Travel with Kids
Traveling Across Country with Infants and Toddlers
Author Alexine
Whether you are planning a big move or a fun family vacation it can be a challenge when you have young children. Traveling with infants and toddlers requires lots of patients and plenty of free time. It is especially important to plan accordingly when traveling across country with little ones. With the right preparations your trip can be fun and successful.
Plan Your Route
Before you hit the road it is important to figure out how long of a trip it is to your destination or multiple destinations. Once you figure out how far it is and the roads you will be taking then you have an accurate mileage count. This is important when determining how many days you will need.
Driving Schedule
It is important to give yourself plenty of time when traveling with little ones. Trying to cram lots of driving into each day will become wearing on your energy and patients. To help make your trip more fun, break up the drive into no more than five hundred miles in one day. This will most likely take you all day to do so it is important to get an early start.
Book Hotels
To make your travel plans run smoothly and to get a bit of down time between days of driving make sure you book hotels. With an accurate driving schedule you should be able to book your rooms along the way. This is nice so you can have a place to shower, bathe the kids and relax before getting back on the road.
Pack a Cooler
When you have infants and toddlers in tow it is really important to pack a cooler with snacks and drinks. Having plenty of sippy cups and bottles of formula or breast milk is essential for long trips. You will also want to pack non-perishable sandwiches in case there are no places to get lunch when they get hungry.
Plan on Stopping
When traveling by car with your little ones it is hard to drive for long periods of time. Remember to plan on stopping quite a bit with infants and toddlers, especially if you are potty training. It is almost more convenient when they are in diapers because you can wait to stop and change them instead of taking lots of potty breaks.
Entertainment
To make the ride more enjoyable for your infants and toddlers make sure you pack plenty of toys and books. Teething rings, rattles, links and sensory toys are great for infants to keep them busy in their rear facing car seats. On the other hand toddlers require more stimulation so a DVD player, DVDs and books to read are great for road trips. Also kid songs CDs are great if you do not mind singing along for fun.
Necessities
While this is the last category on the list necessities are the most important things for your trip. Infants and toddlers have a lot more necessities than older children to make their experience more enjoyable. Remember the binkies, bottles, sippy cups, blankies, diapers, wipes, extra clothes and medicines.
If your babies get fevers or are teething it is nice to have your bag of goodies along to help save the day. Also if there is a spit up situation or a blowout it is always nice to be prepared. You cannot prepare enough when it comes to traveling long distance with your infants and toddlers so take your time when packing and planning.
Five Great Summer Outings for Toddlers
Author Alexine
When it comes to entertaining toddlers there can be quite a few challenges due to their size and mobility. Toddlers can run around and have lots of energy to use but are not always the best listeners. It is important to keep them entertained and safe at the same time. To help you enjoy the good weather here are five great summer outings for toddlers.
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Ten Things to Take to the Beach with Babies and Toddlers
Author Alexine
If you plan a family vacation or visit family this summer you might just be heading to a beach or two. With warm weather in full force the water never looked so great. After a long winter indoors it is nice to get out and enjoy the summer weather.
While the beach is great it can be a challenge with little ones. To help make beach trips easier on you here are ten things to take when you have babies and toddlers.
1. Beach Umbrella
As a must with little children and to give you a break from the sun, beach umbrellas are wonderful. Make sure you have a large one with a tilting mechanism so you can direct the shade accordingly. This will give you and the children a place to relax when you eat your lunch or rest from swimming.
2. Sunscreen
It is important to bring plenty of sunscreen with you to the beach. When children play in the water and sand it rubs off so you want to reapply every couple of hours they are exposed to the sun. Try a natural sunscreen that does not have any chemicals if you are worried or your child has sensitive skin.
3. Beach Chairs
While sitting on the sand is perfectly fine it is nice to have a chair along so you do not have to sit so low. A nice beach chair with reclining is nice to nurse your baby or enable you to get up fast to chase your toddler. You can pick one up at a drug store for pretty cheap in the summer months.
4. Baby Tent
If you love to go to the beach, than you will want a baby tent along in your vehicle this summer. They are small, convenient and perfect for keeping baby safe and sound. With an enclosed screen area they keep bugs from biting baby and give them a place to roll around and play with their toys.
5. Beach Toys
Once your child is more interested in the sand, beach toys are a must. They keep children busy for hours digging holes, making sand castles and colleting rocks or seashells. Be prepared to fetch many buckets of water for you little one as this is a great way for them to play and cool off.
6. Swim Diapers
The swimming diapers are a wonderful invention because they catch the solid mess but do not hold on to the water. Regular diapers become overly wet and can explode on your baby causing a huge mess of diaper filling. To avoid this mess pack a few swim diapers in your beach bag.
7. Towels
Make sure you pack a few extra towels when you go to the beach with little ones. Whether they need a place to sleep in the shade or a blanket to keep warm from the cool breeze, extras are nice to have along. Kids also have a tendency to get towels wet and sandy so it is nice to have an extra one to dry them off after the final rinse to get clean.
8. Swim Attire
While the typical bathing suits are great for little boys and girls they do not block much from the sun. Pack an extra swim shirt for the kids so they do not get too much sun exposure. This will prevent you from having to worry about sunburns. Also remember sun hats because those are a lifesaver too.
9. Floats
While boogie boards and life jackets are great to have along it is also nice to remember the baby floats. They are perfect for babies and toddler when you want to get a swim in yourself and need to bring them with you. Make sure your baby is sitting up on their own before you think about using a baby float without holding them in there.
10. Cooler
Packing a cooler with plenty of drinks, snacks, sippy cups and sandwiches is important for taking to the beach. A small cooler on wheels is a great accessory and you can find them at sporting goods stores along with all the other coolers. Be sure to add a few ice packs to the cooler so your food and drinks stay cold.
While there may be other essentials that you always take to the beach this list of items is important with little ones. Enjoy your trip this summer and have fun spending time at the beach.
By: Alexine
Travel Tips for Parents with Two Children under Two
Author Alexine
If you travel alone with two little ones then you understand how difficult the plans can be. On the other hand when you travel with the other parent your travel plans will be completely different.
Young children can be a handful when they are cooped up for long periods of time on the airplane and when they are unable to sleep in their own beds. To help make your trip more enjoyable and easier to manage here are some tips for traveling with two children under two years old.
Tickets
If you are traveling alone with the two little ones then you have several seating options that are legal with the airlines. You can sit in your own seat and purchase two additional seats for the children. This way they each can sit in a car seat and you can tend to the other without having one on your lap. The other option is to purchase two seats so one child sits in their car seat and the other sits on your lap.
When traveling with the other parent there is another option available with two children under two. The other parent can have the second child on their lap while you have one child on your lap. Then you only have to purchase two tickets and all four of you can travel together.
Stroller
When traveling alone with the two young children you may want to consider taking a double stroller so you can strap them both in. This will keep you from worrying about losing a child in the busy airport and give you a place to throw the diaper bag and other necessities. Your other option would be to use a car seat with travel roller system and put the other child in a front pack or sling.
On the other hand if you are traveling together as a family then each parent can use a single stroller or you can use one double stroller. If you purchased four seats so each of you sat on your own seat then one parent can carry the car seats while the other pushes the children. Of course traveling all together is much easier because it puts less pressure on one parent but if it is not possible do not be discouraged.
Baggage
When it comes to packing for you and two young children then packing light is really important. Bring enough diapers and wipes for a few days and purchase more once you arrive at your destination. Also pack enough outfits for a few days for each child and then do laundry while you are visiting. This will allow you to pack in one suitcase with fifty pounds or less. On the other hand if both parents are traveling then you can each pack a suitcase or one can bring on a roller bag while the other packs the regular suitcase.
Airlines will thankfully check one car seat per paying adult so with both parents traveling you will not have to worry about the expense of car seats for lap children. Otherwise if you are traveling alone then you can check one car seat for free unless you use it for the child to sit in.
Food & Drink
When traveling with two young children there is nothing more important than packing the appropriate food and drink. Infants of course will need their bottles of formula or breast milk while toddlers will want training cups and snacks. No matter what they need, you will want to make sure you have enough for a couple of days. This way if your travel plans get delayed you do not run out of important things like formula or baby puree.
Pack Smart
Whether you are traveling alone with the children or both parents are along for the trip you will want to make arrangements accordingly. Plan ahead so that all the topics discussed above are figured out and you do not run into last minute issues. While it is a challenge to travel with young children it is wonderful to see family and friends so the stress is worth it. Good luck and safe travels to you and your family.
Five Great Travel Experiences to Give Your Children for Christmas
Author Alexine
While lots of fun toys come out every year that your kids write on their Christmas list, there is nothing quite like an experiential gift. Whether you talk about it leading up to Christmas to see what sort of experiences they are interested in or make it a complete surprise the choice is yours. Here are five great travel experiences that would make wonderful gifts for your children this Christmas.
Disney
Whether you travel to Disney Land in California or Disney World in Florida, Disney is a great place to take your children for Christmas. There are plenty of activities and rides for all age children so everyone will have fun. If you are also into rides there are plenty of roller coasters for the parents to enjoy as well.
The nice thing about Disney World and Disney Land is that you can book a package with hotel on site and fun activities to take part in while you visit. This takes the guess work out of making the travel plans and keeps things simple. If this is the vacation for your family then you can surprise the children with Mickey Mouse shirts or stuffed animals for Christmas morning and see if they get the clue.
Cruise
There are plenty of Cruise ships that are designed for family vacations. All you have to do is show up at port and enjoy the journey. With onboard shows and activities for the children they are sure to never get bored. Cruises are the perfect family vacation for families with any age children.
If you are interested in booking a cruise trip for your family as a Christmas gift consider the locations they go. Many travel to the Caribbean and Hawaii which would be great warm vacation spots to visit in the middle of winter. While you may be close to a port where the ships depart, if you are far away it is a good idea to arrive to the port city a couple days ahead of schedule in case of weather delays.
Ski Trip
It does not matter if you live in a warm or cold climate, getting away for a ski trip is a great way to have the family spend some quality time together. Ski lessons are offered at most ski resorts so you do not have to worry if your children or either you or your spouse has never skied before. However, you may want to make the lesson reservations ahead of time since the resorts are packed over Christmas break.
The nice thing about ski resorts is that they have wonderful hotels very close or you can rent a condo at the bottom of the mountain. Then all you have to do is rent your gear, pack cold weather gear and show up. Do not forget your bathing suit as a nice evening in the hot tub or indoor pool is great after a long day on the slopes.
Beaches Resorts
These children friendly resorts are a great way to spend some time as a family in the tropical climate. While many couples have heard of Sandals resorts that do not allow children, Beaches resorts are managed by the same company and are one-hundred percent kid friendly. All you need to do is show up.
These all inclusive resorts are full of great activities for all age children from tots to teenagers. There are camps and even nanny services if you and your spouse want a night to yourself. With each resort located on the water it is the perfect chance to get in some castle building, volleyball and snorkeling. Just make sure you have passports for everyone.
Florida
Aside from Disney World there are plenty of other great places in Florida to take your children for Christmas. There are amusement parks, water parks and zoos scattered all over the state where you can spend Christmas break. To save money buy your tickets online or sign up for a hotel package with tickets before you show up.
Just to highlight on a couple of the different places, Busch Gardens is filled with beautiful animals and great rides. This is a great place to spend days exploring with the family. Also you can check out Sea World for the great shows with aquatic species and tons of rides for all ages. No matter where you choose to spend the break with your family there is plenty of fun for all.
Christmas is Coming
With December in full force you may run into some fun Christmas specials at the places listed above. Do your research on each of the destinations and trip ideas so you know what it costs to make sure it is in your budget. Enjoy planning your family vacation for the children and enjoy watching them figure out their Christmas gift. It is a great surprise to get the whole family together somewhere fun and entertaining.
Affordable Vacation Ideas for Families
Author Alexine
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
Author Alexine
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.
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Must Have Items When Traveling With Baby
Author Alexine
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.
Posted in Travel with Kids | Tags: air travel with baby, airplane with baby, baby travel list, baby travel packing list, fly with baby, flying with babies, flying with baby, tips for traveling with baby, travel baby, travel with babies, travel with baby, traveling on a plane with a baby, traveling with a baby, traveling with babies, traveling with baby, traveling with baby car seat, traveling with baby checklist, traveling with baby tips, traveling with infant, traveling with infants, traveling with your baby, travelling with babies, travelling with baby, what to pack when traveling with baby | 1 Comment »
