Baby Food On The Go | #TravelTip

Carrying around infant cereal in a baggie but no recipient to use for feeding?  Here's a smart travel tip:

yes, we eat Mott's

Wash your old applesauce containers and recycle reclaim and re purpose them as your on-the-go baby food bowl. 

Won't matter if your lose it on your travels.  Easy enough to rinse out to wash.  It makes life easier for busy parents!

The Travel Itch

Right before I go on a trip en famille - I get a travel itch.  It's a worry-ing, nervous, anxiety-ish type of itch (it's the way I am). 

And those who know me - know my worries go straight to my tummy.  Never a good thing.  Especially when travel approaches.

So instead...I focus (almost imprint) on something to BUY for a trip.  (I'm not a buy buy buy type of girl usually - I'm fairly un-splurge-ous).

Trip before last I had to buy this:

Please Mum Puddle Jumper - it is great

And that coat was perfect for chilly, rainy walking!  (and shipping was free and it was on sale...so really it was meant to be!).

Going to the cottage, I learned about...and had to BUY

Go-pod - it is le great

And the babe LOVED hanging out in that go-pod (and I loved packing it - super portable).

Are these itches so capricious?  When it's the kids who benefit?  And if it helps direct my energies away from my tummy....can't be bad right?...

And so leaving this weekend on another trip and I have a bit of an itch...

Peg Perego Pliko 3 - kijji-ing it right now

If you've got an itch you have to scratch right?...

#TravelTuesday Tip: Airport playgrounds

Travelling with kids?  Research your airports and learn about the in-house playgrounds.  That's right!  #TravelTuesday tip: airports have playgrounds.

Toronto Pearson has a children's slide and play structure in front of several gates in the international departure area.

Frankfurt airport has a climbing slide in a restaurant on the 2nd floor as well as a play area (with Disney movies) in the airport.

Paris has a kids video game console in the international departure area. 

I know this all first hand from many trips where the kids needed to stretch their legs and play after a +8 hour flight.  When the kids are jumpy and mommy's tired a playground is a life saver!

#TravelTuesday | Rent it

Traveling with kids is awesome - taking all the baby/kid gear is not awesome. 

THUNDERBOLT CONCEPT!:  Rent your baby/kid gear!  No more hauling of highchairs and jamming in jumperoos.

When we go to France, we have needed carseats & boosters, strollers & highchairs - and thankfully family has sourced it all out for us each time...but I can tell you - not packing those everyday must-haves are awesome.  If you don't have family at your destination - renting the gear is the way to go.

In Canada, you can google (google is such a great verb) a site like http://www.weetravel.ca/ - which is all about renting baby and kid gear. 

And also, check out my friend Corinne's site www.havebabywilltravel.com for tips (I love her Have Stroller Will Travel series)

#TravelTuesday | Via Rail is family-budget-friendly

#TravelTuesday tip:  Via Rail is offering 1/2 price tickets to kids this summer.   Toddlers under 2 years of age travel free. Children 2–11 travel at half price.

Disclosure: I haven't actually experienced Via Rail travel myself - but know families who take it every summer and they rave at how family-friendly it is.  And at half price it's worth considering n'est pas?

And no, this isn't sponsored by Via (sadly) but I'm thinking travel where you don't have to search out a roadside potty or strap kids into car seats might really be a more human way to travel...
Has anyone taken Via? Stories to share?

Parent Club Quick Tip

Headed on a family trip for March Break? This is the week to check passports to ensure everyone's (including kids) are up to date!

Passport Canada has online forms for Adults and Children to help make your passport getting easier.

TIP: one parent can be the applicant for a child and the other can be the guarantor -as long as each have up to date Canadian passports.

Tips for Great Wolf Lodge

Just back from a Great Wolf Lodge visit (click that link to read a detailed review of a GWL experience). Here are some tips (gleaned from the Niagara location) on Great Wolf Lodge.

• Though you cannot check in until 4pm you can pre-register at 1pm. This means you can do your paperwork and get your wristbands (thus enter water park) straight away. The lockers in the change rooms are big enough to hold a backpack for your change of clothes. GWL takes down your cell phone and calls when your room is available thus allowing you to play and not have to check back with front desk.
  
• WRISTBANDS -> your wristband is your room key, lock, wallet, kid keeper. Your wristband is micro-chip-connected to your room - so you or your child can open the room door just by pressing the wristband against the doorknob. If your child becomes separated GWL staff can check the child's wristband to see his/her room and thus family name, contact information. The wristband also locks the lockers in the change rooms. You can also use your wristband at the restaurants to have bills put on your final bill.
  
• Story time is at 8pm - yes, your kids can wear pjs. (FREE)
  
• Check out the Kids Club art area - lots of great activities and toys (some FREE).
  
• Restaurants - the all-you-can-eat buffet has everything...but if you have kids like mine - they eat two things and are ready to go. For smaller eaters the restaurant downstairs has lighter fare (BLTs, Bagels & cheese, pre-packaged salads). The one con is the "healthier" choices - tho on the menu - are twice the price.
  
• You must check out at 11am - but you may stay and play until 9pm.

Finally, pack snacks for the drive home. Kids will be tired and hungry after all their fun.

Follow-up on Travel With Kids

So after you take your kids on a plane trip (to Europe for example where said kids become Travel Troopers) - we have some valuable after-travel-tips.

• Jet lag equals one day for every hour of time change (an Air Canada steward told me this). So if you fly to France - it will take about 6 days to get over the jet lag (6 hours difference between Canada and France).
  
• Have a comfort food ready in the freezer for when you get back. (Homemade pasta sauce was defrosted & fusilli was cooked the night we returned home - on the table in less than 20 minutes).
  
• Have your Mom, neighbour, friend stock your fridge with essentials. (It's nice not to have to dash out for milk when you've just gotten home).
  
• Try to get the kids to stay up. (When going to Europe with kids, they want to go to bed at 7pm but wake up at 4am when they get back to Canada)

Also, when you get back from a trip - you have fresh eyes onto the state of your house (good ghandi! We live like THIS?!). Take advantage and spend some time spring cleaning excess toys/stuff.

Travel troopers

Wednesday: Location: Toronto Airport. No indoor playground in Terminal 1 but kids more than happy to climb on golden lion statue near gate. Actually, many kids climbing on lion. Perhaps lion is the indoor playground?

The travel gods have smiled upon us. Each seat on the airplane has an individual TV with movies & cartoons on demand. PLUS, the kids meals arrived (plain pasta w. cooked carrots & peas, a Motts applesauce + a bear paw cookie).

Kids watch Princess & The Frog and then go to sleep for the next 5 hrs. BLISS.

Thursday: Location: Munich airport. Kids wake up after "big airplane" and want breakfast. The menu chose is pretty much German terminal is sausages & saurkraut. Kids settle for margarita pizza.

Take shuttle bus to "small airplane" (where we walk up the stairs, in open air, to the plane). Bumpy, bouncy, plane ride. Happy to finally arrive (with luggage) in South of France.

Friday: Location: South of France. Car ride 3 hrs north (we are headed to middle France for a wedding). Kids listening to ipods (thank you Justin Bieber & Michael Jackson). HAPPY.

Take kids out to a bar/cabaret to celebrate various family birthdays. Thankfully, with time change midnight in France is only 6pm in Canada - kids were good to par-tay.

Saturday: Location: Middle of France. Wedding day. Travel gods still smiling on us. There is a playground just outside the city hall where the marriage is to take place. Kids play with cousins throughout picture taking. That is until, Thing 2 runs up to me covered with blood (ah...the 1st nose bleed).

Take chid to a bar (I'm telling you France has a bar on every corner) to get cleaned up.

Wedding lasts until 2:30am - at which point kids and I are super le tired. Enough - I call "go to bed"!

Sunday: Location: French Countryside. We are having lunch at Aunt Maria's (a paella of course) before our 3hr trip back. I realize kids haven't asked to watch TV in days. They are happy enough to follow Aunt Maria's dog around for hours (damn dog slobbered all over my bag!).

Monday: Location: Avignon. We are taking ONE day to visit the
country rather than family. Since Thing 1 is studying Medieval History in school we decide to go see the Palais des Papes.


Thing 2 got a bit bored half way through the tour - so she and I started making our own narriation about the castle "This is where the princess slept, this is where the servants worked" (ignoring that it was really only Popes who lived there)

(Note: If you ever visit the Palais des Popes it is very stroller un-friendly).


We also visited the le pont d'Avignon (you know the song:"Sur le pont d'Avignon").

It completely bummed out Thing 2 as apparently singing and dancing was expected rather than this ->

The next 1/2 hr contained "this is DUMB" and "I'm bored" while the tour of the bridge was finished. FUN TIMES.

Wednesday: Location: South of France. Whole family flocks to spend one last day with us. Older cousins are keeping younger ones occupied while parents snack on saucisson. MUST PACK.

Thursday: Location French Airport. So apparently there some sort of volcano business while we were away?

I have never seen a board with so many cancellations! We fly to Munich then waitlist for Frankfurt. In Frankfurt we are stranded. STRANDED.

to be continued...

Where have you been Parent Club?!

You may be wondering where in the world we have been?! In my crazy preparation - I forgot to tell you - Apr. 14 we were France bound.

Taking the family to France is never a relaxing touristy trip. It means we are visiting family members all over the country (lunch at aunt's here - dinner at grandparents there - must go see cousins - now off to see other aunt...it is constant travel).

This trip was specifically for a wedding and a family dinner to celebrate my prince's 40th birthday. We also happened to land the day of the volcano business.

I have some pictures to come - plus an interesting story about taking 5 planes in 7 days with 2 children. Stay tuned...

Going to Riu Bachata

Our stay at the Riu Bachata, in Puerto Plata was well researched.  We had key points that absolutely had to be met:

• Family Friendly
• All-inclusive
• On the Beach
• Close to the airport
• Budget Friendly

The Bachata had it all.  Our room was comfortable and quiet.  Two double beds were perfect for our family of 4.  The Bachata provided a large complimentary container of distilled water in our fridge which came in handy for drinking and tooth paste spitting.

The breakfast buffet had cereal, pancakes, crepes (kids' favourite) and more.  The kids could eat hamburgers and hot dogs at the lunch buffet while we parents ate paella and chicken.  There were also 2 sit-down restaurant choices (a pasta restaurant and a steakhouse) for dinner options. 

We had the option of the daily activities at the Bachata or visiting the sister hotels Riu Merengue and Riu Mambo (a short walk). 

Daily activities included formal events like: ping pong tournament, darts, water aerobics, kids club activities, water volleyball and more.  The entertainment team was inviting to both grown ups and kids.  Informal activities included; swimming, beach fun and the swim up bar (kids loved asking for orange juice!).

Unfortunately, there was a jagged piece of ceramic tile, submerged on the bottom step of the pool, and my daughter gashed her foot.  She was rushed to the on-site medical office where a doctor promptly attended to her wounds (stitches required).

We informed front desk immediately of the issue with the pool. 

The next day, when we asked front desk about borrowing a wheelchair for our child, we were told we could rent one from the pharmacy.   We noted her injury was because of negligence and as such a wheelchair should be provided.  It was. 

We informed our on-site Sunquest representative of the injury. He inspected the spot where the injury had occurred, at which time a Bachata employee was quick inform us that the jagged tile had been removed. It had.
However, our vacation was fairly ruined by this injury as said child was in pain and unable to go in the water and sand. We were disappointed that the Riu Bachata did not follow up with us regarding the injury nor did they take any steps to make amends.


Really too bad...because we were having a lot of fun at the hotel...

Lion on the Beach

Parent Club is still at a resort - somewhere - south.   Somewhere sandy, spanish and sunny. 

Which reminds me of the beach memories of 'ole.  Like remember the story of when my prince picked up a prostitute on our family vacation in Cuba? 

This is my Lion on the Beach story.

My little family was lion (get the jiggy spelling?...Lying?  Lion?  ok - moving along)...we were on the beach.  For days and days we hung out on the beach in Valencia, Spain. 

One day, I volunteered to go to the grocery store and get supplies (my sunburn was THAT bad by then) while my prince took the kids to the beach. 

When we met up later the kids were in competition to tell me about the "naked man" who apparently got a ticket.  (Note: this beach was "top optional" for both sexes but bottoms were a must.  Aside: yes I wore a top & bottom - I can't even imagine THAT sunburn if I didn't).

So my two kids saw naked man walk in and out of the water with his bits & pieces.  And they saw the police officer give him a ticket (because he was lion on the beach with his bits & pieces).  To this day - the kids remember that vacation story. 

Some trip memories stick.

Packing List for Family Trips

Whether it be a trip south or a trip up north...here are some tips for packing for the family.  You might remember my Yummy Mummy Club article on "Double Duty Packing" - this post is more reading on that subject.

• Passports?  You can download Canadian Passport applications and renewal forms online.  (Bonus: they now mail passports to you so you only have to go to the office once!)
• Drugs. (not the illegal kind)  Always take your medications with you on the airplane.  When travelling with kids it's helpful to carry along your trusted kid-pain/fever medication (Tylenol, Advil, etc).  Other helpful drugs: kid antihistamines (to reduce swelling for bug bites) and gravol.
• Pens & Paper.  No mother ever said "geez, I wish I hadn't brought those pens and paper".  Bring them!  They are great bordom busters (think: tic tac toe), teachable moment tools (think: travel journal for the kids) and important for leaving notes for your spouse as to why they are waking up alone with the kids (Think: went to the gym)  

On subject yet aside: read my other Yummy Mummy Club article on Hot Travel Tips for family trips...it starts like this..."DON’T pack the naughty drawer. The only thing vibrating in the night should be your phone (and really you should turn that off)."

Parent Club: Family Vacation Planning

Every family wants a family vacation (especially in the summer months). It is great to get away - but it shouldn't break the family bank. Family getaways should be - and can be - family budget friendly.

Whether you travel local, national or global -- a family trip takes planning, organization and cost savings (that hyperlink takes you to a site that we found informational on planning a family vacation budget).

We often travel internationally and we try to book our plane tickets just outside the peak travel times. France is just as nice in October as it is in August (and - hey - all the French are on vacation in August anyways so most things are closed). We also rent apartments by the week rather than stay in a hotel (which is a more reasonable option at times). With one visit to a local grocer we stock up on breakfast "at home", snacks and easy to carry fruits which means we go to restaurants less but still eat well on holiday (and I've said before the best fast food - is food you already have in your bag!). We also walk a lot (which saves on transportation). Little cost saving things but they are appreciated when the vacation bills come in.

Big picture: a family vacation should be a time to enjoy your family. Not something to create parental stress, budget concerns and shrinking balances. It's not about "go big or go home". It's not about "keeping up with the Jones'" vacation. It's about the right holiday decisions for your family. Does that mean - if your budget is limited - you can't go see the mouse in pants? No. It just means you need to make a budget plan before seeing that pant-wearing mouse.

A family vacation shouldn't put a family in debt. If this has happened to you - seek out help to get you back on track. If you are fortunate to keep you head above the vacation budget water then be sure to continue making informed decisions when planning your vacation and holiday budget.

For more on credit counseling surf over to this informative website (yes, click that).

Do you have a holiday budget tip to share with the club? Do so in the comment field below.

Travel w. Kids Tips

A pashima (or shawl) is a great one-size-fits-all sweater for girls big and small. It can also be a blanket, rain cover and table cloth in a pinch.

An empty large plastic or cloth bag is handy for separating clean and dirty clothes (and for bringing home wet bathing suits)

Always pack a small stuffed animal for your child to sleep with!

Do your kids have a nightlight at home? Consider taking it with you (or a flashlight) on your holidays.

Going to visit a wolf - a Great Wolf

Heading off to Great Wolf Lodge next week.

Don't know what to expect.
Have you been? Do you have tips on what to pack? Where to eat? What you likey and what you don't?

Would love to hear tips/stories/experiences!

Read the Woes of March Break to see where we first met the Great Wolf

My Naughty New Article on Yummy Mummy

Check out my naughty new article on The Yummy Mummy Club. I should have known to put a parental advisory on it - for MY parents...hee hee - sorry Mom.

Hot Travel Tips

DON'T pack the naughty drawer. The only thing vibrating in the night...{Read MORE - you know you want to...}

Tips for Trips

• Pack smart snacks. I've said it before - but I'll say it again; the best fast food is the food you've already got in your bag. Whether on a day trip or road trip - smart snacks are always first in our bags. Dry cereal, raisins and mini-marshmallows (for a treat) are a great trail mix. (This mixtures has once been called dinner on an international flight - when the meals were delivered after the kids normal bedtime). Apples, bananas and peaches all travel pretty well too.
  
  
• Hydrate - just not so much we'll have to stop for potty trips every 5 minutes. Now, yes, kids NEED to drink plenty of water. However, if you are going on a road trip -- enjoying sips is a good way to quench thirst without filling up those little bladders.
  
  
• Entertainment. Generation Y really has it good. Portable dvd players, mp3 players, ipods, leapsters, and more. I remember just having to look out the window to pass time. Geez! If your Gen. Y-er's are behind (and that would be your fault of course) pack along toys for babies and toddlers, play I spy with pre-schoolers and get the big kids to read books (as long as they aren't prone to car sickness).
  
  
• Bring soap. I've been laid over in Paris with no luggage, sent to a no star hotel, and had to shower the entire family with my dove facial cleanser. Always carry soap with you.
  
  
• Change of clothes. Have you ever changed a diaper or a wet shirt? You know why you need a change of clothes. Accidents happen.

Learning a Sense of Urgency

Why are children not born with a sense of urgency?! We need to go. Put down the toy. Seriously - walk AWAY from the toy. We have to go. Any kid under the age of 12 just doesn't get this.

I don't want those shoes. Where's my other hat? I'm hungry. Makes me just want to scoop up those darlings; Thing 1 and Thing 2, like when they were infants in car seats. I didn't know the bliss I had when they were immobile and non-communicative.

It could take hours just to get from front hall to the front door itself. Somehow, the steps between inside and outside are intertwined with a deep black hole - which just sucks time and energy out of you and the situation.

Ever gotten into the car, and realize you are 10 minutes late for that play date?! It was the black hole just inside your front door. SUUUUUCK. There you go - you will be 10 minutes behind everything for the rest of the day.

Back to the sense of urgency. Those sucked 10 minutes of your day -- 10 little minutes - will throw off nap times and snack times, get you stuck in traffic, make you late instead of early for appointments with doctors that overbook, make the grocery store errand just a bit longer because now the choice is to eat well and then rush to Karate -- or drive to Karate but eat crap later.

All due to the fact that the children just didn't understand the sense of urgency TO GO NOW.

Perhaps, someone should take me for a coffee and tell me that I should relax about my parenting style. I'd like that. You - do - know I'll be 10 minutes late though right?!...

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