Author Archive

New York City’s Midtown West: History, Culture, and Big Business

Spending a great deal of time on the road can include comfort and style without sacrificing convenient locations. When visiting New York, many magnificent hotels are readily available. In Manhattan, boutique hotel accommodations provide a luxurious retreat from the daily pressures and an opportunity to experience the area in a new way.

Hell’s Kitchen

Between Midtown and the Hudson River lies a unique Manhattan neighborhood with a colorful name and a rich history. Like many of the neighborhoods in New York, Hell’s Kitchen has recently undergone a massive renovation, creating an unusual blend of wealth, culture and history. You’re as likely to find exclusive boutique shops as you are inexpensive ethnic restaurants. Trendy nightclubs frequented by up-and-coming young professionals stand among bars and diners favored by working-class residents.

The area’s proximity to the theater district makes it the perfect home for stage actors, and it’s not unusual to see famous faces among the crowds. Whether you’re looking for Broadway hits or Off-Broadway innovation, you’ll find it all within walking distance of Hell’s Kitchen. The Great White Way alone is home to 36 theaters, with most boasting world-class productions seven days a week.

Military history buffs won’t want to miss a visit to the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum located at Pier 86 at 46th Street. The museum features the World War II aircraft carrier the USS Intrepid, the submarine the USS Growler, and a Concorde SST, and is open to the public all year. You’ll discover what life was like for the 3,000 sailors who lived and served on the Intrepid and see more than 30 aircraft housed on the flight deck of the ship. You’ll get a glimpse of true luxury when you tour the Concorde, the world’s first supersonic passenger jet. The plane, on loan from British Airways, holds the world’s speed record for commercial aircraft, having flown from New York to London in just under 2 hours, 53 minutes.

Javits Center

Overlooking the Hudson River from the center of Hell’s Kitchen, the Javits Center is convenient to many of Manhattan’s popular destinations including shopping, sightseeing and theater. The lustrous glass and steel building spans five city blocks and sparkles with the light from the city that never sleeps. At night, the unique design turns the building into a glittering jewel perched at the heart of this bustling city.

The Jacob K. Javits Center bills itself as the Marketplace for the World and it has certainly earned the right. With 1.8 million square feet of exhibition space and a breathtaking lobby dubbed “the crystal palace,” this stunning glass and steel marvel is as large an attraction as the events it hosts.

The convenient, central location of the Javits Center puts it within easy reach of all this city has to offer. Whether walking around Manhattan, hailing a cab or commuting via New York’s world-renowned public transportation system, you’ll have quick access to everything you need, both business and personal. Book a boutique hotel near Javits Center and see New York from a new perspective.

Author’s Bio

Barbara Wade writes for Ink48, a Manhattan boutique hotel with luxurious accommodations and breathtaking views in the heart of New York City. Visit them online at www.ink48.com.

Ten Great Travel Accessories

By: Alexine

When traveling by plane, train or bus you want to be as comfortable as possible. To make sure you can sleep on an overnight travel experience or relax during daytime travel you will want to pack right. There are so many travel accessories to choose from that you can easily miss an important one. To help you pack for a long day or night of traveling here are ten great travel accessories you won’t want to miss.

1. Pillow

Having a pillow along may seem like a bit of a luxury however most planes and trains run out fast. They do supply a few but if you want to guarantee no stiff neck on the other end of your trip then packing your own pillow is a great choice. They make blow up neck pillows that are really small when deflated if you are worried about space.

2. Blanket

Just like pillows, blankets are a scarce commodity on planes and trains. Just packing a little fleece blanket will save you a lot of discomfort when the air conditioning kicks in on those enclosed spaces. It is easier to put more layers on then to take them off so dress in layers and pack a little blanket for the trip to maximize your comfort.

3. Ear Plugs

Whether there are five screaming babies or chatty adults near your seat it is nice to be able to zone out and enjoy your travels. Having a good set of ear plugs along can make a world of a difference. Make sure you get a comfortable pair that blocks out sound so that you can sleep with your ear leaned on the pillow if you want to. Also the ear plugs help with pressure changes which is nice.

4. Bubble Gum

As simple as it may be bubble gum is a great distraction for long hours of traveling. You can play with it in your mouth and enjoy the flavor in between interesting snacks. Another great thing about bubble gum is that it helps with pressure changes. Chewing bubble gum helps pop your ears on the airplane and when traveling through the mountains on train or bus.

5. MP3 Player

To help keep your mind busy or at peace load your favorite tunes on an MP3 player. It is a small little device that offers hours of entertainment. You can also put audio books on there if you buy them or rent them from the library before the trip. If you need soothing music to sleep with then this also helps a lot because you zone out all the chatter and commotion around you.

6. DVD Player

Most major airports offer DVD rentals for flights which is a great distraction. Also some MP3 players and most laptops double as a DVD player. Just make sure you pack a couple of your favorite movies or load them before you have to leave for the airport. Also remember to charge your battery or you will be out of luck when it comes to watching anything.

7. Good Book

Sometimes all you need is a good book to keep your mind busy for hours on end. This is a great distraction for flights where you are stuck in your seat for hours without much room to move around. To help you concentrate on the book you can put your MP3 player on with some classical music that doesn’t have any words or wear your ear plugs to keep you focused.

8. Note Pad & Pen

Most times when you travel there will be time to just sit back, relax and think about life back at your home. This seems to be the best time to think of things you have wanted to do for a while or just thought up. Make sure you keep a notepad and pen with you so when you come up with an idea you can jot it down real fast before you forget.

9. Mini Photo Album

Whether you are taking a business trip or a trip to visit some friends without your spouse and children, a photo album is a nice accessory. Most people ask to see a photo of your family so it is always nice to have one or two in your wallet. It is a bonus when you have a mini photo album because it gives you something to look at to see their faces when you miss your family.

10. Water Bottle

If you bring one from home then make sure it is empty if you are traveling by plane. However, filling it up once you pass through security is a must. With the beverage service on airplanes coming only once or twice you will want a water bottle along to quench your thirst. Also when traveling by train or bus they don’t usually have a service and only some trains have a snack car that is not always open.

Hopefully you will remember all the important travel accessories the next time you take a trip or vacation. If you can then jot down these items on a piece of paper and keep it in your travel bag so you remember to put them in each time you travel. I can’t count the times I have forgotten one or two of my must haves when traveling.

Take a Family Vacation to One of These Parks

By: Alexine

After searching the web for great theme and amusement parks I came up with a list of parks for a wonderful family vacation. Below is a little blurb about each park to give you a better idea of what you can do there in addition to having a lot of fun. Parks like these are a great place to take your family to ensure everyone has a wonderful time.

Sea-World

These parks have many wonderful attractions including animal exhibits, rides and animal interactions. It is like visiting an amusement park, aquatic zoo, shopping mall and entertainment hall all in one. With reasonable flight deals to their locations offered on a regular basis from major US cities there is sure to be a great deal where you live.

Knoebels

With a variety of great rides you will not get bored at this park. Then around mid-day when the temperatures are at their peak you can go to the pool for a swim and ride a few water slides. After cooling off you can be back on the rides and enjoying the fun. The nice thing about this park is that you pay per ride. The water park has an admission fee but it is less than most amusement parks when you combine it with the individual ride fees.

Islands of Adventure

This park is part of Universal Orlando and has a big section opening this coming June. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is going to be a huge hit with its fun rides and great attractions. There are also many other movie inspired rides and attractions available for all the family members to enjoy. With roller coasters, children rides and many other fun activities there is sure to be something everyone enjoys at this park.

Six Flags

With locations in many different states and several different countries Six Flags is well known for its fun roller coasters and rides. Many of the parks also include a connected water park to cool off and take a break from all the thrilling rides. With restaurants scattered throughout the park there is sure to be one close when your hunger creeps up on you. On the other hand you might just want an ice cream or smoothie to cool you off between rides. Whatever it is you enjoy, these parks are sure to make you smile.

Indiana Beach

Located in Monticello, Indiana this amusement park has lots of fun waiting for you and your family. Also starting this year they are offering season passes for everyone so you can pay a lot less if you visit more. If you only visit for a week the season pass is still a much better buy than daily passes. They have roller coasters, other rides, a water park and much more.

Busch Gardens

With a park in Tampa Bay, Florida and Williamsburg, Virginia you can visit either area and find many other activities to do on your vacation. However, on the days you go to the parks there are many fun things to do including animal interactions and roller coasters. These parks are like great big zoos with lots of fun rides included.

Cedar Point

This park is known for its amazing roller coasters and many more fun rides. You can visit their Sandusky, Ohio location in the months of May through October. Bring the whole family for a fun vacation and take them on an adventure. To expand on the fun you can buy passes that are also good at the Soak City water park. This is a great way to split up the day when the weather is warm.

Silver Dollar City

Located in Branson, Missouri this amusement park is a wonderful place to bring to whole family. This year in 2010 they are celebrating their fiftieth anniversary so there is lots of celebrating going on. On top of all the fun you can buy a season pass for less than the price of two days at the park. This is a great deal if you spend a week in the area exploring while the teens are playing at the amusement park.

Hopefully you can find a fun park in this list that seems like something you and your family would enjoy. Riding roller coasters is not for everyone but there are lots of parks listed that have way more to do so you won’t feel left out. Also if you have little children that cannot enjoy the thrillers yet the other activities are a must. If you decide to visit one you should make plans soon since the early rates are only good for a little while longer.

Ten Great Websites to Help Plan Your Vacation

By: Alexine

If you are looking for a great deal on your next family vacation, give these sites a try. They offer everything from airfare to package deals. You can even see what specials they are offering their customers on a daily basis. Just like anything else you spend your hard earned money on, you should shop around for vacation deals. This is just making that process a little less of a headache.

1. Expedia.com

When searching in the vacation packages you can search for any combination of flight, hotel and car. Sometimes all you need is the hotel and car if you use air miles to purchase the tickets. On the other hand you might be looking for the total package deals which they have sorted into featured, last minute and destination tabs.

2. Hotwire.com

As another very high rated site, they offer a search box with the flight, hotel and car rental options. However when you are looking to save even more money you can use their money-saving tools that help you book for less. They offer things like flexible date search, local search and trip watcher.

3. TripAdvisor.com

They have this great tool for trip planning that helps you decide where to go based on what you want to do. If you are looking for family fun or beaches and sun they have a category for almost everyone. Give this tool a try if you are stumped on where to travel with your family.

4. TravelZoo.com

This site covers a lot and right on the home page you can see things like airfare sales, vacation specials and cruise sales. Then each day they have a list of the top deals for that day if you are looking more regularly. Also if you don’t have much time to look around you can sign up for the weekly deals e-mail to get them right in your inbox.

5. Orbitz.com

With no fees added onto the flights and their lowest hotel price guarantee you can be confident when you book a vacation package through this site. They have a special deals section and list off the top destinations, top resorts and top interests. These might spark your interest if you didn’t already have something picked out.

6. Priceline.com

This site has a great option where you can bid on hotels, cars and even flights. That can save you up to forty percent when you bid and they accept. However if you want to take advantage of their no booking fees and no Priceline change or cancellation fees you have to purchase a published price vacation package.

7. Kayak.com

This site is great because it compares the prices of the flights, hotels, car rentals or vacation packages at five different sites. These include Delta Vacations, Priceline, Hotwire, CheapCarribean.com and Travelocity. While you can also visit each site individually, this site is a great tool for a quick search for the best price on several big sites.

8. Travelocity.com

Although Kayak.com searches on this site there is a lot to offer you when you go here as well. They have vacation package deals to the most popular destinations like Mexico and Hawaii along with other specials like their top secret hotels. With that tool you can save up to forty-five percent on three and four star hotels.

9. SmarterTravel.com

Right on their home page the deals are screaming at you in their sponsored deals box. They also have a lot of money saving tips for the destinations that they offer along with a price comparison tool. That helps when you are on a time crunch to find the best deal. However, I still recommend going to each site if you are doing a specific search.

10. CheapTickets.com

This site has your traditional search box with a lot of extra vacation suggestions based on the top destinations, top resorts and top interests. While it is similar to the other sites they also have a “Cheap of the Week” tab where you can see what the current deal is. This page has a vacations deals category which is another great resource.

After searching for your specific travel idea at all these sites you should have a better understanding of how much you might have to spend. On the other hand you might want to go for one of the site deals as it may give you a better vacation for you dollar. Do the research and double check before you go ahead and book. This will save you both time and money on your vacation.

Affordable Vacation Ideas for Families

In the best of times, it can be difficult for families to budget the funds to get away for a time of rest and relaxation, but that task proves to be even harder in today’s economic conditions.

Thankfully, it’s not impossible. The following list of travel tips provides affordable vacation ideas for families who want to escape the rat race this year and enjoy a little time away together without breaking the bank.

Take a Stay-Cation

It used to be that family vacations meant packing Mom and Dad and the kids into the family station wagon or boarding a plane for a long cross country trek, but with the challenging economic times of the past few years, families are finding plenty of opportunities to get away within a day’s drive of their own backyards.


From state parks and theme parks to regional resort towns around lakes, beaches, or mountains, budget-minded travelers are finding plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind just a tank or two of gas away from home.

Talking with friends and relatives who’ve taken similar trips or searching for nearby family vacation destinations on the Internet can help you turn up some of these nearby family fun spots.

Take Advantage of Discounts and Special Offers

Just like the vacationers who visit them, the owners of hotels and attractions are very mindful of the recession and are offering special deals and discounts to entice vacationers to spend their hard earned dollars with them.

To find these special offers, visit the websites of the destinations, hotels, and attractions you wish to visit and look for a link to the page containing their current discounts and promotions. Additionally, placing a call to the destination can uncover any specials they have recently announced that might not have been posted on the website.

Be Spontaneous

Although it’s not always possible, the ability to drop everything and go with a few days’ notice can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars. While this may not be feasible for a family that has just a small window of opportunity to get away, families with small or home-schooled children and parents with flexible work schedules can take advantage of these last minute opportunities.

Though it does take some diligence – and the ability to make a quick decision — the Internet makes it easy than ever to find these deals. Travel comparison sites, like FareCompare.com and Orbitz track the latest deals and pass them along to their readers. Airlines such as Southwest Airlines frequently post last minute airfare and hotel packages online.

To be among the first to know when these deals become available, track sites that follow vacation deals and sign up for their newsletters or deal alerts. If you don’t like giving out your email information, you can also follow them on Twitter or Facebook. Just make sure to periodically check their posts and updates in order to take advantage of any time-sensitive offers.

Travel Off Season

In good times or bad, vacationers can save money and avoid the crowds by traveling off season. Peak times for family vacation destinations vary on location, but most are Memorial Day through Labor Day. Vacationers who visit outside of these dates can avoid fighting the crowds and paying peak rates that are associated with the busy season.

If vacationing off season isn’t an option, look into the possibility of travelling on weekdays during the peak season. Many resort towns fill up end-week through Saturday night, but are quieter on Sunday through the middle of the week and may even offer room and attraction discounts for these off-days of the week.

One word of caution, however, when traveling off season, some of the attractions may be offered on a more limited basis or not at all. Be sure to call ahead to verify which venues will be open and what their hours will be.

Don’t Eat Your Budget

Finally, one of the simplest ways to save while travelling is to avoid paying the inflated tourist prices for food. Booking a hotel room with a kitchenette or even a small refrigerator can help you keep and prepare food for simple meals or lunches to go.

Even theme parks offer in and out privileges. Getting your hand stamped and heading off-site for a picnic or even to a fast food restaurant outside of the attraction can drastically cut down on the costs associated with visiting the park.

Top US Cities for a Family Vacation

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Taking a vacation with your family this summer can be lots of fun and you do not have to travel far away from home. There are many different cities all over the Unites States that would be wonderful destinations. Here are some of the best cities to take your family for a vacation.

San Diego, California

There are plenty of beautiful hotels all over San Diego where you can stay on your visit. However, the best thing about San Diego is all the activities to do. You can take your family to the San Diego Zoo, swim at the beautiful beaches and take part in the activities going on throughout the year.

Honolulu, Hawaii

This tropical paradise has lots of great activities to do with your family. You can hike in the jungle, tour museums and lounge at the beach. There is a lot of history in the area and touring around is sure to give you a little taste of the past. Don’t forget to snorkel or take a surfing lesson if you love the water.

San Francisco, California

Another Californian city that is great for a family vacation. One of the best outings in San Francisco is the bay aquarium where you can view thousands of different ocean plants and animals. You can also take your family to the Presidio National Park where they have hiking trails and historical architecture.

Chicago, Illinois

This city is great if you like to get outside and walk around as there are over twenty nine miles of lakefront walking paths all over Chicago. The other attractions for your family would be a day at the Lincoln Park Zoo looking at exotic animals or Navy Pier where your children can ride the Ferris wheel.

Seattle, Washington

This is a beautiful city to visit as there are luscious green tones everywhere. With Seattle Center just a monorail or bus ride away from the city you can easily take your children on some carnival rides and to the Experience Music Project. Another fun day trip is to the Seattle Aquarium and Pike’s Place Market.

Denver, Colorado

If you are looking for adventure then Denver is the city for you. With whitewater rafting, rock climbing, hiking and mountain biking there is a sport for everyone to try. On another note you can go horseback riding which is a fun way to see the beautiful landscape. Don’t forget to check out the old west too.

Charleston, South Carolina

This city is full of water parks which are a great way to spend the day with your family. With plenty of other outdoor activities you can enjoy some time off out in the fresh air. Renting bikes or canoes are a great way to see some of Charleston. All you have to do is pack your bags and make a hotel reservation.

Boston, Massachusetts

As one of the oldest cities in the country there is plenty of history in Boston. From the swan boats on Boston Common to the Duck Tours that take you all over the city, you can get around in many different ways. Check out the Boston Aquarium and Museum of Science for fun day trips.

Austin, Texas

As one of the fastest growing cities in the country, Austin is full of surprises. There are plenty of shops to indulge in and lots of music and outdoor activities throughout the summer months. Just like Boston, Austin has a great Children’s Museum and fun Duck Tours. Experience a little Texas by visiting Austin with your family.

Orlando, Florida

With Universal Studios and Walt Disney World within your reach there is plenty of fun for your whole family in Orlando. On your down days you can take day trips to the beautiful white sand beaches and go swimming in the warm water. Don’t forget to pack lots of sun screen and your bathing suit.

Plan Away

While any of these cities would be great for the family there is usually a desire to take part in certain activities on your vacation. Choose the most economical location based on where you live if money is a factor. Do not feel bad if you travel to a city within your own state as there is plenty of fun in each of the cities above. All you have to do is make sure every family member enjoys themselves.

Top Ten US Beaches to Visit and Explore in 2010

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By: Alexine

Looking for travel plans for this coming summer vacation with your family and loved ones? Look no further than a beautiful beach in our own diverse country. There are beaches all over both coasts and on our very own tropical paradise in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Hopefully you will be able to enjoy some quality time this summer on one of country’s most beautiful beaches.

1. Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii

Flying into the Lihue airport is such a wonderful experience in itself. The smell of sweet tropical flowers overcomes your senses. Then you make your way to the condo or hotel where you are staying and reality sets it. It’s time to visit the beach. Make your way to Hanalei Bay and you will discover all the fabulous beach activities. From body surfing to sun bathing, there is something for everyone.

2. Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Florida

Siesta Beach is another gorgeous beach with beautiful accommodations. There are exquisite resorts lining the beach that have package deals if you would like to stay within walking distance. While the white sand beach is breathtaking in itself there are many fun activities to take part in right outside your hotel door. They offer sunset cruises, fishing and parasailing just to name a few.

3. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York

Miles of breathtaking beach are at your finger tips when you visit Southampton, New York. Coopers Beach is a wonderful place to go on long walks and watch the sunset. Family vacations are great here because you can just spend quality time together relaxing on the beach. It is important to allow yourself to unwind from the daily grind back home and this is defiantly the perfect place to make that happen.

4. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California

This beautiful beach is home to a small community of friendly people. You can stay in wonderful accommodations just minutes from the beach on your vacation. When you feel like getting a little more active than just lounging on the beach there are many activities to take part in like tennis, sailing or surfing. Be sure to pack your walking shoes as there are miles of pathways along the beach to explore.

5. Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii

This beach is rated one of Hawaii’s best beaches by many as it is a stunning place to visit on your family vacation in Maui. You can take part in different activities including swimming, snorkeling, diving and body surfing. Be sure to rent or buy some equipment and pack a lunch before you head to the beach as there aren’t any concession stands or rental places. This beach is not handicap accessible.

6. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York

East Hampton is a great family vacation due to the historical background. You can tour around all the old buildings and get a feeling of what the 1600’s were like there just from visiting. Also you can’t forget about Main Beach, one of the finest in the area. This is a safe beach to take your family as there is a lifeguard on duty. They also have a bathroom and snack bar for your convenience.

7. Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, North Carolina

With temperatures already getting to the 70s you can’t wait to get yourself to this beautiful beach this summer. Outer Banks is such a popular family destination due to its exciting activities and wonderful accommodations. Take part in water sports if you don’t want to just lie around on the beach. Also, if you get too much sun you can go tour all the wonderful historical sites and museums too.

8. Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Florida

This gorgeous state park has everything you need for a wonderful family vacation. There are beautiful beaches and lots of great camping sites to spend quality family time around the camp fire each night. If you are not very fond of camping you can make reservations to rent a cabin or stay in the lodge. For fun you can go swimming, hiking, rent boats, take a bike ride and visit the museums.

9. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

This beach is a wonderful place to spend the days with your family. With restrooms and wheelchair ramps you can bring the whole family down to the beach when you feel like going. Cape Cod is a beautiful place to visit in the summer time and has many different accommodations and restaurants available. Be sure to make reservations for your hotel as places fill up during the summer.

10. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina

This beautiful island surrounded in beaches is a great place to vacation with your family. Kiawah Island has lots of wonderful accommodations really close to the beach. There is also lots of wildlife to explore during your stay when you need a break from the beach. However, when you do go to the beach there are plenty of great services available including showers, restrooms, chair rentals and a snack bar.

I hope you are able to make it to one of these beautiful beaches this summer as it would be a wonderful experience for you and your family. Look into travel deals online or drive there if it is relatively close to your home. Even a weekend getaway is a great opportunity for some quality time with your family.

Ten Fun Activities to Entertain a Traveling Toddler

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By: Alexine

Traveling with toddlers can be very tricky as they are in the “terrible 2” or “terrible 3” stage. Pretty much once your child starts running around and taking fewer naps traveling becomes a challenge. Making sure they don’t get bored and scream on the flight will save you a headache for sure. To help keep your toddler entertained en route I have come up with ten fun activities to do together or independently.

Drawing

While a pencil and paper are not the best choices for an active toddler there are plenty of options available. Using one of those magic pens on the black paper that only show the colors when the pen is used are great. There is no mess and they can draw you lots of pretty pictures.

Coloring

Crayons and coloring books are lots of fun to use together or let your toddler do alone. There are many different stages of coloring books available and one for beginners is preferable. This way you can talk about what they are coloring and work on staying in the lines. It’s good practice and takes up time.

Painting

I would never suggest taking an actual paint set on the plane however those paint with water books are wonderful. All you need is a paintbrush and cup of water to use the book. The great thing about these is the colors appear when the water is put on them so you can talk about the colors of the shapes for fun.

Flash Cards

Working on getting ready for school and expanding your toddler’s vocabulary can be lots of fun. Flash cards are a great activity for traveling as you can do many activities with one set of cards. First you can name them. Then you can sort them in different ways. It is a learning activity and fun all in one.

Reading

Bringing along a few of your toddler’s favorite books is great to keep them preoccupied. Sometimes you may have to read the same book over and over but that is a lot easier on the ears than a frustrated tot. Once you have read the book you can also go back trough and talk about the pictures on the pages.

Movies

If you have a portable movie player then this would be the perfect opportunity to put it to good use. I have seen many toddlers sitting on airplanes silent and happy while watching their favorite movies or shows on DVD. If you don’t own one then you can use your laptop or rent one at the airport.

Puzzles

Educational toys are some of my favorites because they work on the mind and keep your child entertained. Puzzles are a great solution for long flights as they can be an activity you do together. Make sure you bring age appropriate puzzles to keep your toddler’s attention.

Treats

Special treats like lollypops and sweets are great for traveling because they help calm down you little one when they are getting out of hand. There is sure to be a moment or two where you just need something to get them to sit down or quiet down. This is when you try a lollypop or some fruit snacks.

Picture Album

This activity is great because it keeps your toddler entertained and gets them thinking about fun memories. Picture albums of personal photos or filled with pictures out of magazines are great. You can put animals, people, objects and other photos in there to keep them talking to you instead of whining.

Cozy Blanket

Most likely at some point throughout the day of traveling your toddler will finally get burned out. This is the perfect time to bring out a cozy blanket from home and maybe a stuffed animal or two. Familiar cozy items are wonderful sleeping aids when getting your little one to take a nap.

While it may be a lot to take all of these things along with you while traveling, pick and choose according to your toddler’s interests. Make sure you bring several activities along to keep them busy because their attention spans are normally pretty short during this phase. If you really wanted you could probably fit all the items above in a small roll on bag. Then you surely wouldn’t run out of activities.

Tips for Traveling Cheap in Europe

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By: Alexine

Traveling around Europe is a pipe dream for most people these days. Whether you got laid off at your job or just don’t make enough to afford the airfare and accommodations, vacationing is not always in the budget. However, if you do not want to wait there are plenty of inexpensive alternatives to extravagant travel plans. Here are some tips for traveling cheap in Europe to help you live your dream.

Airline Tickets

One of the most talked about website for comparing prices on airline tickets these days is Kayak. It is sites like this that have revolutionized the airfare searching world. Whether you have enough air miles saved up to pay for your ticket or you are looking for cheap tickets it is nice to find a great deal. Using a site like this is great for comparing all the available flights in one easy search.

Train Tickets

When traveling through Europe you can spend a pretty penny on flights to and from the different countries. A cheap alternative to flying from country to country is taking the train. You can purchase a Eurail Pass for different amounts depending on how many countries you visit. While it may take longer to get around the train is a great way to see the countryside and save money.

Accommodations

An inexpensive alternative to staying in luxury hotels and resorts is great when you are on a serious budget. Staying in hostels is wonderful because they are all over Europe and cost much less than hotels. Most include bread and tea in the morning which is the common breakfast. That also saves you a few Euros. Make sure you arrange dates with each of the hostels as they fill up quickly.

Food and Beverage

As mentioned before there are free breakfast food and beverage available when you stay in hostels which is a great start to your day. To save money on the other meals throughout the day buy food at stores and walk up food windows. Sitting down for lunch or dinner can be very expensive so save yourself some money and snack throughout the day. Also some hostels offer dinner for a small fee.

Sight Seeing

Instead of signing up for guided tours of the different European cities you should buy yourself a guide book or two. These are great for self guided tours all over the gorgeous cities and countryside. With a little pre-planned itinerary for each day you can really get a lot of sightseeing in when you travel freely. So skip the boring tours and take the adventure into your own hands. It will save you time and money.

Enjoy Your Trip

Traveling is something that many people really enjoy and with the right insight anyone can have fun in Europe. Whether you love history, culture or architecture there is so much in Europe you will never become bored. To ensure you get the most for your money make sure you really prepare for this trip.
Using the tips provided above will help you save time figuring out how to cut corners.

Enjoy your trip and travel safe.

Must Have Items When Traveling With Baby

air travel with baby

After several long trips with my son in the first nine months of his life I have learned a lot about what should and should not be brought along. The process of packing what you use at home and the reality of dragging it all around with you are completely different. From car safety to feeding you don’t want to miss a beat. Read on to find out what you don’t want to forget when traveling with baby.

Birth Certificate

The only form of identification most parents have of their little ones is a birth certificate which you need to travel. If you are traveling outside of the country you should make sure you get your baby a passport as they are required for everyone now days. The airlines make you show the birth certificate to prove that the baby is as old as you say they are and so they can have them on record in case of emergency.

Car Seat

The wonderful thing about airplane travel these days is that most airlines check your car seat for free if you have your baby on your lap. Since there is a fee on each checked item it can save you about twenty-five dollars each way. However, if you bought a ticket for your baby then you have to take the car seat on board to safely seat them. No matter what you need the car seat on the other end so it must go.

Stroller

As a huge convenience to you the airlines gate check your stroller when you travel. That means you can push your child from plane to plane and not have to worry about carrying them around the airports. Then you leave it at the cabin door when entering the plane for the airlines to put with the luggage for the duration of the flight. When you arrive at your destination it will be waiting for you when you exit.

Portable Sleeper

There are several different items you can bring for your baby to sleep in when they are very young like a co-sleeper or travel bed. However, when your baby starts to move around and cannot sleep unattended it is important to have a pack and play along so they can sleep safely. This item you will have to check under the plane but it is a must have for rolling around and mobile babies so they don’t hurt themselves.

Self Soothing Items

Some babies use binkies or pacifiers and some use blankets. Whichever work best for your baby make sure you pack it for the trip in your carry-on luggage. Grab a handful of binkies and put them in a clean zip lock bag so when one gets dirty on the flight you can just grab another. There are also paci-wipes for sale at most big stores in case they all make it on the floor or you lose some while traveling.

Baby Carrier

A baby carrier or sling work great for traveling with your baby, especially when you are traveling alone. They help when you need both hands for eating your own meal or going to the bathroom. It is also nice to have the carrier along if baby gets fussy and you need to walk the isles so that you have your hands free in case of some turbulence.

Diapers, Wipes & Toiletries

Make sure to pack enough diapers, wipes and toiletries (diaper cream, baby wash, baby lotion, gas drops, Infant Tylenol) for the day of travel and a couple of days after you arrive. This way you have time to find your brand of diapers, wipes and products at the stores where you are visiting.

However, if you are traveling out of the country then you might want to stock up in your suitcase so you don’t have to worry about finding what you use in the stores.

Clothing

Packing clothes according to the weather report where you are traveling is a good start but make sure you pack long sleeved clothes as well when traveling to a warmer climate. While you may be wearing shorts and a tank top your baby may need a long sleeve top in the shade. On the other hand if you are traveling to a cold climate you probably only need cold weather clothing for your baby.

If you know there will be laundry facilities available then you can bring about half as many outfits. This way you don’t have to worry about running out or packing too many outfits. To be safe plan to use about two outfits per day and a pair of pajamas.

Food & Drink

Whether your baby is drinking formula or breast milk you will want to pack accordingly. For formula feeding pack three or four complete bottles, a bottle brush, formula and buy bottled water once you pass security for the plane ride. Pack enough formula to last the whole trip so you don’t have to worry about finding more.

For breastfeeding mothers you will want to pack your nursing cover, nursing pads and a bottle to put some baby juice or water in for takeoff and landing so their ears pop when pressure builds up. Also the bottle of juice and water is great to help keep baby hydrated in between feedings.

If your baby is also eating purees and baby snacks make sure you pack plenty for the trip. Bring enough jars, bibs and spoons for the day of travel and the first day you arrive in your carry on in case they lose your suitcase. Make sure you put all the baby food in one large zip lock bag so you can pull it out when going through security. Also since you have to pack quite a bit of baby food for the trip the room it takes up in your checked bag will be great for bringing home souvenirs and gifts.

Toys

When babies are small they are easily amused by a cup or ball which you can most likely find on the other end of your flight. Do not take too many toys but a few favorite little ones are just fine. Those links are great because you can hook them onto the car seat or stroller and the baby can play with them and a few rattles, mirrors or teething toys linked onto them while you are out sightseeing or visiting.

Safe Travels

While traveling can seem like a huge ordeal it can be lots of fun with baby when you pack right. Hopefully you can use the list of items to help pack for your trip and not feel that you took too much or missed something important. Good luck with your vacation and have safe travels.

P. S. Check out our Checklist for Air Travel with Baby for more ideas on staying sane on the road when you have your little ones along.

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