pool that even infants can sit and play in! There’s also a public bathroom and parking lot too!

Look Closely for the Sleeping Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles in Kapalua Bay

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🌊 Things to Do in Maui With Kids

• Easy hikes

  • Iao Valley is great to wander around and has different hiking levels for all ages. There’s also a stream to swim in.

  • Kapalua’s Coastal Trail is even stroller friendly with stunning beach views.

    See our full breakdown in our Maui Hiking Trails Post!

• Farm visits

  Kula Ranch is a great place to visit especially in October! They have a full pumpkin patch as well as a few animals to look at and pet. Kula is above Wailea but you ave to drive around to get to it. Also, try the pumpkin bread sold in the little stand!

• Road to Hana Stops

  The Road to Hana is such a great way to see how gorgeous Maui is filled with waterfalls, beaches, banana bread stops and more! If you do go, it is an ALL day adventure, so plan and prepare ahead of time.

  You must stop at the Black Sand Beach and try to get to Haleakala National Park for a hike through the Pipiwai Trail (Bamboo Forest). See our full list of Road to Hana Stops for more!

• Professional Maui Family Photos

  Maui provides the perfect background for any photo, so take your professional family portraits on the island! Think Christmas card photos - Male Kalikimaka! Our favorite local, Tracy Leboe at Baby Hawaii Photography, is super talented taking maternity photos but also captures gorgeous family moments! Book your session ahead of time.

Family Portraits taken by Baby Hawaii Photography

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🍽️ Best Kid Friendly Restaurants in Maui

1. Monkeypod is a very toddler friendly restaurant with crayons and free butter noodles for kids 3 and under. It also has great happy hour and my favorite Mai Tai! There are two locations on Maui - Kaaanapali and Wailea!

2. Barefoot Bar is a fun restaurant where you can eat with your toes in the sand! It is part of Hula Grill but has a separate entrance on the South side of the restaurant. They also have crayons and some good kid food options. Our kid claimed, “it was the best restaurant ever!”

3. The Ritz’s Burger Shack is a toddler approved restaurant located outside with a big grassy area for kids to run around. It’s also parent approved if you want to hang out and have a boozy milkshake or just watch the waves crash on the shore for a few minutes!

🧃 Easy Snacks for Kids in Maui (That Don’t Melt)

When you’re exploring Maui with kids, having the right snacks on hand can make all the difference. Between beach days, car rides, and long sightseeing stops, you’ll want options that hold up in warm weather and are easy for kids to eat on the go.

These parent-approved snacks travel well around the island and won’t melt or turn messy in your bag:

• Gummies
  Gummies are lightweight, easy to portion, and a favorite with kids of all ages. They’re ideal for beach bags, stroller pockets, and plane rides since they don’t melt like chocolate snacks.

• Fruit Snacks
  Fruit snacks are great for quick snack breaks while sightseeing or driving around the island. Look for resealable packaging so you can spread snacks out throughout the day without waste.

• Pouches
  Fruit and veggie pouches are especially helpful in Maui’s heat. They’re refreshing, mess-free, and easy for kids to eat while walking or riding in the car. Many are shelf-stable, so refrigeration isn’t an issue until they’re opened.

Love this idea but don’t want to pack all of this? I don’t blame you! Good news is that you can get these as soon as you land at the Target or Costco by the Maui OGG Airport!

💡 Parent Tip: Pack snacks in a small insulated pouch or shaded backpack pocket to keep them out of direct sun, especially during beach days or long drives.

We bring our Wagon instea of a Stroller

Traveling to Maui With Toddlers

1. Nap-friendly days

   With toddlers down to one nap, we would try and get out early, because they were up early anyway, and make it back before naptime or time it where we would be in the car so they could nap.

2. Stroller walks

   There were a lot of stroller walks up and down Kaanapali beach when we had infants and toddlers! We would bring our beach wagon and put both toddlers in for a walk!

3. Pool days vs adventure days

   We would typically alternate pool days and adventure days but most days involved a splash in the pool regardless.

   We would even use a night swim as an incentive to eat their dinner.

4. What to skip with toddlers

   • The Road to Hana is great but is a longggg day for little ones. It’s essentially a 5 hour (or more) drive so you must plan accordingly to be on the road ALL day. You can break it up with stops but getting to the furthest point is a three hour drive straight there. Even the first stop from Kaanapali or Wailea is about a two hour drive. If you’re only in Maui for a few days this might be a good one to skip unless your kids are a bit older. If you’re pregnant and have nausea, don’t attempt it. I speak from experience.

   • Haleakala sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking, but don’t go with toddlers or younger.

   • Sunset cruises are fun but stressful with younger kids that like to run around.

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Walking along the kid and stroller friendly Kapalua Coastal Walk in Maui

5-Day Maui Itinerary with Kids

Day 1 Arrival

12p Arrival into OGG, pick up rental car

1p stop at Target, Costco, then pick up Tin Roof

3p Check into Honua Kai Condo

4p 🛍️ Head to Whalers Village for shopping and dinner at Monkeypod (get extra food for fridge). Must order: Chicken Wings, Kalua Pork Pizza, Free Butter Noodles for kids, pie slices to go to eat in room after kids go to bed. Don’t forget to order the best Mai Tai on the island! All of this is on the Happy Hour menu!

6p Back to hotel for bedtime

Day 2 Pool-time and Burgers

5a Kids wake up, make pancakes (and coffee) in room

7a Adult Breakfast pickup (or dine in) at Duke’s

8a Pool opens!

11a Back to room for lunch

12p Naptime

2:30p Drive to Ritz in Kapalua and have Linner at Burger Shack (it’s a big meal to fill up on). Must order: burger and milkshake

4p Explore Ritz and Kapalua or go to DT Fleming beach

6p Back to Hotel for Bedtime

Pipiwai Trail With Baby in Carrier

Day 3 Road to Hana Adventure

5:30a Kids wake up - make more pancakes for everyone (and another pot of coffee)

6:30a Drive the Road to Hana

8a Stretch legs at Banana Bread Stop

9a Arrive at Kīpahulu Visitor Center which is part of Haleakala National Park where you can explore the Oheo Gulch Pools, Pipiwai Trail (Bamboo Forest), and Waimoku Falls

11a Eat a packed lunch or drive to the Food Trucks in Hana

1p Stop at Wainapanapa Beach (Black Sand Beach) - make a reservation ahead of time.

3p Drive back to hotel

5p Dinner at hotel or pick up something on the way back

6p Bedtime

Day 4 - Pool and Luau

6a Kids wake up

7a Breakfast at Slappy Cakes or The Gazebo

8a Kapalua Bay for beach time, maybe try the coastal walk

11a Back to room for lunch

12p Naptime

2:30p Quick Pool Play

5p Luau at Hyatt or Sheraton

7p Bedtime

Day 5 - Last Swim and Depart

6:30a Kids Wake Up

7:30a Breakfast at Duke’s

8:30a Take turns with your partner packing

10:30a Drive to Airport (and cry the whole way)

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Sticker Tape Road and Travel Magnatiles keep them entertained in the hotel room

What to Pack for Maui With Kids

I think giving a list of what not to pack is a shorter list because we bring almost everything! One thing I will advise is there is a Costco and a Target by the airport so make your Target order for pickup before your flight takes off so it’s ready for you when you land. You can always Instacart Costco or just head in for free snacks.

Here is a copy paste of what I packed for my 2 and 4-year-old on our last trip.

Shop our Toddler Packing Amazon list.

Carry-on Plane

• Personal Carry-on:

  • Toys & some books

  • iPad

  • Headphones 🎧

  • Waterbottles

• Wagon - We bring a wagon instead of a stroller these days now that the kids are older. Though we loved our travel stroller for when we had babies!

• Snack Bag - Dedicated light weight backpack that folds up into a pouch

  • Pouches

  • That’s it bars

  • Pirate booty

  • Cereal Bars from Trader Joes

  • Bear Fruit Snacks

  • Gummies

  • Teddy Grahams

Here is the full list of everything else that scatters into multiple bags:

Sleep 

• Inflatable bed x 2

• Sheets x 2

• Blanket x 2

• Small Toddler pillows x 2

• PJs

• White noise / Hatch

Food Things

• Food bag

• Bowls 🥣

• Baby Spoons 🥄

• Bibs

• Water cup/bottle

• Milk cup

• Sippy cup

• Safe dish soap 🧼

• Sandwich bags

• Snack bowl

Travel and Misc

• Car seat x 2

• Car seat bags x 2

• Swaddle

• Clothes pins

• Outlet covers

• Beach bag

• Beach blanket mat

Toiletries for Kids

• Baby shampoo

• Baby body wash

• Soft Wash Cloths

• Nail clippers

• Brush

• Kids Tylenol

• Kids Sunscreen

• Diaper rash cream

• Baby Aquaphor/neosporin

• Ear drops

Clothes and diapers

• Sweatshirt for plane & Mainland airport travel

• Socks

• Shorts

• Shirts

• Swimwear

• Swim diapers

• Size 4 diapers

• Pull ups

• Overnight Diapers

• Wipes

• Hat

• Multipurpose Sanitation wipes in ziplock bag

Toys and Entertainment - Shop our Toddler Packing Amazon list

• Bath Toys - Cars 🚗

• Books 📚

• Sand toys 🏖️

• Football 🏈

• Frisbee

• Trucks 🛻

• Cars 🚙

• Sticker Road

• Plane toys - coloring book, sticker book

• Cards 🃏

• Travel Magnatiles

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Is Maui Worth It With Kids?

Yes—Maui is absolutely worth it with kids, especially for families traveling with toddlers and young children. The island offers calm, swimmable beaches, family-friendly resorts, walkable areas like Kā‘anapali, and activities that don’t require long drives or packed schedules. With the right balance of pool days, beach time, and nap-friendly outings, Maui is one of the easiest Hawaii islands to enjoy as a family. If you plan intentionally—choosing the right area to stay and skipping overly long excursions—Maui can be both relaxing and unforgettable with kids.

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More Maui Posts:

40 Things You Must Pack for Hawaii (Plus Printable List) Don't forget the...

A curated collage of Hawaii outfit ideas featuring summer dresses, neutral sandals, and travel-friendly accessories suitable for island days and evenings.

Packing Essentials for Maui or any Island in Hawaii, Plus a Pretty Printable Packing Checklist - 2026 Update

Update: January 9, 2026

We’ve gone to Hawaii so many times I’ve become an expert on packing! We’ve been to almost all of the islands and they are relatively the same when packing. If I don’t have my list, I will forget things, so I always keep it handy since we venture to Hawaii at least once a year!

Related Post: How to Spend 4 Days in Maui - Complete Itinerary

Maui Sunrise looking over Lanai

Download our Hawaii Packing Essentials Checklist

Since I love to organize things, I sorted my list by category so it is foolproof not to leave something behind. Granted Hawaii does have shops and anything can be bought there, but I’d rather save my money to come back!

Great Budget-friendly finds on Amazon for Hawaii Packing!

Want a FREE downloadable pretty Hawaii travel packing essentials printable checklist with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Hawaii 

See our shopping list (with some great budget-friendly dresses and tons of Hawaiian outfit ideas) straight from Amazon: Hawaii Packing Essentials

RELATED POST: How much does it cost to go to Maui in 2026? - Itinerary, budget, and more!

Here we go…

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My favorite Hawaii Outfit - dress with pockets!

CLOTHING FOR HAWAII AND HAWAII OUTFIT IDEAS - What to Pack for Hawaii Vacation

1. Dresses - Short and Maxi (Hawaiian themed is always fun). I usually wear dresses for dinner and wandering around. See more Hawaii Outfit ideas here

2. Light Sweater - for cooler nights

3. Workout Clothes - Hikes, Road to Hana, Runs on the beach, Zip-lining, golfing, etc.

4. Sneakers - great to have if you’re walking around or going on adventures - I LOVE Asics Gel Venture shoes! The gel is so squishy and comfortable. Must HAVE!

5. Plane Outfit - I love a good oversized top and leggings since it is usually a long-haul

6. Basics - Socks, Underwear, Bras, Sports Bras, PAJAMAS!

7. Small Purse - to hold an ID, Credit card, cash, phone, lipstick, gum and maybe a car key

8. Accessories/Jewelry - Earrings, Necklace, Bracelet, Watch

Looking for a complete Maui resource? Our Ultimate Travel Guide for Maui 2026 brings together hotels, activities, food, and travel tips in one place.

Lilly Pulitzer Women's Kailua Smocked Maxi, Resort White Just a Pinch Engineered Knit Dress

Lilly Pulitzer

ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 9 Running Shoes, 9, Indigo Blue/Papaya

Asics

Hawaii outfit ideas with comfortable, breathable clothing and simple accessories designed for warm weather travel.

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BEACH ITEMS FOR HAWAII - Hawaii Packing List for 5 Days

1. Flip-flops - I love Havianas! They are the only flip flop brand I’ve bought for 15 years.

2. Sandals - To wear to restaurants and shopping, unless you want to wear your flip flops

3. Swimsuit - I bring a couple so one is always dry

4. Swimsuit Cover Up - Great to wear around the resort or to get a drink at the pool bar! Hat - Sun hat and baseball hat for hikes/outdoor activities

5. Sunglasses - Sojo Sunglasses on Amazon are budget-friendly, great quality, and trendy!

6. Towel - or use the resort towels

7. Beach or tote bag - to throw towels, sunscreen, magazine, clothes, etc.

8. Water Bottle - Stay hydrated! Collapsable bottles are great!

9. Snacks - We like to have granola bars, gummi bears, and M&M’s on hand for the plane or for the room

10. Crossword Puzzle - This is our FAVORITE puzzle! Travel terms and countries! https://amzn.to/4lVixuR

CATCHY & CRAFTY Swimsuit Coverup for Women Kimono Cardigan Beach Floral Boho Print Resort Wear Cruise Gift (Nude Pink Floral)

CATCHY & CRAFTY

Tempt Me Women Green Floral Ruched Slimming One Piece Swimsuits Tummy Control Vintage Bathing Suits L

Want a FREE printable/downloadable list with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Hawaii  or see our list of things to buy straight from Amazon: Hawaii Packing Essentials

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Swimsuit coverup and hat perfect for Hawaii Travel

TOILETRIES FOR HAWAII

1. Reefsafe Sunblock - Save the reef! Buy reef safe! I noticed the Sheraton Maui had dispensers around the resort - check with your hotel ahead of time or bring your own!

2. Aloe Vera - I don’t know about you, but I always miss a spot.

3. Basics - Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Gel (if you prefer your own, most hotels have these)

4. Deodorant

5. First Aid - I pack a few bandaids, Neosporin, aspirin… just in case!

6. Manicure Set - Manicure scissors (small TSA friendly ones), Nail clipper, tweezers, small nail file

7. Makeup! - I forgot my makeup bag once. It wasn’t pretty.

8. Hairbrush and Comb

9. Hairspray/Gel

10. Hair ties and Bobby pins - don’t forget, it gets windy on the beach!

11. Curling Iron or Flat Iron - Beachy waves are cool too!

12. Feminine Products

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Lotion | Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunblock with Vitamin E | Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) | 8 oz

Sun Bum

Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel, 2 oz (56 g) (Bundle of 3)

KT Travel

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Maui Hawaii Beach

ELECTRONICS FOR HAWAII

1. GoPro - Get those adventure shots while swimming, snorkeling, zip-lining, surfing, waterfall hiking, or parasailing

2. Camera - We love our DSLR for a higher quality shot

3. iPad - load it up with shows and movies for the plane before you go and refresh the apps the day before you leave Hawaii as some downloads won’t work after 24 hours.

4. Mobile Phone - I mean I can’t go 10 minutes without mine. I also bring an old iPhone in a waterproof case for snorkeling and swimming!

5. Headphones/Airpods - don’t forget the little jack for Apple devices if you don’t use bluetooth

6. External battery - keep your electronics charged! We like the Mophie brand with built-in cables so you aren’t searching for them.

7. Cables - don’t forget your charging cables for your phone, headphones, tablet, watch…

GoPro HERO13 Black Accessory Bundle - Includes The Handler, 2 Enduro Batteries, 2 Curved Adhesive Mounts, 64GB SanDisk MicroSD Card, and Carrying Case

GoPro

Mophie Powerstation Plus 10,000mAh Power Bank - Has Integrated USB-C and Lightning Cables, Fast Charging for Smartphones, Tablets, and iPhones

mophie

See more plane tips here: Flying in 2019: Tips and Trick for the Airport and Airplane 

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Dive the Cathedral

Snorkel with Turtles

SCUBA DIVERS OR SNORKELERS PACKING LIST

We bring our own fins and masks so we can not only scuba dive but also snorkel whenever! Pro tip - buy a set and carry them on in a mesh bag!

1. Masks - I’ve tried so many masks and the Cressi Pano 3 is my personal favorite. At a budget-friendly price, it has one big window, fits well, and does not leak!

2. Fins

3. Baby Shampoo - use as defogging for the mask!

4. Rash Guards! Great for protecting your skin in the water! We forgot ours one year, so we bought new ones at our favorite store in Hawaii, Honolua Surf Shop

5. Dive Book and PADI/Dive Certification - for divers

6. Diver Essentials - Dive Watch, BCD, Wetsuit, etc. We usually make sure the dive shop has the basic package.

7. Scuba Mesh Bag to carry all of the above! We carry this mesh bag on the plane with our gear.

Cressi Liberty Triside Spe Diving Mask, Black/Black/Pink

Cressi

IUGA Rash Guard for Women UPF 50+ SPF UV Protection Long Sleeve Workout Tops with Pockets Dry Fit Hiking Swim Shirt Green

IUGA

Want a FREE printable/downloadable list with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Hawaii 

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CARRY-ON LUGGAGE RECOMMENDATION

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry on Luggage with 4 Spinner Wheels, Lightweight Suitcase, Men and Women, Orchid Pink Purple, Carry On 21-Inch

Travelpro

Would you believe me if I said I fit everything on my list for a 4-5 day trip in a carry-on and personal bag? We have the best carry-on that is spacious and seriously compacts all of our clothes - Travel Pro. Most pilots and plane attendants carry this Travel Pro model as well. Although I love the ease of steering my suitcase with 4 wheels, having 2 wheels you get an extra couple of inches!

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What NOT to Pack for Hawaii

Skip these items to pack lighter and enjoy Hawaii’s relaxed island lifestyle:

• Heavy jackets or bulky layers – Hawaii is warm year-round; a light sweater is enough for evenings. ONLY pack these if you are going to a higher elevation early in the morning or late at night.

• High heels or dressy shoes – Most places are casual; sandals and sneakers are best.

• Too many outfits – You’ll live in swimsuits, shorts, and casual dresses.

• Full-size toiletries – Easily available at Target, Walmart, and local stores.

• Non-reef-safe sunscreen – Hawaii restricts certain chemicals to protect coral reefs.

• Expensive jewelry – Swimming and beach days increase the risk of loss.

• Hair styling tools – Humidity and beach days make them unnecessary.

• Large beach gear – Chairs, umbrellas, and snorkel gear are often provided or rentable.

Pro tip: If you won’t use it more than once, leave it at home.

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Doing my dance in my Hawaiian Lilly Pulitzer dress with a mai tai at the Grand Wailea.

FREEBIES AND DISCOUNTS! Free Hawaii Packing Essentials Printable Checklist Download

Want a FREE printable/downloadable list with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Hawaii  or see our list of things to buy straight from Amazon: Hawaii Packing Essentials

Find the best rate to visit paradise by booking your room through Booking.com Not only will you find the best rate out there but by clicking this link and booking a night, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link! :-) Thanks! 

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Hawaii Packing Checklist FAQs

What should you definitely pack for Hawaii?

Pack lightweight clothing, swimsuits, sandals, comfortable walking shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a light jacket for evenings or higher elevations.

What should you NOT pack for Hawaii?

Avoid heavy jackets, high heels, too many outfits, non-reef-safe sunscreen, bulky beach gear, and full-size toiletries. Hawaii’s climate and casual style make most of these unnecessary.

Do you need a jacket in Hawaii?

Usually no. A light sweater or windbreaker is enough for cooler evenings or breezy areas. The only exception is visiting higher elevations like Haleakalā or Mauna Kea.

Can you buy essentials in Hawaii instead of packing them?

Yes. Stores like Target, Walmart, CVS, and local markets are widely available, making it easy to buy sunscreen, toiletries, and beach items after you arrive.

Is reef-safe sunscreen required in Hawaii?

Yes. Hawaii restricts sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate to help protect coral reefs. Always bring or buy reef-safe sunscreen.

What shoes are best to pack for Hawaii?

Sandals, flip-flops, and comfortable walking shoes are ideal. Most travelers don’t need dress shoes or heels due to Hawaii’s relaxed dress code.

How many outfits should I pack for Hawaii?

Fewer than you think. Plan to rewear casual outfits and focus on swimsuits, cover-ups, and breathable clothing rather than packing a new outfit for each day.

Do hotels in Hawaii provide beach gear?

Many hotels and resorts provide beach towels, chairs, umbrellas, and sometimes snorkel gear. Check your hotel amenities before packing large items.

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Best Travel Gifts for Mom (or maybe even yourself)

Lake Tahoe with my Mom!

Great Travel Gifts for Moms of ALL Ages (or almost any woman!)

Looking for a great gift for mom for that special occasion, Mother’s Day, Birthday, or even Christmas? Check out some great travel gifts that every mom will love with great prices and a great selection. Shop online with Amazon and get Prime delivery in 2 days if you’re in a pinch looking for that last-minute gift! Here are some inspiring gifts for traveling Moms, women, and ladies of all ages!

Check out my favorite gift idea - a roller hairbrush that stores jewelry or other valuables!

I made an Amazon shop that has everything below listed in one place! Check out Travel Gift Ideas for Mom

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Comfy, Light, Travel Dresses - WITH POCKETS

No matter where she’s going, Mom will probably need a dress for a nice dinner or just to explore! Pockets are ALWAYS a plus to any woman - Mom or not!

Travel Jewelry and Box

Let Mom travel worry-free with some beautiful cubic zirconia jewelry so she can still look fancy, but not worry about losing Grandma’s coveted earrings. Pack a jewelry box to prevent necklaces tangling. I like the one below so can pack a bangle bracelet. Make sure she packs it in her carry on!

Carry-on Luggage, Travel Bags and Purses

Make it a breeze for Mom to travel and get around. I like bags that neatly tuck on one another so I don’t have to lug too many things on my shoulder. A small crossbody purse is great to keep your wallet phone and passport secure at all times. Last, I don’t know if this is completely necessary, but a cupholder and USB charger on your bag can come in handy while waiting around for the plane at the airport!

Flight Comfort Necessities

Airports and flights can be taxing and exhausting, make sure Mom has everything she needs to get comfy and have a smooth flight. Style her in a cozy sweater and get a neck pillow for a snooze on the plane. Keep her hydrated with a collapsible/reusable water bottle and get a flex flap so she can watch her shows on a phone or tablet.

Nifty Travel Security Gadgets

If there isn’t a safe in the hotel, here are some great hidden security compartments to stash your things! Who would have thought that a roller brush could have something inside?! Also, the master lock safe is good to lock onto a pool chair so Mom can hop in the pool and leave her phone, camera, keys safe and secure!

Toiletry Travel Essentials and Bags

It’s so hard to travel without your daily essentials! Moms tend to acquire more toiletries as they get older with more eye creams, hair products, etc. Make sure Mom is covered with a 17 piece set to suit any toiletry need along with a bag that can unfold and hang on a hook in the hotel bathroom which is great when there is little counter space available. Dry shampoo saves me from looking haggard after a long flight (or a bad hair day)! I tried so many different products but if I leave Living Proof Dry Shampoo in for 3-5 mins, my greasy dirty hair looks full and clean!

Travel Friendly Electronics

Whether Mom is tech savvy or not, she’ll probably need some electronics for her trip! I love the Mophie external recharchable battery. I can typically recharge my iPhone or iPad twice on one full charge from the Mophie. A Kindle or iPad would be helpful to read her favorite book or she can save her favorite TV show! Also, here are some headphone suggestions that won’t mess up her hair.

Fun in the Sun

Mom deserves some beach or pool time! Have her lounge in style with a fun sun hat or cute flowy coverup!

Travel Essentials for New Moms

New Moms aren’t used to traveling with an extra little person! Give them some help with multipurpose items like a stroller that folds into a carrier, or a bag with lots of compartments and pockets. Some even have changing stations and bassinets built-in! GENIUS!

I made an Amazon shop that has everything above listed in one place! Check out Travel Gift Ideas for Mom

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Expensive Mistakes When Traveling with a Dog

Photo Credit: Pexel

Traveling with your pup can be expensive, here are some do’s and don’t’s!

My friends at OurBestDoggo.com assisted me with this great advice to avoid expensive mistakes for traveling with your pup!

Sometimes in life, it’s time to hit the road with your best friend. When that best friend is a dog, however, there are several important things to consider before you head out. Without proper planning, you can wind up spending a boatload on a trip with your pup.

Leaving them behind, however, isn’t always an option. Doggy boarding or hiring a sitter can be expensive. Plus, most people think of their dogs as family members, and you can’t leave family behind when you head out on vacation. Fortunately, a little forethought is all you really need to save money on a holiday you, your family, and your dog will enjoy. Here’s a look at a few of the pricier mistakes you should avoid when traveling with your dog.

Forgetting Feeding Essentials

When you’re on the go, you can pick up snacks and meals at nearly any destination. However, your pup can’t always enjoy the same on-the-fly access that you can. That’s why it’s important to bring along plenty of food and dog-safe treats and cookies so your pup stays satisfied.

Don’t assume you’ll find the food your dog likes wherever you’re going – since animals’ stomachs don’t adjust easily to new foods, grabbing a new brand may be pricey in more ways than one. Besides, no one wants to face that hotel cleaning bill, especially when you’re on a budget. Plus, if you have your pal’s favorite treats on hand, you can give them something fun to chow down on while you sample the great desserts at your destination.

Moreover, you need to have the right gear so your pup can eat on the go. Collapsible food and water dishes are a must-have for the canine traveler. These allow you to give your dog meals at rest stops, hotels, and anywhere else you might otherwise struggle to feed them. You can save money on these items by searching for special online deals and coupons so your best friend can eat in style no matter where you end up.

Leaving Without Vet Clearance

 Whenever you take your dog on a trip, it’s important to talk to your vet first to make sure they’re healthy enough to go on the road. Moreover, a veterinarian may be able to prescribe you with anti-nausea meds or sedatives than can save your car from a motion sickness disaster. Keeping your pal comfortable and safe on the road is a responsibility you take on as a pet owner.

However, your responsibilities don’t stop there. Depending on where you’re going and how you’re traveling, you may need a note from your vet ensuring your dog is fit for travel. Some states require that you have evidence with you that your pet is up to date on all shots. Travel without them, even if you’re just passing through, and you risk getting hit with a hefty fine.

Going on a Last-Minute Adventure

 Spontaneous vacations can be incredibly fun, but they’re the wrong call with a dog; there are simply too many details to consider when it comes to traveling with a pet. For example, there’s the aforementioned vet visit. Moreover, you need to make sure you’ll be able to find pet-friendly accommodations wherever you end up. Do you know where the nearest emergency vet is to where you’re staying? What about those on the way?

 Not only does heading out without this info put your dog in danger, but it also puts your pocketbook at risk, as well. After all, making a last-minute booking in a pet-friendly room is a surefire way to end up with terrible rates. The hotel knows you don’t have an abundance of options, so they have no real incentive to offer you a good deal. Of course, that’s assuming you’re able to get a pet-friendly room at all.

You need to think ahead when traveling with your dog, both to keep your pal safe and to make sure you’re saving money along the way. Keeping these things in mind will allow you to go on the adventure you and your pup deserve.

Looking for the right food for your 4-legged friend? Check out the best dog food here: How to Choose the Right Food For Your Dog

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How to Spend 5 Days in Tromso, Norway - Tromsø, Norway Itinerary

What is there to do in Tromsø, Norway during winter? PLENTY!

Northern Lights just outside of Tromsø, Norway

For our winter trip, we wandered to Norway and it has been one of our best trips yet! We wanted to see the northern lights but knew it was never guaranteed, so we booked other excursions to make our trip worthwhile while such as dog sledding, reindeer rides, and whale watching.

Josh was working with a producer that has a friend who has a travel business called Off The Map Travel, specializing in trips to the Arctic Circle to find the northern lights. After a few emails back and forth with Katie, she sent us an itinerary that we could adjust to our liking. One thing listed on our itinerary was spending the night in a Sami lavvu (teepee). Josh was very excited about this, but I didn't like the idea of spending the night in a tent in the cold, it sounded awful. Katie assured us it would be warm and everyone loves it. Fine, we'll try it. I still wasn't completely convinced but agreed to it for some reason. Anyway, we finalized our itinerary and the lavvu was like living in a fairytale (well, almost). The next steps were to book our flights and purchase warm clothes since this California girl doesn't know what to do in the snow but wants to build a snowman.

Click here for our Packing Essentials for Snow Guide and Check-List

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Getting to Tromso, Norway

Since we were in Syracuse for Christmas, we flew SAS from Newark to Oslo to Tromsø, Norway, and upgraded to business class for more comfort to hopefully get some sleep on the plane. There weren’t any direct flights to Tromsø from New York.

SAS Business class was really nice complete with a large screen in the seat in front of you and a decent selection of entertainment. The food was ok, not your typical American meal, the venison was very tough, but the wine selection was fantastic. Best part was the ice cream, of course, they served 3 Twins Ice Cream - sea salted caramel! SO DELICIOUS!

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Day 1

HOTEL IN TROMSO NORWAY: Clarion at the Edge

We arrived in Oslo, went through customs, and continued to baggage claim to get our bags to check them in again to get to Tromso.

Tromsø views

After landing in Tromso, our taxi driver was there to pick us up and take us to our hotel, the Clarion at the Edge. The Clarion is a newer hotel, very modern and eco-friendly. To power the lights in your room you have to put the key in a switch and they all illuminate.

Clarion at the Edge - Tromso, Norway

Our room overlooked the Tromso Sound towards the Arctic Cathedral. Apparently, they are building a port right in front of the hotel so there were 2 giant cranes obstructing our view. The beds were very comfortable and the bathroom is very tiny.

View from our room at the Clarion in Tromso, Norway

Their restaurant on the second floor had good food (and wine). Oh and they had the best sign:

Stressed Spelled Backwards is desserts! YES IT IS!

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Presis has swings as dining room chairs

DINNER IN TROMSO: Presis

Storgata 36, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

We had about an hour before we had to meet for our dog sledding adventure, just enough time to grab a bite. Right around the corner from our hotel was a Tapas bar called Presis serving Spanish and Arctic Tapas.

Upon entering, the candlelight from the tables gave a cozy and welcoming vibe, and my eyes lit up when I looked over observing that instead of chairs, some of the tables had swings! The four-year-old inside me wanted to run over and sit on one instantly, but instead, the hostess sat us at a table with plain old regular four-legged chairs by the window instead. It was probably for the better because I would have played on the swing and knocked over food, water, or a candle with the potential of lighting the restaurant on fire. So instead, I sat for a quick picture.

The food was delicious. We had their ham, bread with salt and olive oil, potatoes with a garlic aioli sauce, and spicy meatballs. It was the perfect amount of food for the 2 of us, almost too much!

Click here for our Packing Essentials for Snow Guide and Check-List
 

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Night Dog Sledding and Getting Lost

We quickly walked over to the Scandic Ishavshotel where Arctic Adventure Tours had a small bus was there to take us up to see the puppies! It was about a 30 min drive to our spot and as soon as we got off the bus I ran straight for the dogs!

Dog sledding pup sleeping

They were chained to little dog houses and jumping in and out of them, excited we were there to visit and give them attention! We were called into a room to suit up and get a winter suit, boots, gloves, and a headlamp for our sledding. It was probably for the better to wear their gear since the dogs were so smelly (but still so cute) it wouldn't stink up our clothes on our first day.

We had a quick orientation and headed to the sleds. The dogs instantly started barking and jumping with excitement when they saw us!

We jumped in our sleds and they untied each sled team one by one and off we went! The dogs run fast and are good about following each other. They are even skilled to run and poop at the same time. Lol. I liked riding more than driving! You have to do a little peddling/running when going up hills, the pups get a little tired and need a boost!

The dogs got all tangled and wouldn't run at one point, so we were stranded trying to get them in line. Since we were the last ones, everyone had gone ahead and we were stuck there. We waited for a little bit, and finally saw a headlamp heading towards us. Hooray we were saved! Even the instructor couldn't tear them apart. We sat and waited for another 5 minutes when they finally finished and joined the rest of our group. How could you get mad at a face like this:

Our sleds had pelts to sit on to make it more comfortable!

Dog sleds!

And off we went for about an hour! We saw so many stars and got caught in some snow!

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Day 2

Reindeer Sleigh Ride

See our full post here: Reindeer Rides in Norway

The hotel provided a free buffet breakfast in the morning at their restaurant, with tons of options from pancakes to an omelet station.

Our first adventure of the day was a reindeer sleigh ride! We walked over to the Radisson Blu and got on a small bus of about 14 people to the Tromso Lapland. It was a 20 minute drive to the Sami lavvu where we changed into a winter suit and gloves provided by the tour. We jumped back on the bus and drove another 20 mins to the reindeer. After a small hike up the hill, the reindeer were waiting for us by a bunch of sleighs. I leaped to them (literally, I was that excited)!

Reindeer in Norway

Of course I had to pet them and take tons of pictures, which I'm sure they loved me invading their personal space. It's what I do best. Soon after, we were all seated and ready for take off. The reindeer don't run quite as fast as the dogs, it's a slower paced, more peaceful ride.

Reindeer Rides in Tromso, Norway

This was a once in a lifetime experience. Not only did we have a reindeer ride, but we also learned of the native Sami culture. The reindeer ride consisted of about 7 or 8 reindeer pulling individual sleds. They are connected by ropes and then all sleds are connected one by one. At first, the guide was leading the reindeer up and around the hill and then hopped on the sled and away we went. The ride lasted about 40 mins total and was very peaceful trekking through the freshly powdered snow. for 3km. After our ride, they tied the reindeer in a more open area, where we were able to feed them!

Feeding Reindeer

Most of the time they would knock the food out of my hands and almost force me out of the way with their antlers to eat the remains from the snowy ground. I did get to pet them, their fur is coarse and some of them even had fur fuzz on their antlers! We then moved locations to a traditional Sami Lavuu (it looks like a teepee) with an authentic Sami guide where we had reindeer stew for lunch while being told stories of their culture along and even a joik (Sami song) was sung for us. Our guide was from a Sami reindeer herding families explaining how valuable reindeer are enriched in their culture.

See our full story: Reindeer Rides in Tromsø, Norway

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Drinks in Tromsø: Huken Pub

Strandgata 22, 9008 Tromsø, Norway

Huken Pub in Tromso, Norway

A storm came in so strong that the rain from it turned into icy roads. We were supposed to go out to see the lights but the bus wasn't going to be safe in the icy conditions and we had to cancel our tour. 

We weren't surprised, it was still overcast and others who had gone out the night before drove 2 hours to Finland to see the Northern Lights, some weren't able to catch them at all.

Huken Pub brews

Instead, we went to Huken Pub right around the corner of our hotel. We had some time to kill, where we just wanted to sit and have a beer. This was the perfect place. The decor is unique, suitcases as tables and barn chic interior.

Huken Pub Bar

The people sitting next to us had burgers that looked amazing but we had just had dinner at the hotel. They had a vast selection of Mack beers along with a few others. Not great for large groups as it is a small place inside and doesn't really have a bar to stand at. It's cozy and perfect for 2 people! 

After a couple of drinks, we walked around for a bit and enjoyed the charm of this quaint town.

Streets of Tromso

Church in Tromso

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Day 3

Whale Watching

See the full story here: Whale Watching in Norway

It was finally our day to go whale watching and we were so excited! I was a little apprehensive as to how cold it was going to be, with being on the water and rain in our forecast, but they said there were warm waterproof suits to wear. Perfect, now my clothes won't get wet and I'll still be warm! Win, Win.

Tromso Harbor

We booked this excursion through Off the Map Travel and our whale watching company name was ACIN (Arctic Cruise in Norway), we boarded the Arctic Princess, a Lagoon 450 Catamaran. 

Whale Watching - Orcas in Norway

A fellow tour company had spotted a pod of killer whales and gave a call to our captain. We drove straight towards them. WOW! There were probably about 10 Orcas in the pod and they would surface now and again where you could see their prominent white spot near there eye. They weren't jumping out of the water like Free Willy or Shamu at Sea World, but it was still mesmerizing to watch these beautiful creatures. 

Killer whales in Norway

The whales didn't seem bothered by the surrounding boats at all, coming fairly close to a couple of them. There was a flock of seagulls trying to get in on the whales’ feeding situation. We could see where the pod was heading based on where the birds were circling. You could tell when some would surface as they would give a burst through their blowholes.

We watched them for almost an hour it seemed and my feet were so cold, it was to the point where I couldn't really feel them anymore. The fear of frostbite and losing my toes set in, it was time to go inside and warm up and head back to Tromso.  See the full story here: Whale Watching in Norway

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New Hotel: Sleeping in a Teepee

See our full story of the lavvu stay here: Sleeping in a Teepee

We checked out of our hotel (we told them we needed a late check-out so we could shower and I'm so glad we did! Off the Map travel had arranged our transfer over to the Lyngen Alps. When we arrived, we met Ann Kristin with Aurora Alps, who was in charge of our tours for the next few days. We were supposed to stay in a cabin the first night, so I had one last night to get used to the idea I would be sleeping in a teepee, in the snow. However, they told us our Itinerary had changed and we were spending that night in the teepee. O.M.G. She made it sound like it was no big deal and that it would be easier for us. I was anxious and nervous inside. 

Sami Lavvu - Tent we spent the night in

We grabbed our bags and walked to the lavvu (teepee) which was about 50 feet from the house with a lit path and charming white lights strung in front.

HOW ENCHANTING! I then forgot all my fears, and as we entered the candlelit lavvu, I loved everything about it. There was a giant picnic table with food, a bar with hot drinks ready to go, a warm stove with lots of firewood, a comfortable living room setup, and a separate area with sleeping bags. Along with the candles, there were some lights strung along the top of the lavvu giving off plenty of light. I was mesmerized and felt like I was in another world. This was my kind of camping, as long as the fire kept burning!

See more in our full story of the lavvu stay here: Sleeping in a Teepee

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Snowshoes and Searching for the Northern Lights

In front of our cozy lavvu, were 2 sets of snowshoes. They were cute and I took a picture but didn't know how to use them. Ann Kristin had advised the Northern Lights would be out that night and we should use the snowshoes to get to the clearing not far from the teepee. We gathered all of our camera gear and Josh helped me get my snowshoes on and off we went. We found the clearing but the sky was cloudy and there was a light rain. We decided to wait a bit and see if the weather would clear up.

After about 15 minutes, we started to see stars and the clouds started to dissipate. We thought we were looking for green flashes or some kind of light in the sky but didn't see anything like that. Josh decided to take pictures of the stars while we waited for the aurora borealis to show. After a few pictures, he yelled, "THAT'S IT!" There it was, on his camera screen, green Northern lights! We realized they looked more like glowing clouds to the naked eye! "What about that?! Or that?!" We shot at everything in the sky, taking tons of shots and getting something a little different every time. 

Our first Northern Lights sighting

We were excited we were able to see the lights on our first night and couldn't wait until we were going out with a guide the next night!

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Day 4

Dog Sledding Adventure

We checked out of the teepee and stored our bags with Aurora Alps, which they brought them over to the cabin next door later that day. We went back towards Tromsø but stopped just after the bridge for our day dog sledding tour! There were so many cute smelly pups that were so happy to see us! 

We felt like pros since we had already gone dog sledding at night in the dark! We put on our suits over our clothes and jumped on our sleds.

Dog sledding in Norway

It was kinda rainy and it seemed like the path they were taking hadn't had snow in a while. In certain areas it was almost like water skiing which was fun but since it was raining, water had somehow leaked into my suit, and I was wet and very very cold. 

We warmed up and had some lunch in the community room (and lots of hot chocolate!). 

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Northern Lights in Finland

Evening Northern Lights Tour

We had a private tour, arranged by Off the Map Travel to go see the Northern Lights. We looked at the weather pattern and hoped we could see the lights and not too many clouds! Our driver picked us up in a large van at our cabin and took us about an hour North of us where the weather was better, and we even drove into Finland to find the Northern Lights! We brought all of our camera gear and ANYTHING to keep us warm. 

What are the northern lights exactly? Well, the Aurora is an incredible light show caused by collisions between electrically charged particles released from the sun that enter the earth’s atmosphere and collide with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. The lights are seen around the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres.

After a many stops over 3 hours, it was time to head back to the cabin. We were beyond thrilled we were able to see the lights.

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Day 5

We were exhausted by this point, we had done so much in 4 days! We finally slept in a bit, but I was still excited to try cross country skiing! 

Cross country skiing in Norway

Since it was my first time, I may have fallen a couple of times, but overall was fun since it was something I had never done before! My thighs were definitely sore the next day! We took in the scenery, being secluded in the woods, and even saw moose tracks!

Winter in Norway

We stopped at their cabin in the middle of the woods which had no power, but a cozy area for a fire to cook hot dogs and have some hot cocoa from a thermos! We signed the guest book hoping we'd return one day! 

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New Years Eve Night and the Northern Lights

As we were enjoying our last night in Norway, we went to dinner in the main hall, and then went out at midnight for the neighbors fireworks show. The law allows fireworks to be shot off only on New Years Eve night from 11:30pm to 12:30am. The neighbors gather together to compete against other neighborhoods for the best fireworks display!  

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Last Glimpse of the Northern Lights

At about 1am the skies started to clear and the Northern Lights were directly above us! We got the GoPro and the rest of our gear and setup for a light show!

There was a glow and we were glad we were to able to see them one last time, or so we thought. We went inside for about an hour to warm up and get ready for bed. Josh went out one last time to take a look and came back yelling, "come out, come out!" I ran outside and could actually see the Northern Lights without a lens!

Northern Lights in Norway

We went inside again to warm up and edit some photos to show our family and friends at home. It was getting close to 5am and it was time for bed. As I got into bed and was scrolling threw Instagram, I heard Josh open the door, he yelled, "they're back, come out!" We went running out and there were bright green streaks across the sky! 

Aurora Borealis in Norway

As I was looking in the sky, one of the glowing clouds got brighter and greener and started moving! I turned to Josh and said, "look at that," pointing at the green streak of the aurora borealis! 

This green streak only got brighter and brighter and danced across the sky, dazzling different colors of white, green and blue as it moved. 

Aurora Borealis near Tromso, Norway

It was the perfect way to end our 5-day trip to Norway and great start to a new year! 

Don’t forget to pack these guys:

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Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.

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Flying in 2019: Travel Tips and Tricks for the Airport and Flight

Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!).

As jet setters, we fly often and have gone through many airports and sat on many flights. It’s hard to make the time go by fast when you’re flying, but here are some tips that will get you from airport arrival to landing:

Check-in to your flight in advance and get your mobile boarding pass!

Check-in for your flight 24 hours in advance so you don’t have to wait in those long lines at the airport. This can also be a great way to get your mobile boarding pass and get a good seat assignment if you weren’t able to select your seat when you booked your flight. 

Bring Snacks and Stay Hydrated

Airport prices are usually pretty high, save money by bringing your own snacks with you. Most airports have installed water bottle refill stations, I always bring an empty water bottle with me in my carry-on luggage so I can fill it up once I get through security. If I forget my water bottle, I’ll always buy one at a store after security. Amazon sells a great compact water bottle perfect for traveling with!

Baiji Bottle Collapsible Silicone Water Bottles

Sports Camping Canteen 20 Oz. - Easy To Clean And Store.jpg

on AMAZON

Travel Outfit

I love to wear a long flowy top (shirt or sweater, depending on the weather) and leggings. When you’re cramped in that middle seat for 5 hours, at least you’re comfortable! I always wear socks since most airports make you take your shoes off when going through security. Although I have TSA Pre and I don’t have to take off my shoes, I try to avoid boots or heels so the sensors don’t go off. Sneakers usually work best! Airports and airplanes can either be extremely cold or too hot, so always pack a sweater or hoodie and wear layers to peel on and off. Also, try wearing compression socks to avoid fatigue and bloating.

Compression Socks,(3 Pairs)

Women & Men - Best Running, Athletic Sports, Crossfit, Flight Travel

on AMAZON and so many different colors and designs to choose from!

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 TOP TRAVEL ELECTRONICS

Bring a Portable Charger

Not all airports have convenient outlets or charging stations or sometimes they are all occupied! Make sure you bring a portable charger, my favorite is the Mophie Powerstation that already has a cord built in!

Mophie Powerstation Plus

External Battery with Built in Cables for Smartphones and Tablets (6,000mAh) - Space Grey

on AMAZON.COM

*Cheaper options available on AMAZON as well

Load up your iPad or Laptop with entertainment!

24 hours prior to my flight, I download movies, TV shows from Amazon and Netflix and a few games to my iPad. You must refresh any downloads within 24 hours you plan to view them or the app will require internet. You will have to take your laptop and any other large electronics out of your bag when going through security, so make sure to pack your laptop or any other electronics with easy access to them. If flying international, you’ll have to take out all electronics in most countries.

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Checked Luggage Tips

Secure your luggage!

Whether you’re checking luggage or not, you should get TSA approved locks. In the event your luggage gets into the wrong hands, your belongings will be safe. They are also useful when you check in or out of the hotel and leave your bag with the bell desk. You can never be too careful. Take a picture of your luggage in case your checked luggage gets lost, having a photo of it in addition to your checked luggage tag can make it easier to find.

TSA Luggage Locks (2 Pack)

4 Digit Combination Steel Padlocks - Approved Travel Lock for Suitcases & Baggage

We have at least 4 of these - available in other colors on AMAZON.

Beautiful Bag Tags

Also, if you are checking your luggage, get a bright luggage tag or tie a colorful ribbon on the handle of your suitcase so you can find it in the sea of luggage look a-likes.

7 Pack TravelMore Luggage Tags For Suitcases

Flexible Silicone Travel ID Identification Labels Set For Bags & Baggage - Multi Color Pack

AMAZON.com

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The BEST Carry-on Bag

Looking for a great carry-on? From a weekend in Vegas to 4 days in Hawaii or 2 weeks in Thailand, this Travel-Pro carries it ALL! You can easily compact everything to maximize your space! Even pilots and flight attendants use this bag!

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OTHER HELPFUL PACKING LISTS FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP: