Interview with Lays ChipTrip Spokesperson: Kathy Buckworth

Parent Club: You are the spokesperson for Lays ChipTrip - what is that?

Kathy Buckworth: I'm working with Lays to promote their ChipTrip program, which has been developed with the Canadian Tourism Commission, as a way to encourage Canadians to become tourists in their own cities and provinces, or to travel to new provinces and explore their local attractions. I've found their website extremely helpful in finding activities, making plans, and of course redeeming the points has been a huge cost saver for me. I already buy Lays chips, and I have four kids, so our points are adding up just through moderate snacking. I think most families would be the same.

Parent Club: A new survey says staycations are the new trend for families...why do you think that is?

Kathy Buckworth: Over 75% of Canadians say they won't be taking a summer holiday at all, will be staying near home or vacationing within their own province for 2010. I think it's a combination of the economy as well as the fact that it can be hard to get away for longer periods of time in the summer with an active family. Canadians are also very excited about seeing their own country, having recently seen the beauty of Vancouver/BC during the Olympics, and making an effort to support their local economies and stay a bit closer to home.

Parent Club: What are your top 5 suggestions for staycation ideas?

Kathy Buckworth:
1. Plan the staycation - whether it’s a day outing or an overnight venture- with the kids. Going on to the www.lays.ca website is a terrific way to search for ideas and inspiration, across Canada.

2. Keep a budget in mind, and look for activities which can fit easily into it. Redeeming ChipTrip points can really help in keeping costs down.

3. Plan for both rainy day and sunny day alternatives.

4. Be a tourist in your own city. Live like a tourist - take transit, guided tours, explore city landmarks and quiz the kids on their knowledge afterwards so that they can become an ambassador for your city as well.

5. Plan your meal stops (check the www.lays.ca site for food options from Subway, to Boston Pizza, both great for families) as well as some unstructured, or downtime, which kids always need.

Parent Club: Any tips for keeping kids entertained in the summer?

Kathy Buckworth: I like to schedule the weeks whether they're in formal camps (day or overnight), or at home at what I like to call "MomCamp", or "DadCamp". I sit down with them and we plan out the top 3 things they'd like to do (beach visit, a fair or exhibition, movies, etc), and then we try to make sure each child gets to do at least one thing on their wish list. My kids are involved in quite a few sleepover camps during the summer, and after all of that activity while away, I find they do need a schedule of activities when they're at home to try to avoid that "Mom I'm bored!" syndrome.

Parent Club: Where will we find you this summer? (events, launches, twitter, vacation, funny farm?...)

Kathy Buckworth: I'll be everywhere! The kids are off to camps the first part of the summer, and I'll be travelling out west to speak and do a book tour. I'll be Tweeting the whole time, (plus exploring some attractions in BC and Alberta) and returning home to spend a week at a cottage in Ontario with the whole family, as well as doing a lot of day trips. We're already planning a trip to the Polar Mountain Express, and I've promised a shorter trip to Medieval Times as well. And yes, you might just find me poolside with a glass as well. Have BlackBerry, will travel.