Kelby Carr's Blog
Posted by Kelby Carr
I think a lot of people believe that once you start traveling with kids, planning well ahead of time is so necessary. That totally isn't true. Not only that, you don't even need lots of cash to do it.
In fact, kids just love an unexpected vacation on short notice. Shoot, wake up one morning and announce you're taking a daytrip to a town an hour away. Or load the tent and some groceries into the car, and hit a nearby campground for the weekend.
You won't believe the morale boost both parents and kids also get from even a short weekend getaway. Sure, you may have longed to do that whole week-long beach vacation rental thing. But that isn't the only thing you can (or should) do for a summer vacation.
Hard up for some summer vacation ideas? Here are some resources and tips to help you on your way:
Posted by Kelby Carr
I know, I know. You can stop gasping, because I'm about to leave for Family Travel Central. I figured it's about time I visit some of those uber-popular family attractions like Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Studios.
I've always been more the hiking with kids type, or the travel abroad with kids type. We don't do too many theme parks. I must confess, though, I'm pretty intrigued by the offerings there. I know, at the very least, the kids will have a blast.
I've already learned some interesting news. For example, did you know there will soon be a Simpsons ride at Universal Orlando resort? Or that your little ones can attend a Princess and Pirate Party at Disney World (and even get a princess makeover at Cinderalla's Castle beforehand)? Or that SeaWorld is opening the ultimate water park (think water slides in the water, surrounded by tropical fish or dolphins).
Come back very soon, as I share our first-hand family travel experiences in Orlando.
Posted by Kelby Carr
It wasn't easy making it happen, and it wasn't always easy overcoming the challenges of living abroad and caring for a baby-becoming-toddler. The grandparents thought we were nuts. We sold our house, sold or gave away most of our possessions, sold our cars, and completely uprooted our lives. People don't tend to do that when they become parents.
But to this day, that extended family sabbatical vacation was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
We lived in Nice, but we traveled almost the entire time we were there. The three of us saw most of the South of France, we visited Italy, and we hit many destinations in Northern Spain, such as Barcelona, Pamplona and San Sebastian.
My daughter didn't learn what an elephant was from a book. She saw one at the Barcelona zoo. She learned about her colors at Le Louvre.
You don't have to be rich (we weren't). You don't have to be sophisticated, or stay in four-star hotels (we camped frequently). But you can have an amazing vacation that isn't just gone as quickly as it started. You can have an experience that you and your child will cherish forever.
Posted by Kelby Carr
First, I like to start off by reminding myself why it's so important to travel with kids. They are little sponges, and evidence shows in particular that toddlers learn much better through experience than example. It's a chance to bond.
For someone as hyper as me, it's a great chance to put a stop to all the incessant distractions and tasks and focus just on the kids and the experience.
If you haven't already done so, consider making some travel resolutions for the coming year.
Think family travel is too expensive? Think again.
Posted by Kelby Carr
A few years ago, my husband and I started vetoing the whole madness that is the I-must-travel-for-the-holidays-because-everyone-expects-me-to nonsense. Travel is stressful. The holidays are stressful. Kids and parents should actually enjoy the holiday season.
Instead, we invite the grandparents to visit us. That does mean added stress of hosting people in our home, but it also means that the kids get to open gifts, decorate a Christmas tree, have dinner and do all those fun holiday things in the place that is most familiar to them.
It's also a matter of one child having a birthday close to Christmas, which means we would have the stress of throwing a birthday party, immediately followed by packing for a trip. I don't think so.
I know what you're thinking. My parents would never go for that! They expect us to pack up the car and make the annual exodus with about a kajillion other parents dragging grumpy kids along. It's a tradition, after all. But you can just say no! Start a new tradition.
Get some tips on the Holiday Travel Dilemma: Deciding Whether to Stay Home or Travel. If you simply must go, though, you can make things go easier with my tips on Holiday Travel with Kids.
Posted by Kelby Carr
Here are a few family travel deals for Labor Day Weekend:
- Travelocity features One Final Summer Travel Fling, with package travel deals for a last-minute Labor Day getaway for as little as $199. The destination choices are pretty diverse, from Philadelphia and Las Vegas to Vancouver and Cancun.
- Expedia is offering several last-minute deals good over Labor Day Weekend, such as Chicago to Cancun with air and four nights' hotel from $1,018 per person or Los Angeles to Maui with air and four nights from $1,116. Better yet, they offer dirt-cheap last-minute Orlando deals with rooms from $55 per night and vacations from $201. The site also features several last-minute Labor Day Weekend deals.
- Hotels.com has a lengthy list of hotels offering last-minute deals that include Labor Day Weekend stays.
- Travelzoo.com has released an extensive list of Labor Day 2007 Deals, including round-trip flights from $123, a $39 stay near Downtown Disney and a Chicago Waterpark Package for $100 off the normal pricetag for $139.
Posted by Kelby Carr
There is a great deal now for families visiting Colonial Williamsburg. Stay three nights starting on a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday between July 22 and August 28, and the family gets free admission to Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area and Museums during the stay.
If you can't go during those dates, you can still get free admission any days of the week and anytime in 2007 by booking a four-night stay instead.
The admission pass includes:
- Length-of-stay admission to Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area and the Museums of Colonial Williamsburg while residing at the Williamsburg Inn and Providence Hall Guest Houses, Williamsburg Lodge, Colonial Houses–Historic Lodging, Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites, or Governor’s Inn.
- 50 percent discount on evening Colonial Performances tickets
- Admission to regular daytime programs and Colonial Explorer Activities
- The Revolutionary City, a Colonial Williamsburg adventure
- Museums of Colonial Williamsburg and Bassett Hall
- Viewing of the movie short Williamsburg: The Story of a Patriot
- Free parking at the Visitor Center and use of Colonial Williamsburg shuttle buses.
Find out more: Colonial Williamsburg Families Free with Three
Posted by Kelby Carr
You don't have to do something too ambitious like take a month off, rent an RV for the family and drive cross-country (but hey, you can!). There is surely a highway not too far from your house. Grab a map and find a destination nearby that you've never visited. Shoot, let the kids pick the place. Take a weekend, and go.
You can make the trip more pleasant by using some tips to avoid tantrums on the road. It doesn't even have to cost a lot, especially if you follow some of these ideas for saving gas on road trips. With just a little bit of road trip planning and some creative road trip packing, you can be out the door and on your way to discover the world.
You can even avoid some of the annoying requests like, "Are we there yet?" if you trip out your ride with a GPS unit. If you have a minivan, you can find lots of cool minivan accessories for family road trips. You can also avoid the fast-food jungle by packing some healthy kid travel snacks or stopping over at one of the healthier chain family restaurants. And keep things sane in the car by packing a family travel tote.
Still finding excuses to stay home? Well, don't forget you can actually use travel to teach your kids. There is little doubt that both parents and children benefit from travel.
Posted by Kelby Carr
You don't have to hit the typical spring break destinations (which are probably overrun with families also seeking out some spring break fun anyway). You don't need to pop for pricy plane tickets for everyone. Get in the car, look at a regional map and hit the road.
Get some ideas for cheap spring break vacations close to home: Spring Break Family Vacation Ideas or Spring Break 2007 Deals.
Posted by Kelby Carr
Here are some tips for overcoming new-baby-agoraphobia:
- Baby steps - Don't go from homebody and homebaby to world traveler. Just vow to hit the grocery store, a museum (yes, babies CAN do museums!) or a decent restaurant once a week. Then work your way up to daytrips an hour away, and in no time you'll be planning a week's vacation abroad.
- Realize that babies are so portable - When that little one gets mobile, gets preferences, gets a mouth and gets an attitude, it won't be nearly as easy to drag them around the globe. While babies present challenges, it's no more than you encounter in the woobie-like security of home.
- Embrace unpredictability! - Yes, babies are unpredictable. Shoot, isn't that what's so great about travel? Ramp it up a notch by traveling with a baby, and you'll surely have tears, laughs and amazing memories to cherish forever. Besides, test your parenting skills trying to figure out a way to change a poop diaper when you (a) have run out of wipes, (b) you're in a strange place and (c) there's no changing table anywhere to be seen. Now that's extreme parenting!
They say travel is life intensified. Raising a baby is even more intense. Well, travel with babies and you will truly discover the meaning of adventure travel. But wouldn't you rather show your child pictures of him or her at the Eiffel Tower or the Great Wall of China than boring old photos sitting in a bouncy seat in your living room?
Want some inspiration? See Family Travel Resolutions for 2007 or Top 10 Reasons to Travel with Kids.
Posted by Kelby Carr
Here are some resources for planning your summer family vacation:
Posted by Kelby Carr
Here are some great options for family-friendly options for New Year's Eve:
- Check nearby smaller cities and towns for First Night or other similar family-friendly, alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebrations.
- Meet up with family and/or close friends. This allows you the benefit of having adults to ring in the New Year with, as well as the bonus of others to help watch and entertain the children.
- Take a cruise. That way, you will know everyone is in a confined space. Also, many cruise lines are now much more family-friendly, so many have New Year's Eve programs for kids or babysitting services.
- Stay at an indoor water park. This can provide a nice winter respite from the cold, and many have family-friendly programming planned for New Year's Eve.
- Have your own family-friendly festivities. You know one sure way to be sure the New Year's Eve festivities are family-friendly? You be the host. Invite friends and family over, establish some activities for the kids, and perhaps even consider all going in together for a babysitter to stay over.
Posted by Kelby Carr
You don't just have to think New York City for New Year's Eve. There are lots of other options, ranging from a cozy cabin getaway to an urban adventure to bungee jumping. Get some great New Year's Eve getaway ideas for couples with my new article, "Romantic Getaway Ideas." Want to say your next little one was conceived on the New Year? Try planning a fun and romantic procreation vacation.
Posted by Kelby Carr
Here are some tips for making that Christmas vacation flight glitch-free or at least go easier:
- Flying with Christmas Presents, which offers tips on getting Christmas gifts to and from your holiday destination.
- Christmas Gifts Banned in Carry-On Luggage, which includes a list of popular gift items you may not realize are prohibited on flights.
- Children's Toiletries Allowed on Flights, which features several non-liquid options that get around that 3-ounce-maximum rule on soaps, shampoos and lotions.
- Strollers and Air Travel, with some tips on bringing a stroller on an airplane.
- Flying with Baby, with some crucial tips to make that flight a joy instead of an hours-long scream-fest, and also includes pros and cons to buying baby their own ticket versus carrying baby on your lap.
- Flying During Pregnancy, with help on making the trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
- Avoid Jet Lag in Children, with some tips to make the adjustment easier on kids when they fly.
- Pack a Super-Mom Travel Tote, with instructions on getting all those kid essentials into a carry-on bag.
Posted by Kelby Carr
I've been saying babymoons were a big trend, and A-list celebrities like this taking a babymoon will just give this segment of honeymoons and couples getaways a huge boost. Babymoons can be taken by a couple as a last blast during pregnancy or after a baby is born to bond as a family. They provide a great chance to step back from the intensity of a newborn and just enjoy life and one another.
Read more: Find out what a babymoon is | Babymoon pictures | Familymoons - Honeymoons with Kids
Posted by Kelby Carr
As the blogger at WoWiMo writes, she was stopped at airport security in Bangor. She initially thought she would just get the extra security check, but security officers actually insisted on patting down her toddler. They also ran the metal detector wand (in case he had something stashed in his diaper that was dangerous... well, dangerous in the national security type of way).
Also see: Baby Travel Tips | What is a Baby's Birthplace When Born On an Airplane? | Flying with Baby | Strollers and Air Travel
Posted by Kelby Carr
It was really just a matter of time before these guys finally did some male bonding and fighting. They have had so many strained relationships, from Dr. Burke telling Dr. McDreamy he wasn't allowed to call him by his first name to stand-offs between Karev and George.
Easily the best part of this mancation in the woods was the hilarious slapping fight between Karev and George (hey, they have surgeon's hands to protect). I also love that Izzie told the girls back at the hospital that for guys, trips like mancations are guy versions of sleepovers - only they do it outside.
Grey's Anatomy's writers must be hip to the hot trend of mancations. But it's an old theme, that has been featured in many a movie.
They also touched on the family theme last night with the sad tale of the pregnant woman who had to go through labor to deliver her stillborn fetus. I'm sure any mother, and especially any woman who's lost a child during pregnancy or later, weeped rivers during that part of the show.
And finally, I'm just glad to have an excuse to blog about my fave show.
Posted by Kelby Carr
For many people, simply deciding what to do on Thanksgiving is tough enough. Get some help deciding how to juggle family and turkey on Thanksgiving with my article on Thanksgiving Day survival tips. There are actually ways to make the day more enjoyable.
If you are a family member, friend or granparent hosting children in your home, this is not something to be taken lightly. Do you really want Junior to gethis hands on the turkey carving knife? Find out how to host children at your home so that you protect both them and you.
Posted by Kelby Carr
When my husband and I traveled with our daughter, then 1, around Europe for several months, we were maybe two weeks into this adventure before we ditched our traditional diaper bag. We went into a department store in France and bought a backpack instead, and used that as our diaper bag.
If only we'd known about the Baby Sherpa Diaper Backpack then. This backpack has a convenient and organized place for everything, a nice and cushiony changing pad, a built-in cooler, and it fits nicely on your back (and doesn't even feel heavy when stuffed with baby necessities). Bravo!
Posted by Kelby Carr
The woman, Egyptian, was flying from London to Boston. When the airplane crew realized she was in labor, they diverted to land in Nova Scotia. They didn't land in time, and she delivered while in the air.
So, already there are four nations involved: Egypt, England, U.S. and Canada. So where was this baby born?
Howstuffworks has a fascinating examination of this issue of birthplace and citizenship in this situation. Did you realize that if you give birth in flight, the U.N. has actually already addressed this precise dilemma.
According to U.N. rules, the birthplace would actually be born in the airplane's registered country. That could be almost anywhere! Citizenship could actually be determined based on whether you are flying into or out of a country.
If you are flying while pregnant, this may be something to investigate first, especially if you are in the last trimester. Don't think it can't happen. British Airways reports about one in-flight birth annually.
Posted by Kelby Carr
Multi-generational travel is on the rise, according to the Fairfield County Business Journal's 9/11 fifth anniversary issue. The article notes that more age-55 and up travelers are taking vacations with children and grandchildren. The article also notes that vacations with several generations are now replacing the traditional family reunion.
I am a huge fan of multi-generational travel. A couple years ago, we took a cruise with my in-laws to Canada and New England. It was wonderful for everyone! We got a chance to spend time with them, they got a chance to spend time with their grandchild. As an added bonus, we were traveling with babysitters!
I was a little concerned being next-door to my in-laws' cabin for an 11-day cruise would get old quickly, but we had a good mix of time together on the ship with time apart at ports. It worked out well.
Have you gone on a multi-generational vacation? Share your multi-generational travel tales.
Posted by Kelby Carr
OK, I will grant them, there are some healthy-esque options on the children's menu (like pasta marinara), but I don't think Chili's and immediately think healthy. Isn't this a restaurant that serves steak, which is then battered and deep fried, and then they add gravy? Tasty, for certain. Healthy? Not really.
Child Magazine's list also includes Legal Sea Foods, Mimi's Cafe, Red Lobster, The Melting Pot, The Old Spaghetti Factory, Benihana, Ruby Tuesday, Elephant Bar Restaurant and Bertucci's.
According to the Travel Gossip blog, Child Magazine's standards weren't all that high. They simply looked for restaurant menus containing at least two nutritional entrees, including a vegetable besides french fries and offering milk among its beverage choices. Of 125 chains, only one out of six met that most basic criteria.
If you're traveling and concerned about this issue, considering packing your own healthy kid snacks.
There's no question childhood obesity is a huge issue. What is your take on the list? Do you agree? Do you think restaurants do enough to provide healthy offerings, particularly for children? Discuss how healthy chain family restaurants are!
Posted by Kelby Carr
Carnival Cruise Lines teamed up with snack food manufacturer Masterfoods USA, which produces M&Ms, Snickers and Skittles, for a Halloween promotion where guests sailing aboard the cruise line's Fun Ships can participate in costume contests, enjoy scary movies and ghost stories and go trick-or-treating.
The new "Frightfully Fun" promotion will be held on every "Fun Ship" cruise departing between October 9-31, 2006, according to Carnival's Halloween promotion press release.
"Halloween has always been a festive time aboard Carnival's ships and our new 'Frightfully Fun' promotion goes a step beyond traditional Halloween activities, providing guests of all ages with an exciting and creative way to celebrate this popular holiday, Fun Ship-style," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.
Crew members throughout the fleet will be dressed in costume, as well, and guests can have their photo taken with their favorite M&Ms Character.
Posted by Kelby Carr
I'm not really the typical mom, though. When my first child arrived, instead of settling in and seeking stability, I did the opposite. We sold our house, quit our jobs and we wandered Europe for several months working on a travel guidebook.
In my pre-baby days, I was a partying, traveling girl. Just the mere thought of a minivan made me crinkle my nose in disgust.
Then we went to the ultrasound and found out we were having twins. As we left the doctor's office, I turned to my husband and said, succinctly: "You do know this means we have to get a minivan." We mourned our former cool days together.
This weekend, I finally caved. I bought a 2005 Dodge Caravan. And I must confess, I love it already! One of the coolest things (yes, I did say cool) is the built-in DVD player with drop-down screen. After enduring months of my daughter whining and messing with one twin sitting next to her, she now rides in peace.
It's also just downright comfortable, and a pleasure to drive.
I plan to at least attempt to make it cool. My Sirius radio will be installed in it, so I can listen to Howard Stern when I don't have Dora the Exporer tying up the sound system. I plan to ask for a cool GPS unit for Christmas.
So I won't be cool. What can you do? At least I will have the right vehicle. It will be great for grocery shopping, and even better for road trips. I had to give in eventually. Didn't I?
Posted by Kelby Carr
They also provide a wonderful respite from cold weather if you visit indoor water parks in winter. Be sure you find one of the top indoor water park hotels. Get splashing!
Posted by Kelby Carr
You can't bring gel soaps or diaper rash cream or body wash or lotions, or any other assorted toiletry you'll probably need when traveling with children.
There are still lots of solid, airport-security-friendly toiletries you can bring. Find out about solid soaps and shampoos for kids with my list of Children's Toiletries for Air Travel.
Posted by Kelby Carr
The BootsnAll Family Travel blogger has a fabulous post, My Top 10 Ideas for Travel Souvenirs. It includes some cool and clever ideas, like visiting the local hardware store for signs that would normally be mundane, but are pretty cool in a foreign language.
Looking for ideas to pack light so you actually have room for souvenirs? See my article on family road trip packing. Get some budget tips on saving gas on road trips and how to afford your dream damily vacation.
Posted by Kelby Carr
If you still haven't made plans, and even if you have a tight budget, there are lots of ideas for trips you can still plan for Labor Day:
- You could stick with the old tried and true, and hit the beach.
- Have some wilder fun by indulging in some family-friendly adventure travel.
- This close to Labor Day, you may be able to find some great last-minute deals on a family-friendly cruise line.
- For some inexpensive travel ideas, consider focusing on the mode of transportation. You can ride the rails or take a short roadtrip.
Posted by Kelby Carr
In a guest article I wrote for husband Mike Carr's Ice Hockey Suite101 site, Hockey Stadium Road Trip, find out how to plan a road trip to visit various hockey-rich destinations. Get tips on how to plan the trip, as well as catch teams on the ice for games or practices, and how to get cool hockey-related souvenirs to bring back home.
The hockey season doesn't officially start for a couple months, which makes this the perfect time to start planning.
Posted by Kelby Carr
The Amtrak deal, called Share Fares, allows families as big as six people to save on rail fare. This would be great for families with several children (and kids adore train travel), other family members who want to get away together, or even a trip with a group of friends.
The downside is it doesn't include routes in the Northeast corridor regional routes like Washington to New York (what's up with that?) or the Empire corrider between New York and Albany. Another catch is that the next four passengers only get the discount off the full adult fare, which feasibly could be more than a sale children's fare. The offer lasts for a while, though, as it's good through December 11 to buy and December 14 to travel.
Posted by Kelby Carr
My new article on Baby Travel Tips features advice on everything from taking a stroller to the airport to getting your child to sleep on vacation to finding a baby-friendly cruise.
Posted by Kelby Carr
One of the first things you may notice is that you can't bring a stroller onboard an airplane with you. Read my article on Stroller Airplane Travel Tips to get some tactics for this problem.
Then, you arrive at your destination only to encounter the primary bane of stroller-toting parents: the stairs. Especially in other countries, stairs could be the only way to get where you need to go. But don't let that deter you. Find out how to navigate your vacation with stroller obstacles.
Do you have any stroller horror travel tales to share? Post in my message board.
Posted by Kelby Carr
The carnival blog, which features my article on Bed Rest Armchair Travel, also mentions a cool live blog from the labor room, morning sickness solutions (especially crucial if you must travel while pregnant), and an open letter to a daughter.
Find out more by visiting this week's Carnival of Pregnancy entry. To find out more about the carnival phenomenon, visit Blog Carnival.
Posted by Kelby Carr
His article, Business Trips with the Kids, features links to several features on travel that could be relevant while traveling with kids and on business.
Do you have any interesting tales or tips about business travel with kids? Email me and share.
Posted by Kelby Carr
If you've ever traveled with a kid, you already know this: just when everyone (kid included) is the most exhausted, it's the hardest to get your child to sleep. Avoid this state of tension and overstimulation with my Child Sleep Travel Tips.
Spending a trip with a jetlagged child is also no fun for anyone involved (child, you, innocent passers-by). Dodge trouble with tips to Avoid Jetlag in Children.
Posted by Kelby Carr
The book, to be entitled, "Wild with Child: Adventures of Families in the Field," sounds like a wonderful project, and sure to encourage the more bashful parents out there to travel with their kids.
If you're interested in submitting a story, Jennifer Bove is calling for entries. Here is an exerpt of her call:
"If you've "roughed it" outdoors with kids in tow (or in the lead!),
I welcome you to submit a story to be considered
for publication in this book.
Parents, guardians, friends, educators, counselors, and even siblings are encouraged to submit lively, engaging essays and anecdotes about outdoor adventures with kids of all ages (from pregnancy to teen)."
To find out more, visit Jennifer's The View from my Boots blog.
I would also love to hear of your adventures traveling with children. If you would like to share your story with your fellow readers, email me.
Posted by Kelby Carr
Even if you think it's too late to pack the family into the minivan and go, you could still book a trip and give the trip confirmation pages to dad for his Father's Day gift Sunday. Just be sure cancellation and change rules are flexible, or you are 100 percent sure dad can go on the trip.
Here are some hot deals that would make great Father's Day getaways:
Posted by Kelby Carr
Join the already-lively discussion on traveling with kids. What's your philosophy when it comes to traveling with kids?
As Jennifer says, "For me, where I'm traveling determines whether the kids come with. For example, weekend trips to places less than a few hours away, definitely. But a 13-hour flight to the Mediterranean? Forget it."
Jodi notes, "Taking a 15-month old to Ireland wasn't terrible. We took a nonstop evening flight to get there. That way, he fell asleep naturally during the plane ride. The time change was difficult but we have great memories of playing in bed, eating snacks and watching really bad Irish midnight tv!"
According to Desertblue, "My parents took me on lots of camping trips as a child, and I always got something enjoyable out of that. Some of my earliest memories I can recall are on those trips. Things I remember - sleeping in a tent, my father throwing logs into the lake for the dog to retrieve, my mom cooking in the pickup camper, me chasing ducks and being chased by them, and driving while sitting on top of the camper's bed, over the cab, and waving at people driving by. Them waving back. These are all memories from under ten."
What do you think? Is it important to travel with kids? What are your fondest childhood travel memories? Do you get the chance to travel with your children as much as you'd like?
Posted by Kelby Carr
It is a great idea to expose your children to other cultures and customs. Tyson, who is the writer for the Suite101.com Aboriginal Rights site, provides tips for meeting native children.
Also, be sure to discuss your thoughts on the importance of this, or share any stories of your own travels to indigenous cultures, in the discussion about meeting native children.
Don't feel restricted to taking your children to the beach or to visit family. Get more ideas for family adventure travel vacations.
Posted by Kelby Carr
There are some great images of a couple looking happy (and not even sleep-deprived yet), a couple with pregnant mom kissing at the beach, a future dad at a casino (not a baby-friendly spot, so a great choice pre-baby) and a pregnant mom perusing produce at a market in Seattle (so good for the baby).
A babymoon is a wonderful way to get away during the trying pregnant days, and connect before or even after the baby arrives.
Posted by Kelby Carr
There are many things you can do to minimize the stress of traveling with twins. Keep them distracted. Travel after dark. Pack lightly (well, as lightly as possible, anyway). Find out more with my tips on traveling with twins.
Have you traveled with twins or other multiples? Share your own tips in the discussion board.
Posted by Kelby Carr
Find out about the best family beach destinations, if you haven't already made plans. Perhaps you and the kids could find some family-friendly adventures. One great option is to go hiking with your children.
Once you hit the road, be sure you bring some healthy kid snacks for the trip. You can pack them in your family travel tote. Above all, save yourself some grief by packing light for your family road trip.
It's a scary thought, but you want to be sure you and your family are safe in your hotel room. You could even stay home and let the children indulge in a luxury spa bath.
Posted by Kelby Carr
In honor of the Outdoor Adventure's newest editor, Michelle Snow at Budget Travel, here are a couple articles to help you save cash on your family vacations:
Posted by Kelby Carr
One of the hippest new terms in travel is the buzzword "babymoon." Major news organizations have recently had articles on these ultimate first family trips.
Before the baby has arrived, many couples are now having a last fling trip before changing diapers and middle-of-the-night feedings.
The Seattle Post Intelligencer just featured an article on babymoons, noting that travel getaways for expectant couples gave grown in popularity in recent years.
U.S. News and World Report declared there is a babymoon boom.
The Lansing State Journal quotes Child Magazine as stating babymoons are the hottest travel trend for parents-to-be.
Are you expecting and itching to travel before it means lugging endless baby equipment (and a needy baby) along for the ride? Find out how to plan a babymoon vacation.
Posted by Kelby Carr
Mother's Day will be here soon, and mom is sure to appreciate a chance to get away from it all with the gift of a family (or parents-only) trip. Here are some hot deals.
- Fly to Florida for as little as $49 one way with this United Airlines Spring Fare Sale. Since this state is a popular retirement place, perhaps you could fly mom and family to visit grandma for a double-duty gift!
- American Airlines features a Mother's Day Weekend Sale from hundreds of cities. Buy by April 25 for travel sometime between May 11 and 17.
- You can take advantage of your tax refund at Travelocity. They are offering $50 off any flight and hotel package or last-minute getaway so long as at least two are traveling (not much of a problem for families)
- Save some cash and get a free car upgrade with this deal from Budget on Priceline. Book by April 27 for a weekly rental sometime between April 17 and May 21 (which still covers Mother's Day, of course)
Posted by Kelby Carr
A woman died after riding Walt Disney's Epcot Center's Mission Space ride, the second death related to the ride in a year's time.
The woman, a 49-year-old German tourist, was killed by brain bleeding, the medical examiner concluded. The woman's death and the ride have not been linked, but it could be weeks before it is known whether there was a connection.
Disney World has since reopened the ride.
There are an average of 4.5 amusement ride related deaths each year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Technorati tags: epcot, Walt Disney World, Disney, WDW, news
Posted by Kelby Carr
This week, there are some great deals and bargains that are perfect for family travels and vacations, including an airfare sale, hot car rental deal and hotel bargains.
The budget deals include:
- United Airlines has a Spring is in the Air fare sale. Purchase by April 21, and fly by June 8. The deadline makes it tough for a major family vacation, but ideal for a long weekend getaway, reported on Travelzoo. (Also see my tips on flying with baby.)
- Last-Minute car rental deals from Avis, reported on Travelzoo. (Also get some family road trip packing tips.)
- Expedia has another fare sale, with purchase by April 21 and flight by June 7. Fares are as low as $83.
- If you're only driving one-way, take advantage of these many deals for renting cars, minivans and even RVs for one-way travel.
Posted by Kelby Carr
For the first time, Disney Cruise Lines will be offering European cruises when it repositions its Disney Magic ship to Barcelona, Spain, reports the Orlando Business Journal.
This is great news for cruising families. Many of the family-friendly cruises hit the same old tired destinations. (Yes, there is water in areas besides the Carribean. Really.)
Barcelona is a wonderful destination for the family, filled with surreal (and kid-cool) Moderniste architecture like the dreamy Sagrada Familia. There is also a beach here, fabulous food, inexpensive shopping and a vibrant atmosphere. Disney's planned 10-day and 11-day Mediterranean cruises would also hit Cannes (high cool factor for teens, since it's home to the Cannes Film Festival), Rome and Pisa.
Disney will also offer two trans-Atlantic crossings when they move the ship from Port Canaveral to Barcelona in spring, and return in the fall.
Technorati tags: family travel, cruise, Disney, Barcelona
Posted by Kelby Carr
Budget Rental Car is offering a free "Family Road Trip Adventure Pack" for families who rent a vehicle for five consecutive days. This is a handy freebie to keep your kids entertained, busy (and not whining) on the road.
The adventure pack, valued at $38, includes National Geographic magazines, maps, games and stickers. Just book your rental by May 19, fill out this enrollment form and then print the coupon that appears.
Also be sure you bring a Family Travel Tote and see my Healthy Kid Travel Snack Ideas.
Posted by Kelby Carr
I've done it both ways when it comes to flying with baby: with and without her own ticket. The ticketed flight was a breeze. My daughter slept secure in her car seat. It was so uneventful, when we landed a man a seat up from us was startled to see a baby was even behind him. Then, I gave in to the temptation of a free seat. After hours of having an antsy toddler tethered to me (and worrying anxiously about her safety), I came to this conclusion: a free baby flight gets you just what you pay for. Get the pros and cons of flying with baby (ticket versus no ticket).
Posted by Kelby Carr
Family adventure travel is a popular way to discover new experiences, get special and intense memories with the children and simply have fun with a cool vacation. Don't let the term "adventure travel" fool you. There are plenty of soft adventures that are sensible and appropriate for children of all ages. Get some tips on planning a family adventure travel vacation, as well as ideas for adventure vacations with the kids.
http://familytravel.suite101.com/article.cfm/FamilyAdventureTravel
Posted by Kelby Carr
Cruise lines are catching on to something we parents already know: Families want to cruise. The problem is, the cruise lines aren't always family-friendly. Sometimes their policies even ban the littlest one in your family, or they offer babysitting but won't change diapers. That's helpful. Cruising with kids can be tremendously rewarding, but use these tips before you book to avoid it being outrageously frustrating!
http://familytravel.suite101.com/article.cfm/FamilyFriendlyCruises
Posted by Kelby Carr
We know our kids should eat well, but then you get out there in the real world. You're on the road, traveling, and the whines from the backseat start. Off the interstate, you see the beckoning signs for McDonald's or 7-Eleven. Be strong! You can resist the call of the junk food. I have some great make-ahead, cheap and healthy snacks for traveling with children.
http://familytravel.suite101.com/article.cfm/HealthyKidSnackIdeas
Posted by Kelby Carr
If you have kids, you've been there. Trying to defy the laws of physics. Cramming square pegs into round holes. Whatever you want to call it. Don't let that next family road trip make you nuts, though. You can pack lightly with children. Really, I swear. Here are some tips for packing for your next family road trip.
http://familytravel.suite101.com/article.cfm/FamilyRoadTripPacking
