Family Travel Guide

5 Steps to Reclaiming Your Stress-Free Family Vacation

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:59:08 GMT

It’s no secret vacations are important to families – or that they can be stressful. What is shocking, however, is 40 percent of U.S. travelers admitted to not being able to fully enjoy their vacation because of stress, according to a new survey from HomeAway.

On the other hand, according to the same survey, 78 percent of travelers wouldn’t give up their family vacation for anything – not even permanent weight loss of 20 pounds, housekeeping services for a year or dinner with their favorite celebrity.

So what’s a family to do?

Here are five ways vacation rentals can help travelers RECLAIM their family vacation, ensuring they return from their next trip more relaxed and reconnected than ever before!

- Reclaim your destination. According to research from HomeAway, choosing where to go on vacation is the number one cause of family squabbles.

In order to avoid the arguments, consider including your kids in the destination discussion early on and use sites like HomeAway.com for vacation inspiration. By browsing through the inventory, families can get new ideas for places off the beaten path, which they may not have previously considered.

Here’s a list of the most popular family vacation destinations we’re seeing on HomeAway.com for summer 2013:

Ocean City, Md.
Gulf Shores, Ala.
Destin, Fla.
Virginia Beach, Va.
Bethany Beach, Del.

- Reclaim where to stay. Where you stay is just as important as where you go.

Most families automatically default to a hotel when planning their vacation. However, 80 percent of travelers agree that staying in a vacation rental helps reduce their vacation stress. That’s not surprising when you consider the amenities and features of a vacation home, which can make life easier and save you money (e.g., kitchen, washer/dryer, private pool, pet-friendly). Eating out three times per day is expensive, especially for larger families, and having the option to do laundry along the way will spare you the headache of facing a zillion loads when you get home. And, because no two rentals are alike, there’s sure to be a perfect match for every family’s styles, preferences and needs.

- Reclaim your budget. It’s always about getting more bang for your buck.

According to the HomeAway survey, the average summer family vacation costs $3,382, with $1,603 (almost 50%) spent solely on accommodations. For that much, you better be getting more than just a bed, a bathroom and a mini bar! Vacation rentals are inherently a great value, typically costing half as much as a hotel, but including twice the space. Thanks to the extra bedrooms and living areas, there’s also more flexibility to invite friends and/or other family members along and split costs. Plus, amenities like kitchens and washer/dryers, as well as free parking and Internet, spare your wallet by saving on the additional fees that tend to add up quickly at a hotel.

- Reclaim your space. While we love our families, everyone knows that too much togetherness is not always a great thing.

The best vacations strike the right balance between time and space – time together as well as time apart. Vacation rentals are ideal for this because they offer both communal areas for spending time together – playing board games in the living room or recounting the day’s adventures around the kitchen table – as well as the benefit of having your own room, and in return, the freedom to stay up and enjoy some adult time after the kids are in bed. The experience just can’t be beat, especially when you consider the alternative – cramming your family of four into one room for a week. Eeek!

- Reclaim your schedule. When staying in a hotel, you’re often forced to vacation on someone else’s schedule.

From having to wait an hour for room service when you’re starving, to just missing the pool or gym hours, to wasting time waiting for the entire family to get ready (with only one bathroom!), it’s not fun having to operate on someone else’s timeline, especially on vacation. In fact, HomeAway’s new family travel survey found that “wasting time” was one of the top causes of stress while on vacation. With vacation rentals, families have the freedom to determine their own schedules (a major plus for families with young children). Go ahead, choose for yourself when and what you’d like to eat, and hit the pool when you’re ready to swim…just maybe not one right after the other!

If you’re one of the 73 percent of travelers planning to get away with your family this summer, consider vacationing outside of the (hotel) box. With only a few vacation days per year, family trips are too precious to waste a single minute stressing over factors that can easily be eliminated by staying (in a) home!

Go on…RECLAIM your family vacation!

My Perception of the State of Family Travel

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 19:30:31 GMT

I travel with my two young kids - a lot - and I’ve had both good and bad experiences. Some days we get lucky and the travel gods are on our side. Other days, I’ve been the one whose child is having a complete meltdown and WILL NOT buckle her seat belt as the plane has to circle due to bad weather!

We all read headlines and hear stories about children being kicked off flights, families not being able to sit together, additional fees popping up all over the place and even whether or not it’s fair for families with young children to board the plane early. According to what I’m seeing in the media, the perception is that families are being burdened with many travel issues, especially when it comes to dealing with new airline policies. It seems the perception of the state of family travel is just that - a perception - that depends, quite literally, on where you sit.

Fees

One issue travelers can’t ignore is that of added fees – everything from checked bag fees, to hotel wi-fi fees, to “resort fees”, whatever those are. Today, travelers have to budget beyond the base price, since it’ll likely only be a portion of their total bill.

The airline industry, in particular, is known for charging a lot of extra fees. One reason might be because the revenue created from these fees is not generally subject to the same 7.5 percent federal excise tax levied on all airfares, according to a New York Times article published in July.

So for airlines trying to stay profitable, it’s good business sense to avoid more taxing. I can understand that. However, some of the things they’re charging for are frustrating and expensive for everyone, particularly families.

For example, Delta, American Airlines, US Airways, Frontier, Spirit and Allegiant have all implemented charges for "preferred seating,” leading some to believe that families have to pay more just to sit together.

This happened to me recently when I was buying tickets for my family of four. I got all the way to the end of the process and was given the option to select seats. But, when I was shown the diagram of the plane, there wasn’t an option for four seats together. In fact, there was only one place where there were even two seats together and those were located in what I call the “more legroom, more money” area.

For me, this is clearly an issue. We are traveling with two toddlers - neither is of lap child age, nor are they anywhere near old enough to sit alone. Was I expected to PAY for the expensive seats just so that one parent/child combo could sit together while the other parent begged some unsuspecting passenger to trade seats? Or was I actually supposed to consider the option that my 3-year-old would be seated alone? That’s preposterous, isn’t it? Or, is it? I had to consider what I’d actually be willing to give to someone to get them to give up their good seat for my middle seat. After all, it’s not that traveler’s fault.

What’s a traveling family to do?

One mom I know swears that the key to good family travel comes with higher status. Her rule of thumb after gaining platinum status with Continental Airlines (now United Airlines) is that it’s an absolute must for traveling families to establish a relationship with one airline.

In her experience, by having a frequent flyer account with Continental/United and purchasing all tickets through that account, she says every flier gets the benefits of the account holder. As your status goes up, you gain access to perks like free baggage, upgrades to seating and access to lounges. Also the miles/points accumulate faster, earning you free tickets.

Kids on a Plane & Much ‘Ado About Candy

Much is made in the media of children traveling by air. But what is the real problem: The unrealistic expectations of childless passengers? The parents failing to actively parent their children? The children themselves? In most instances, a combination of all of these things is probably at play.

It is not a guarantee that family members will be seated together even if their tickets are purchased at the same time; it is getting increasingly difficult to select seats near each other in the wake of extra fees for premium seating; and parents are often left to rely on the kindness of strangers. In my experience, this often works out. However, I just heard from a friend who witnessed a traveler flat-out refuse to switch seats so a mother could sit next to her child. If stories like this didn’t happen, then we wouldn’t be having this discussion. And we wouldn’t hear about parents bringing candy or other gifts to sweeten the pot for their seatmates when boarding a plane with young kids in tow.

In terms of the behavior, is an unruly child more or less problematic than an obnoxious adult? For instance, we’ve all been stuck next to the large smelly guy, the annoyingly loud teenaged girls who can’t stop yelling and giggling, or that crotch that ends up in your face while the other passenger loads his/her bag into the overhead bin. That’s never fun.

No one is talking about the millions of well-behaved children in the friendly skies. They don’t make good headlines.

Everyone’s got a perception. Mine is that in most cases, travelers are doing the best they can to be nice and treat one another with respect amidst travel policies that don’t always make traveling easy. Case in point: the lady who became fast friends with Littlest and I when flying alone this summer. If it hadn’t been for the many tricks up her sleeve to help me keep my baby happy, it would have felt like a much longer trip for all of us.

Family travel takes a village. Every village has an idiot. Unfortunately it’s the village idiots who make the headlines.

What’s your perception about the state of family travel? Share your story with me in the comments below.

Diana Heather is the Chief Mom, both at home to her two girls and at Totsy.com. You can follow Diana on Twitter @ParentingsATrip or read more at her blog: ParentingsATrip.com.

Effective Tips For Making Multigenerational Travel Fun

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 21:34:34 GMT

Traveling with children is stressful enough without the added pressure of having extra people around judging my parenting capabilities during some of the most difficult parenting situations - long flights, potty training days in an airport, meltdowns from the overwhelming nature of everything being new. It used to feel like the thought of my parents and/or in-laws traveling with us on family vacations to witness that show on the road only added to the pressure.

Needless to say, I’ve come a LONG way.

I have found that traveling with your extended family is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself, your spouse, your children and especially your parents and in-laws.

I always wonder what my mom, even my in-laws think about traveling with all of us. I knew if I asked them, I wouldn’t get the whole scoop. Recently, a friend put me in touch with a Mother and Son traveling duo, and by the time I had discussed the topic of multigenerational travel with both of them, I had a treasure chest full of perspective on the challenges and how to solve them.

Justin, a dad to two kids under five years old, regularly plans trips all over the world with his family of four and their extended family including his mom, Barbara, and her husband; his dad and his dad’s wife; as well as his in-laws.

Diana's extended family on vacation in Orlando

Incuding Justin's kids, Barbara has seven grandchildren. She’s a huge travel nut, but aside from her personal travel schedule, she regularly- up to four or more times per year- ventures out with her husband on multigenerational trips with her kids, step kids and their families. Both Justin and Barbara shared the secrets to their multigenerational travel success. Here’s what they said:

Why take the show on the road? Isn’t it easier to just have relatives come to your house or vice versa?

Justin’s Take: When you travel someplace new with your family, you get to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and flavors around you, and it brings you all closer together because the normal daily routines and distractions of everyday life at home fall away.

Barbara’s Take: I think doing this is very healthy- it's good for children because there is something very wholesome about all being together even if it means a little chaos. It’s a growth experience for everyone. Kids experience being a part of a larger family unit and I think that grounds them.

Is it hard for the one making the plans to keep everyone happy?

Barbara: You really just have to ask everybody what they are looking to get out of that particular trip. What are everyone’s goals? Once you know the answers to that question, then choose a place that has something for everyone.

Speaking of choosing the right destination, how do you do that? What destinations work best for multigenerational trips?

Justin: I recommend to anyone who hasn’t done it yet to try a cruise. With a cruise, no one is ever far from a buffet or a nap, no matter who needs it. That gives everyone built in flexibility right there. Also, transportation is already taken care of. Most cruises have a variety of activities built in that appeal to all ages.

Barbara: Pick a place that has something for everybody. You don’t want teenagers pouting in the corner while grandma is yucking it up with her sisters. Likewise, don’t drag grandma through Disney if that’s not what she wants.

What type of accommodations does your family typically look for when planning multigenerational trips?

Barbara: We’ve done it all. Rented houses, done timeshares, cruises, you name it. So, for us the answer is to switch it up and keep things unique.

Recently, we rented a HomeAway vacation rental in Cape Cod and we were able to accommodate friends at the beginning of week and then family at the end of the week. Having a house made it so comfortable and we were able to create lasting memories. Right now I can picture myself sitting on the front porch with my three-year-old grandson talking about cars. I’ll always remember that seemingly small moment as something much bigger.

Justin: We find vacation rentals to be a better value for the money, and it makes it easy to have everyone in one place. I like to make sure I’m in walking- or short driving distance from grocery, shops and other main venues.

What about the kids? Do they enjoy traveling with extended family?
My Own Take: My kids wouldn’t know their three cousins (who live in London) very well at all if it weren’t for our multigenerational trips. Sure, they see them every other year for the holidays, but that’s only for a few short days. Last spring, my family, Hubs’ parents, and his brother’s family all descended upon Walt Disney World. Because of the new adventures they shared in a new place, my girls and their older boy cousins are now connected for life. They email, Skype, send birthday cards to each other and talk about each other in a way that you’d think they were just down the street, rather than across an ocean.

Justin: Many times, a vacation can mean no meals to cook or errands to run, so kids get concentrated time with the family members they’re traveling with. For us, the travel my kids have done with their grandparents has intensified those relationships.

What are the best things about traveling with extended family?
Barbara: Entertainment and brainpower! You get to use other people’s strengths for the good of the group and you have built-in entertainment because with many people of many ages, there is always somebody doing something. You can join in if you want to.

Justin: The opportunity to divide costs, of course and, especially if your parents are longing for that quality bonding time with the kids, some help with childcare and babysitting.

How do you handle the babysitting offers on multigenerational trips? I’ve personally had a hard time finding the balance between letting grandparents have quality time and not leaving anyone feeling exhausted or taken advantage of.
Barbara: Everyone has to talk about these things in advance and be honest with their responses. It’s up to the parents to make sure they know what their parents or relatives are looking to get out of the vacation and how much time they are willing or wanting to babysit. Also, the ‘babysitter’ has to be honest about how long at one time they are capable of handling the kids. Maybe they want the kids for a few hours each day, but they can’t handle hours and hours on end without a break. If it’s hammered out in advance, it takes the pressure off of everyone and no one will have unmet expectations about sharing the caretaking responsibilities.

My Own Take: The mistake we make is not talking about it upfront. Barbara’s spin on it is an “ah ha moment”. We have traveled with everyone under the sun in our family and sometimes Hubs and I are the selfish ones. We feel like if the family hasn’t seen the Littles that they should ‘want’ to spend all of their time with them. It’s eye-opening to understand it from all perspectives.

Barbara and Justin both agree, relationships will change over time and every new trip will have its own unique feel. As long as everyone is willing to keep open lines of communication then multigenerational trips can become the new norm for your family vacations.

Diana Heather is the Chief Mom, both at home to her two girls and at Totsy.com. You can follow Diana on Twitter @ParentingsATrip or read more at her blog: ParentingsATrip.com.

4 Easy Steps to End the Great Debate - Where to Vacation?

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 22:40:08 GMT

Since vacations are expensive and families often only get to take one or two a year, deciding where to go and what to do on your next family trip might feel like as big of a challenge as a presidential debate. Trust me though - it doesn’t have to be. Unlike our next “big election,” with the right voting strategy, everyone can win at the end of this great debate!

To plan the ideal vacation, include everyone in the decision-making process with age-appropriate tasks, use a democratic voting system, and ensure the whole family gets heard in the planning. Put this simple formula to work and enjoy the process as it unfolds:

1. First, have every family member submit destination ideas for the vacation ballot. My girls are too young to participate just yet, but if you have school-aged kids, encourage them to ask friends, do online research (if they are old enough) or just list out some dream destinations! This way, everyone in the family has a chance to participate.

2. From there, mom and dad pick the top three options based on distance, time and budget to make sure the destinations are feasible for their family (i.e. bungee jumping off a bridge in Queenstown, New Zealand probably won’t work for many families). This is also a chance for mom and dad to propose, or "pitch" if you will, options the kids may not be aware of and use their veto power for the good of all.

3. Create mini-itineraries for each of your three choices. You don’t have to spend hours on research, but you’ll want to hit the main points of a destination.

Example: New York

Day 1: Statue of Liberty, shopping in the West Village
Day 2: Museum of Natural History and boat tour on the Hudson
Day 3: Empire State Building and sight-seeing in Times Square
Day 4: Explore Central Park, stop in at FAO Schwarz
Day 5: Brooklyn – Zoo, Parks, Children’s Museum

4. Finally, based on these mini-itineraries, do a hands up/hands down classroom-style vote so everyone in the family gets an equal say.

Viola! Choosing your next vacation destination was not the act of Congress you thought it would be.

Boy do I wish my parents had used this voting tactic growing up. When I was in junior high, they decided we were taking an educational Spring Break trip to Washington, D.C. My history-buff father packed the schedule with visits to almost every Civil War Battlefield in the area. Looking back on it, I’m very thankful that we went on that trip because I was able to understand the values our country was founded upon, but if a few more shopping excursions had been added to the itinerary, I might have been a happier tween. That’s why doing a little research in the mini-itinerary stage and involving your kids in the process is so important!

Research Tips

Thanks to the Internet, you can quickly and easily find out anything you can possibly want to know about a destination, with the click of a button.

My family uses the following phrases in the search field of our favorite search engine to make sure we’ve covered our bases.

“Kids activities in [destination]”
“Things to do with kids in [destination]” or “things to do with ‘young’ or ‘little’ kids in [destination]”
“Family fun during the summer/winter/fall/spring in [destination]”
“Date night in [destination]” 5. “Indoor family activities in [destination]”
“Family friendly restaurants in [destination]”
“Tourist hot spots in [destination]”

When searching Google, don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path. The top page is populated by sites that are good at playing the marketing game, but there is often interesting, more authentic info to be found if you dig a little deeper to find lesser known sites and bloggers with experience in your destination. Or better yet, people who live there - we all know word of mouth is the best source of information, after all!

Don’t forget to check the date stamp on any article or post you use and call ahead to make sure nothing has changed. When we were in Montauk this summer, we arrived promptly for the free swimming lessons on the beach only to find out that they had ended the week earlier. Oops! Our bad.

At the end of the day, if you follow this vacation planning strategy your family will enjoy being allowed to help with the process, you’ll ensure everyone will be happy with the trip and you can use the fun of planning a family vacation as an opportunity to show your family democracy in action!

Diana Heather is the Chief Mom, both at home to her two girls and at Totsy.com. You can follow Diana on Twitter @ParentingsATrip or read more at her blog: ParentingsATrip.com.

Image from: http://madisondemocrats.org/?page_id=23

Tame Your Technology for Family Travel

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 23:04:14 GMT

It used to be that vacations were supposed to inspire you to unplug. Now, technology has become part of how we relax and it is integral to making travel easier. It is common to get email and text alerts for flight delays, check for traffic snarls and get walking or driving directions through a map app or GPS unit, and many large airports have a dedicated scanner at security for those traveling with truly paperless tickets that reside on their smartphone.

Everyone in my family has an “iSomething”: My Hubs is kind of an equipment-obsessed techy on his own, so you can only imagine; this travel-blogging Mommy needs to be able to do a little work even while on vacay; our oldest can run those sweet, chubby fingers across an iPhone faster than I can; and her little sister - who just turned two - is well-versed in the ways of the touch screen and even knows how to play her favorite music (“ABCD’s” on replay anyone?). But how do you keep it all from crashing your vacation?

There's an App for That

Making your technology travel well means minimizing the number of devices your family packs. Becoming familiar with new apps can turn one device into many with the click of the “install” button.

Apps we like for travel include:

Camera+ - to capture great moments, edit and share them all in the same app
XE Currency Converter - a must for international travel
Gasbuddy - to keep fuel costs down
Wunderground Weather - to know how to dress for the day
Genius Scan+ - my go-to for scanning our medical records, tickets and other important documents on the fly

I also make sure the kids' iPad (and my phone for when I'm in line somewhere with nothing else to entertain them) has their favorite games and shows, and I always add a new surprise or two in there to keep their attention.

Foolproof Plan for Happy Travels with Technology

Travel can make some people nervous and a busy mom can easily forget to charge the iPad or pack the car charger, so I want to share my foolproof plan for how you can go from tangled wires and dead batteries to a happy family with just a little thought and planning.

Always remember to charge everything up before you leave home. The night before a trip I stage our technology on the kitchen counter for charging and packing because I’m always afraid that I will forget my charger plugged in next to my bed. Sound familiar?
Make sure all of the cords are labeled and corralled (a silver Sharpie shows up great on black and white chargers) so you can match them on the run, and make sure you have enough rubber bands to keep everything manageable in your bag. Hair elastics are good multitaskers for this.
Also, make sure everything has its case so you can just toss all the devices in to one big Bag-o-tech for travel.

A "Bag-o-tech" might include:

1 laptop (try for just one unless you and your spouse will end up fighting over it)
2 cell phones (or more if your kids have their own)
2 iPads (or one for each child)
1 camera + battery + battery charger
1 Power Strip (see below)
Earphones for kids and adults
All cases, chargers and extra memory cards for the camera or video recorder

We assign one person (usually Hubs) to carry all of our technology through security in one bag when we are flying to make sure things go smoothly. This keeps anyone in the family from being flagged for forgetting to throw his cell phone in to be scanned.

Accessorize Your Technology for Success

Cindy Richards of TravelingMom.com gave me this great tip: carry a power strip. She says everyone at the airport will love you for it because there are never enough outlets for everyone. She adds, “Use it as your charging station and you'll only have to find one open plug and significantly reduce the chances you'll leave a charger behind when you check out.”

Our iPad doubles as “kidertainment,” so we make sure to pack the iGuy when we travel. The iGuy is a super cute, kid-friendly iPad holder that is a lifesaver for keeping expensive technology safe while the kids are using it.

Above all else, remember to pack headphones for your kids. It will save both you and the other passengers from having to listen to endless episodes of your kids' favorite shows. If you have multiple children, splitters are a great way for the kids to share the cartoon goodness without having to buy a second device! Headphones are also necessary for anyone in the family who wants to check out the airplane movie or plug in to the car’s audio/video system.

Keeping with the Apple family of devices has really streamlined our technology arsenal because they play together so well, making them ideal for our frequent trips. If Apple products aren't your thing, there are a plethora of great Android deices available. Also, Leap Frog makes great educational versions for kids including the My Own Leaptop™ and LeapPads for varying ages, which we also love at my house. You can even download special apps from your laptop to your kids LeapFrog devices and personalize them with your child’s name, age, photo, and more. Feeling as if they have their own devices makes my girls feel very special, indeed.

Using technology to simplify your travels with helpful apps and for entertainment during down times will help you refresh and recharge. Just make sure it doesn't take over your vacation by letting yourself work too much or not enjoying family time because you're texting, emailing and catching up on Facebook and Twitter. And, by all means, please DO turn all your technology off as much as you can. It will all still be there when your vacation is over.

Diana Heather is the Chief Mom, both at home to her two girls and at Totsy.com. You can follow Diana on Twitter @ParentingsATrip or read more at her blog: ParentingsATrip.com.

It Begins at The End…Our Summer Vacation in Montauk

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 16:57:15 GMT

When my Husband suggested Montauk, as in, the beachy tip at the very end of Long Island, for our summer vacation my first reaction was, “That’s too close to home! We can’t go there for vacation.” (We live in Manhattan.)

Then, the beauty of vacationing near home hit me like a ton of bricks: no airport security; no long flight with toddlers; no requirement to stay gone longer than we’d really like - just a perfect family vacation to a place we’ve never been before that is known for being low key!

So, off we went to the perfect vacation rental home, on the perfect family vacation in perfect little Montauk.

Day 1

Ahhh, home sweet home!

We arrived at our amazing, contemporary Montauk vacation rental (that we found on HomeAway.com) with a sun-drenched deck, huge backyard and children's jungle gym with bikes, ice chest, and other essentials, just before noon. The homeowner met us upon arrival to give us the keys, a tour of the home and tons of advice about the area. It was beautiful. It had tons of room and natural light and was in a great location near everything we had planned.

Meanwhile, my Mom (“Nonna” to my girls) landed at La Guardia and hopped a ride on The Jitney to meet us in Montauk.

Around lunchtime, we drove in to town to pick her up at the bus stop and enjoyed a lovely lunch in the quaint downtown area, sitting outside in the breeze. We finally felt like we were on vacation!

But, it wasn’t long before we realized there’s no time to dally in Montauk! My husband had planned an adventure-packed itinerary so we needed to get started.

Montauk Point Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in New York State, was our first destination. The Lighthouse, authorized by the Second Congress, under President George Washington, is still an active aid to navigation today. Our 3-year-old met the minimum height requirement (41” or more) and was allowed to climb to the top with us to check out the view. It was peaceful and amazing all at once.

After all of that hard work climbing up and down the 137 iron steps, we headed over to the gift shop and restaurant for cocktails and milkshakes.

Later that day, we headed over to Monday night "Concerts on the Green," a free family event sponsored by the chamber of commerce. A few lawn chairs, some chilled wine and a pizza from the local pizzeria, and we were all set for one of the best nights we've had all year. The band was singing tunes like “Pretty Woman” and kids, young and old, were swinging to the beat. This is how a sunset was mean to be enjoyed. It was like we were in a TV show or a movie, only better - it was real!

After the Littles had their baths, we all snuggled up on the over-sized couches in the living room of our vacation rental and watched Team USA take the gold in Womens’ Gymnastics. Inspired by the win, the Littles attempted their own acrobatics solidifying a "perfect 10" for our first day of vacation!

Day 2

Our second day in Montauk started with everyone slathering on the sunscreen before we headed out to a sun-filled day of activities – mostly on the beach. (Check out my post “A Parent’s Guide to Pool Time on Vacation” for more tips on sun protection). We always make sure all of us are well-coated before we get dressed and leave for the day.

Our first stop was Gin Beach where we took advantage of gorgeous morning and skipped stones. Then we collected sea shells, driftwood and even sea greenery growing on the sand dunes to fill up three glass globes we bought to remember our vacation.

Lunch had us heading over to Navy Beach, a famous restaurant in Montauk where the fresh seafood is really amazing. Its super kid-friendly since they can run around on the beach while you wait for your food, which makes it worth the pricey fare. After lunch, we took a quick nap at our comfy vacation rental, then we were ready for more!

Rita’s Stables was next on the agenda and the perfect place for the Littles to enjoy something right up their alley. It was so fun watching them experience their first saddle rides. It made my mom and I nostalgic for the first time my brother and I rode horseback with my grandparents in Columbus, MS. The petting zoo at Rita’s was a big hit, too. Of course, our littlest wanted to HOLD the animals (not just pet them).

Next up was a quick game of mini-golf at the local Puff & Putt to fill the gap of time between horse riding and our dinner reservation. Note to self: Toddlers don’t play mini golf. It was fun to watch anyway.

One of the best parts about Montauk is that all of the great restaurants you’re dying to visit are family friendly in the early evening hours. We ALL had a great time at Solé East in their beautifully landscaped backyard dining area. All of the money we saved by staying in a vacation rental allowed us to enjoy some restaurants that wouldn’t have otherwise fit in our budget.

I never get to hit up the Momofuko Milk Bar in NYC so I was determined to visit their Montauk outpost for dessert. We got carry-out to enjoy back at the house around the kitchen table together.

After spotting two bunnies and four deer (that were on their own family vacation, according to the girls) in the backyard, our elated Littles enjoyed a cool nighttime romp on the jungle gym before bath time put an end to our second day.

Day 3

As early risers, we easily made the 10 am ferry to Block Island, Mass., a place I knew nothing about.

Hubs insisted we bring our bikes so we could all bike around the island together. Once I realized that there was only one ferry a day to and from Block Island, and that both directions take at least an hour, I was a little nervous that this might be an ambitious plan for our multigenerational band of merry travelers.

Hubs and the oldest Little had a great time biking all over the island, shopping, eating and hitting up yet another petting zoo. Nonna, Littler, our friend and myself had a less fun day after a series of near fatal biking accidents. Ok, maybe I’m being a tad dramatic. But there was more than one accident and there was blood. And it was mine. Enough said.

We did manage to get ourselves to the Old Town area of Block Island, where Littlest promptly put herself up for sale for fear we might put her on the

back of another bicycle.

Leaving Block Island was more enjoyable as it included cocktails on the dock and a chance to watch real fishermen cleaning their catch of the day while we waited to board the ferry.

Not a moment too soon, Hubs had arranged for a little vacation romance on our final night!

My husband definitely knows how to plan a date! We indulged at the hottest dinner spot in town, Byron at Surf Lodge and had the best table there. Afterwards, we pretended we were slightly younger than we are and headed to Rushmeyers Electric Eel Bar for Comedy Night with Seth Herzog where we laughed and recovered from the day’s adventures. Perhaps Hubs read my post, "Rest, Relaxation & Romance" about spending quality couple time during a family vacation.

Day 4

After a lazy morning with the girls, Hubs surprised us all with the perfect souvenir t-shirts on our last day. In no time, we were packed and ready to hit the road. Montauk: The End!

Diana Heather writes at http://www.parentingsatrip.com. She is also the Chief Mom, both at home to her two girls and at Totsy.com. You can follow Diana on Twitter @ParentingsATrip.

Packing Light for Kids

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 15:47:16 GMT

You can totally pack two kids in one suitcase for your family vacation!

Ok, well I don’t mean packing the actual kids in the suitcase, but you get the picture! We’re talking about packing light when traveling, and in my experience, I can pack everything both of the Littles need into one suitcase! And the great thing is, you can use these same rules for any family members just by adjusting the size of the suitcase.

Instead of trying to pack your kids’ clothes into your bag – get them their own. They will LOVE having their very own suitcase and it will get them more excited about the vacation. We love the Trunki by Melissa & Doug® – it’s an adorable, colorful, hard suitcase on wheels. Not only can they personalize it with stickers and their names, but they can also RIDE on it. It’s made to operate as both a suitcase and a toy, so it’s a lot of bang for your buck. My girls LOVE their Trunki suitcase.

As for packing them up in one suitcase, you can do that easily as long as you remember this simple rule:

Don’t over pack. Resist the temptation!

I edit my kids’ travel wardrobes by asking specific questions like, “Are we REALLY going to put her in that frilly dress?” and, “Do we need 28 colors of hair bows?” The answer is almost always, “No.” Kids are stinking cute no matter what they’re wearing and no one is wondering where their special shoes are.

When packing – start with the basics. Lay out one outfit for each day you’ll be away on vacation, including every single part of the outfit for that day and keeping in mind any activities you’ll do when you get there - socks, underwear, layers, swimsuits, etc. Then, add pajamas. PJs get worn so much that they get dirty fast. If they’re worn during breakfast, they’re dirty; dinner = dirty; late night snack or milk = dirty. If you’re staying with family, friends or have a vacation rental you can always wash them if need be. Keep these things in mind as you make your choices.

You can usually get away with just one pair of shoes per child - the ones on their feet the day you travel. If they do need more, it should only be one extra pair.

Last in are necessary accessories. Depending on what time of year you’re traveling, this could be sunscreen, sun hats, water shoes, winter hats, gloves, scarves, etc. For my girls, I also have to pack a few of their favorite things to keep them happy. For example, they like their own little special toothbrushes so I need those to keep the good tooth brushing mojo working. Plus, they each need their favorite sippy cup and nighttime blanket.

After everything’s laid out, I condense their clothes into little vacuum-sealed bags. One large-sized bag for each child, and that’s it! I like the Original Space Bag® and you can get an 8-piece travel pack for about $20 from major stores like Bed Bath & Beyond. When the bag is full, you know that’s all you need to pack. I don’t even use a vacuum cleaner to seal them – I just roll them airtight. My friend swears Ziploc® bags work the same way. Just close the “zipper” about 95 percent of the way, roll the air out and finish sealing. I’ve even packed this way for winter in England and just had the girls wear their big coats on the plane. I was able to pack all their layers, including bulky sweaters and socks, this way for the holidays last year. So, I know this works wonders. Imagine how much we saved in checked baggage fees!

Separate from their suitcase, I also recommend packing at least one lightweight, “emergency” outfit per child and keeping it in your carry-on for easy access. Something like a t-shirt and leggings should do the trick. You never know when your luggage will get lost, or if your child will have a major spill!

I hope sharing my thought process helps making your packing faster and easier. Just remember the golden packing rule – resist the temptation to over pack – and keep in mind that for most trips, you can buy anything you forget when you arrive!

Diana Heather writes at ParentingsATrip.com. She is also the Chief Mom, both at home to her two girls and at Totsy.com. You can follow Diana on Twitter @ParentingsATrip

3 Fast and Fun Ways to Make Your Vacation Rental Feel Like Home

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 15:21:11 GMT

I’m excited so many people are taking advantage of vacation rentals. They are an especially great option for families because they offer much more space for the money than is available in a hotel. That means you can invite the grandparents or family friends to join!

You also have all the luxuries of home in a vacation rental, which is so important when you’re traveling with kids. When a kid wakes up in the middle of the night in a hotel, it is such a pain to try and mix a bottle of formula or get milk. In a vacation rental, you’re able to pop into the kitchen, do your thing and hang out with your babies when they need you without waking up the whole house – everyone will appreciate that!

My family just took a trip to the beach for our summer vacation and stayed in this Montauk vacation rental from HomeAway.com. While we loved our home away from home, I have three simple tips that can help make your vacation rental even more comfortable for your family. For more details, watch my video, "How We Made the Most of Our Summer Vacation Rental."

1. Familiar Scents

"Smell is a potent wizard that transports you across thousands of miles and all the years you have lived.'' - Helen Keller

It’s amazing what an impact scents can have on your emotions. For my family, just walking in the door and smelling something familiar can make us feel calm and comfortable when we’re staying someplace new. Often it can be very light, common scents such as vanilla, lemon or cinnamon that create connections to contentment.

To start your vacation off right, pack a few of your favorite scents! One of my favorite ways to do this is with the new Glade® Solid Air Fresheners because they are inexpensive and lightweight for travel or can be picked up locally if traveling by plane.

2. Food

What food you pack will depend on how you travel to your destination. When you fly, you’ll only carry the basics to get you through the flight like favorite snacks and formula. If you’re driving, you can pack an ice chest with additional necessities or even leftovers like we did when we traveled from NYC to Montauk. In any case, you’ll want to locate a grocery store convenient to your vacation rental so you can easily pick up anything else you need for the week. Also, come equipped with a shopping list of basics. You won’t want to sit and explain what you need to a well-meaning husband or friend, let alone think about making a list when you get there, so doing this ahead of time is hugely helpful.

For us, breakfast is the meal we all eat together. Kids wake up hungry – at least mine do – and coffee is an immediate must for this Mommy. So I make sure we have our favorite cereal, milk, coffee, and the kids’ favorite bowls, bibs and placemats – all of which are lightweight, small and easy to pack, and SO worth having. All in all, the kids’ breakfast-time ritual remains the same as every other day – meaning vacation days start off stress free for mom and dad!

3. Bed and Bath Time

When we get home from a long day of vacation adventures, the last thing we want is to fight the bath/bed battle; so, to ensure things go smoothly, we make sure to have everything the kids love on hand. For example, we always bring our girls’ hooded towels for after bath time - the familiarity of being hooded, wrapped and snuggled after a bath is important to them. Plus, each girl has a favorite blanket they love to sleep with, so it’s a no brainer to bring that with us, as well.

It really doesn’t take much, and a little will go a long way toward making your family comfortable when traveling.

What makes you feel at home when you’re on vacation? I’d love to talk with you about it in the comments section below.

Also, I wanted to share a few fun family photos from our summer vacation. Enjoy!

Diana Heather writes at ParentingsATrip.com. She is also the Chief Mom, both at home to her two girls and at Totsy.com. You can follow Diana on Twitter @ParentingsATrip

International Family Travel (Part 2): What to Pack & Medical Needs

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 16:12:45 GMT

As a follow up to my previous post, International Family Travel (Part 1): Passports, Jetlag and New Food, Oh My!, I’ve included a few more tips here to help make your family vacation more like something you want to make a photo book out of and less like something out of a horror story.

What to Pack:

Make a list and check it twice. I like to make a checklist as I go through a normal day with my kids - this way I don't forget anything when I’m preparing to globetrot with them. While this tactic is useful for any type of family vacation, it’s particularly helpful when traveling abroad because there is more to keep track of.

> Baby items. It can be stressful to travel with tons of baby gear (see Tips for Flying with a Newborn or Infant), so it’s always a good idea to keep your child’s gear needs in mind when deciding on a place to stay. Your choice can cut down on how much you end up bringing from home. Many hotels will offer a crib and maybe even a highchair, but if you need more than that, it’s often easy to find vacation rental homes pre-stocked with additional baby-friendly extras like bouncy chairs, swings, toys and more. You can also consider a baby gear rental company for bigger items; however, you’ll have to search locally at your destination for these services.

For every-day items, sites like JetSetBabies.com can ship baby supplies like diapers, wipes, formula and more to your destination ahead of time. They have great packages that can jump-start your own packing list and have an experience-driven international shipping policy. When traveling to Mexico, Mexico Lots for Tots provides both daily-use items and rental gear. As they say on their website, “Enfamil, Enfapro and Similac infant formulas are readily available in Mexico, so why not order before you go?”

If you're traveling with infants, in my experience, it’s easiest to pack powdered formula because it’s lighter than liquid and won’t spoil. Also, when I have access to a microwave, Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam bags are my secret weapon for sterilization on the go. (Hello clean bottles, teething rings and pacifiers!)

> Medication. I recommend bringing a few basic over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in addition to any prescription meds your family takes regularly. Especially for your kids, pack at least one medication for common ailments such as pain, cold/cough and stomachaches. I travel with basics like children's ibuprofen, allergy medicine and homeopathic teething drops.

Also, make sure to pack a travel-sized first aid kit, or at least the basic items from one. You never know when you might need something simple like a Band-Aid or antibiotic ointment – or as my kids call it "hurt cream." Find out how to put a great travel first aid kit together at KidsTravelDoc.com.

If you purchase OTC meds at your destination, remember that the dosage can be different there and it may not measure the way you're used to (metric system, for instance). Another thing to remember in this regard: know the current weight of your kids for before you travel (you may also need to know how to make weight conversions for proper dosage).

Medical Needs:

> Getting your shots. There are all sorts of things you and your kids can be exposed to when traveling to a foreign country. Let your doctor and your kids' doctor know where you’re headed as soon as you book your trip so you can plan any shots needed ahead of time. Some shots require an incubation period before they become effective making it necessary to get them weeks before you leave.

It’s a good idea to make a copy of your family’s vaccination records and keep them with you while traveling. Also, scan them and email them to yourself so you have duplicate access on the road in addition to hard copies. My favorite new app is called Genius Scan, which makes a scanner out of your iPhone. It doesn’t get any easier than that.

> Medical treatment abroad. Each country is different in the way they handle patients and if you do end up needing a doctor you'll want to know ahead of time exactly what to do and what you’ll need. It’s always a good idea to call your health insurance company before you leave to find out if you have coverage abroad. Ask questions like: Does your health insurance work at your destination? Do you need your medical records with you if someone in your family suffers a chronic illness? And, make sure to carry your medical insurance card with you, regardless.

I hope you enjoy globetrotting with your kids as much as I have.

Diana Heather writes at ParentingsATrip.com. She is also the Chief Mom, both at home to her two girls and at Totsy.com. You can follow Diana on Twitter @ParentingsATrip

International Family Travel (Part 1): Passports, Jetlag and New Food, Oh My!

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 20:24:54 GMT

In light of the Olympics, I thought it’d be a fun idea to do a series of posts about traveling abroad with your family...

International travel with a young family can be a bit nerve-wracking, particularly the first time you do it. However, as a mom who’s been to Europe and back more than once with both of my girls (reminder: my oldest is 3 years old), I can say it was absolutely worth it.

We love the idea of exposing our children to new countries and cultures early on. Plus, for us, traveling abroad means spending time with Hubs’ parents, which is a total bonus!

As with all family travel, a smooth international vacation just comes down to doing your homework and having a game plan.

Passports rules for children (16 and under) are different than the rules for adults:
Despite what you might think, all children, including babies, are required to have a passport when traveling internationally.

Also, both parents/guardians must be with the child at the passport agency to get the process started. If both can not be present, then the one who is absent must have signed the proper form (DS-3053) and have it notarized giving permission for the child to receive a passport. You can find a link to download Form DS-3053 on travel.state.gov.

Check the rules for parents with sole custody or a third parties applying with the child for their passport.

Parents/guardians also need to submit sufficient documentation of custody or a ‘permission to travel letter’ at the airport if only one parent intends to travel with their child without the second parent or if grandparents, etc. are traveling abroad with a child without his/her parents.

Creative Commons Photo courtesy of timsackton

This can get confusing, but it’s very important. No one wants to get to the airport for a major trip just to be turned away by officials for improper documentation.

Family Travel Forum has a great article entitled, “Required Documents for Travel with Minors.” This is a great place to start for more information. Regardless of your plans, when crossing borders with minors always check the Department of Homeland Security site to ensure you have the proper documents with you before you leave home.

The happily-sleeping jetsetter child:
Traveling through time zones and managing jetlag requires counterintuitive thinking because your body will be tired and telling you to sleep; however there are definitely ways to get your family through it with ease.

First, if you're traveling to Europe and other countries east of the US, it's best to do so at night so you wake up at your destination during the day.

Also, I recommend switching your clocks to the new time zone as early as possible to help you stay on schedule and force your body to accept what time it is where you are/are going versus where you're coming from.

If you have an iPhone, a helpful tool is the “Clock” application (note: it's the same app you use for the alarm or stopwatch). At the bottom of the screen, tap on “World Clock” to easily see and compare time zones. The best part is there’s no need to search for or buy a new app – this one’s part of the phone. Love that!

Maintaining your at-home schedule while traveling will also help ease jet-lag (e.g., eat breakfast at 7 a.m., lunch at noon, dinner at 7 p.m., etc.). Believe it or not, eating your regular meals on the new time schedule will help you sleep better.

Luckily, in my experience, young kids and infants are generally sensitive to light and dark and and often don't need as much coercing as adults when it comes to adjusting to new time zones. Parents with older kids might want to encourage them to go to bed slightly earlier than usual the first few nights to try and wake up on schedule. It’s tempting to go to bed late and wake up late the first few days of an international trip, but the sooner your body gets acclimated to the new schedule, the better.

When traveling home (westward), reverse the process. Travel in the morning so that you arrive home in time to go to bed at home at a regular time. Again, force your body to wake up and eat at regular times.

International travel and family meals:
My experience has taught me to take advantage of the opportunity to try new food ideas offered up by friends and family at destinations abroad, especially when it comes to the kids. People tend to think differently about baby and toddler foods due to cultural differences and experiences. This is actually a good thing. We took their advice and came away with great new options for my kids.

My girls tried foods I would never have dreamed of for them (like salmon and parsnips when they weren't even a year old) and they loved them. My British sister-in-law even convinced me it was ok to give them small portions of pureed casseroles with a little milk and cheese in them. It worked out great!

The world is a large and wonderful place. Instead of being afraid to explore it because you have kids, think of it as another opportunity to grow closer with your family through each new adventure.

What was your first international travel experience like and what was the thing you were most nervous about? How did that turn out?

Happy travels!

Diana Heather writes at ParentingsATrip.com. She is also the Chief Mom, both at home to her two girls and at Totsy.com. You can follow Diana on Twitter @ParentingsATrip.

Rest, Relaxation and Romance

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 15:03:15 GMT

Finding a babysitter and having a dreamy date night with your partner may seem like the ultimate way to squeeze in some romance while vacationing with your kids in tow; but Hubs and I have discovered you can find romance wherever your travels take you – you just have to be creative!

One of the toughest things about traveling with the Littles is finding time to be alone with your partner. However, we’ve found that staying in a vacation rental home or condo versus a hotel provides significantly more opportunities for “R,R & R” [Rest, Relaxation and Romance]. Once we put the kids to bed in their room, there’s plenty of space for Hubs and I to hang out without disturbing them – no babysitter required. However, having the extra space also means we can invite grandparents or other families along on vacation, and trade off on nights out on our own. Grandparents in our family are really sweet about picking up on our subtle hints of longing for a grown-up night away.

Another option is using a service to find pre-vetted babysitters, such as Lucky Lil’ Darlings. I chatted with Lindsay Bell, Founder and President of the company recently and they are highly committed to helping families find safe childcare.

You don't have to have a dinner date to be romantic either. Try securing childcare in the middle of the day and do something new or adventurous. One time when Hubs and I were in Barbados, we rented a tiny sail boat that we could man ourselves. Unfortunately, we caught some extra wind and got slightly nervous we would lose our way (and did I mention I was seven months pregnant at the time?), but at the end of the day we learned something new – together – and it was totally romantic and exciting.

Never underestimate the power of something simple. If childcare isn’t an option, try taking a walk with the kids in their stroller while they nap. Even short amounts of time alone can allow the two of you to connect. Also, little gestures mean a lot. Picking a flower for your wife or writing a note to your husband in the sand can be very romantic, and requires little time and effort.

Sometimes, having your little ones around can serve as a reminder of what the two of you have created together. A family and all it comes with is romantic all on its own. We sometimes can forget how incredible living that dream really is. I had the most heart-warming call with my husband while I was traveling with one daughter and he was at home with the other. The call included all four of us on the phone together and the Littles were talking to each other saying how much they love and miss one another. It was so sweet! Hubs and I were beaming to each other despite being a million miles apart.

The number one thing that adds romance to my relationship when we travel with the kids is staying relaxed. We are much more apt to hold hands, steal a kiss or share a loving glance throughout our adventure when we are both relaxed, on the same page and sharing the responsibilities as a team. It’s during those fun times that we enjoy the little moments our family shares, the funny things our kids do and we can feel the true respect and admiration we share for one another that sometimes gets lost in the daily grind.

Littles in the City: Traveling to New York with Kids

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 21:36:13 GMT

New York City is a place like no other. It was during a family vacation here when I was 11 that I knew deep in my heart I was destined to live here one day (isn’t it amazing how vacations can affect your life?) I’ve lived here now for 8 years and I love it more and more each day.

Once I had kids though, I felt like I was learning how to live in the city all over again. Trying to navigate through subway stations and in/out of taxicabs can be somewhat intimidating when you’re not used to it, so I understand why parents might be a little nervous about taking their kids on vacation to the Big Apple.

It’s true everything in New York moves at a fast pace, but it’s important to remember that you and your Little(s) CAN keep up and have a wonderful time here, as long as you do a little research ahead of time and travel with a game plan.

First things first - Getting around NYC is a snap. You can find a subway station or flag a taxicab within a couple blocks of wherever you find yourself in the city. At MTA.info you can easily find subway maps, bus stops and subway stations with elevators. Also, despite the myth, New Yorkers are generally always happy to answer questions or give directions.

Yellow cabs are great! For parents with car seat-aged kids, it is not legally required to use one if you are traveling within NYC in a taxicab; so, if you are comfortable with that, no car seat needed. Also, get the receipt. This way, you'll have the number of the exact cab you were in, so should you leave behind a favorite toy, you can try to get it back.

Now that you know how to get around, let’s talk about where to go…

There are SO many activities for kids in New York City. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) is set up to educate and entertain the entire family, housing five floors of interactive exhibits for kids aged infant-12+. A couple things to keep in mind though - strollers must be left at coat check and there’s no food allowed, but you can get a pass for re-entry if you need to leave for lunch.

Central Park is a must, but it is LARGE, so don't expect to see the entire thing in one trip. http://www.centralparknyc.org/ is a great resource for information and a detailed map, which I recommend studying before and during your experience. With young kids, it’s best to start at the Boat Basin – which is just about level with 75^th Street – and head south from there. Great kid-friendly options along that route include Victorian Gardens Amusement Park and the Central Park Zoo. If you exit on 59^th Street, you’ll land right in the heart of the city.

I also recommend taking a boat tour. You'll see more of the city in one swoop than with many other tours. The Circle Line, which leaves from Manhattan's west side at 42^nd Street and is walking distance from Times Square, has a kids cruise option. Or you can try the tall ship called The Clipper City, which leaves from the South Street Seaport and offers a fun, modern-day pirate experience.

As any parent knows, kids are always hungry. While New York has no shortage of restaurants many of which offer amazing, totally mind-blowing cuisine, not all of them are kid-friendly. Using a New York website for locals, like NYMag.com, can help you find the most kid-friendly places to eat. Some of my girls’ personal favorites include P.J. Clarke’s, The BackYard at 160, Pier i Café and Rosa Mexicano. Don’t be afraid to call restaurants directly. Even some swankier places can be family friendly if you hit them at off peak hours. Plan restaurants at strategic spots along your day’s intended itinerary to keep everyone fed on time.

Last, but certainly not least, my guide to New York with kids would not be complete without a little potty talk.

You need to know two main things about bathrooms and kids in NYC: Bathrooms are NOT easy to come by and, for parents with diaper-wearing kids, MOST bathrooms in NYC will NOT have changing tables. Know this in advance and be ready. Learn how to change a diaper like a New Yorker on the go, here!

To find bathrooms in NYC: Check Starbucks, some hotel lobbies, major department stores or use an app dedicated to finding one nearby like iKidsNY (dedicated to changing tables), SitorSquat by Charmin and Have2P.

I get lots of calls from friends wanting vacation advice when their family heads this way. Hopefully, this will help when the time comes for your family to hit the Big Apple.

Diana Heather writes at ParentingsATrip.com. She is also the Chief Mom, both at home to her two girls and at Totsy.com. You can follow Diana on Twitter @ParentingsATrip.

A Parent's Guide to Pool Time on Vacation

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 22:35:03 GMT

Family vacations are usually busy with activities, sightseeing and more. But, another big component of vacationing in the summer in my family is spending time at the pool.

One of the reasons we love vacation rentals so much is because we can have our own private pool. With two small children, privacy is a big advantage. A hotel pool or public pool, for instance, doesn’t offer us the same unique opportunities to play with our kids freely without the worry of getting in the way of other guests. Mostly though, having a private pool is the safest way for us to keep an eye on the Littles while giving us some time for R&R.

Any parent can attest lazy pool days aren’t quite as lazy once you have kids. If you’ve ever chased your toddler around a pool trying to rub her down with sunscreen, then you know what I’m talking about. However, Hubs and I both agree we have a lot more fun by the pool now that we have the Littles and there’s nothing we would trade that for.

We have also learned that a little structure can go a long way, so we fill our day with a good mix of games and break times to make sure the Littles don’t get too tired or lose interest.

One of our favorite pool time activities is encouraging playful physical challenges like, “who can jump into the water the farthest” or “kick your legs like a froggy.” We’ve found this helps them develop new swimming skills and keeps them entertained.

We also try to bring along a few pool accessories if there’s room in our suitcases. Inflatable items that pack flat are the best and luckily for us, Hubs has big lungs! If we’re road-tripping and have more room, we are huge fans of the PuddleJumper® floatation device.

Also, even though they may fight the notion of getting out of the pool, we always make it a point to take a few small breaks throughout the day. Grabbing some shade under an umbrella or even going inside for a light snack keeps the Littles energized and ready for more summer fun! Plus, even though the kidlets may be full of pool water, we always make sure to keep them hydrated with actual water or a drink with electrolytes. Pool water, sun and hours of activity can easily dehydrate all of us.

Another thing that’s very important to me is sun protection. I grew up on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and both of my young parents have already had skin cancer spots removed; so I’m a little OCD on the sunscreen front.

Whether we’re playing at a pool or hiking in the mountains, we always pack plenty of sunscreen on our summer vacations since UV exposure is greatest from May-August in the United States.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) offers an in-depth Sunscreen Guide that keeps parents up-to-date on all the latest guidelines and includes an extensive list of every sunscreen on the market with the EWG’s ranking of each one.

Here are some other good Sunscreen 101 tips:

Only use products labeled “Broad Spectrum,” meaning they protect against both harmful UVA rays and sunburn-causing UVB rays
You should apply sunscreen every 2 hours and more often if you’re exposed to extreme water or sports activity. Do not let higher SPF numbers give you a false sense as to how long the sun protection will last
Be generous in your applications. The recommended amount for an adult body is about the size of a shot-glass and a teaspoon for your face. Obviously this should be less for children, but make sure they’re adequately covered
Nothing provides better sunscreen than covering up with a long-sleeved shirt and hat. You can even add SPF to clothes or buy them with SPF already built in. To make your own, wash tightly woven cotton clothes in a UPF rinse, which can raise the SPF value up to a level of SPF 30.

When you travel with your family, how much time do you spend by the pool?

Have fun splashing into summer on your vacation this year!

Diana Heather writes at ParentingsATrip.com. She is also the Chief Mom, both at home to her two girls and at Totsy.com. You can follow Diana on Twitter @ParentingsATrip.

The CARES System: A How-to Video

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:33:23 GMT

As a follow up to my post about flying with a newborn or infant, I wanted to share this video from straight from the field, or the runway as the case may be.

One of the most helpful pieces of equipment we use while traveling with the kiddos on a plane, especially now that Little is a tad older, is the CARES1 harness. Here's a quick demonstration about how it works!

A special thank you to my assistants: Little, Littler, and famed videographer, Hubs!

1 CARES, the Child Aviation Restraint System, is the only harness type child aviation safety restraint ever certified for airplane travel by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Have you had success with this product? Or do you prefer something different? Please share your feedback in the comments below!

Diana Heather writes at ParentingsATrip.com. She is also the Chief Mom, both at home to her two girls and at Totsy.com. You can follow Diana on Twitter @ParentingsATrip.

Disney World for the Under-3 Set

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:30:29 GMT

Growing up on the Gulf Coast, I spent a few family vacations at Disney World in Orlando, FL. For my brother and me, our trips felt seamless, with one magical moment after the next. Now that I’m a mom, I realize the reason our trips to Disney seemed perfect was because of the time, effort and planning my parents put into our vacation before we got there. But the thought of creating the perfect Disney World itinerary for my growing family seemed like a daunting task, especially with the Littles being so, well, little!

In my mind, we would wait until the kids were a little older to show them Disney World so we would/could all enjoy it more. But that’s not how things went down…

Have you ever unintentionally taken a trip to Walt Disney World? Sounds a little crazy, right? Well it happened to us last month.

My Brother-in-law, his wife (whom I call Sis), and their three boys, ages six, nine and 11, had been planning their once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disney World for what seemed like forever.

But as their trip approached, we started to realize that it would be silly for them to be in the same country (they're from England) and us not see them. So the plan was to fly my family of four to Orlando to see my B-I-L, Sis and the boys, but not, and I repeat not, to do Disney!

However, once word spread that we were going to Orlando, it turned into a whole different kind of vacation. My mom and her husband could, “easily drive the five hours down from Savannah.” Naturally.

Then, my in-laws, also from England, wanted to be with all of their grandchildren for Easter. Of course!

And so it was. Welcome to my Big Ole’ Southern-British Disney Family Vacation!

Much like any Disney experience, it was an adventure. But at the end of the day, I’m glad we went and I learned a lot in the process. And now I would like to impart my learnings to you all so, unlike me, you can confidently go to the "Happiest Place on Earth!"

1. Get a map and get organized:

Regardless of how old your kids are, organization is key when going to Disney.

With two kids under three, there were a lot of rides we weren't able to go on. So while it may seem tedious, we saved a TON of time (and stress) by taking a map of the park we were in and marking an ‘x’ next to all the attractions that were age-appropriate. We had plan of attack - we knew exactly what our goals were and how to get there, and as a result we were able to time everything just right and maximize our Disney experience.

I also highly recommend taking advantage of the “FastPass” system. Remember to factor in where/when they can be obtained when planning your itinerary.

2. Get to the parks early:
As a general rule of thumb, the weather is cooler and the lines are shorter the earlier you get to the parks. Luckily, little ones tend put their best foot forward earlier in the day, so we were able to hit the parks as soon as the sun was shining. If your kiddos are late sleepers lure them out of bed with the promise that they'll get to go on extra rides the earlier they get there!

3. DO go to Disney's Animal Kingdom® Park:

While Disney is known for their fairytale characters, don't count the Animal Kingdom out when planning your trip. We visited the park with four adults and five kids in tow and everyone had an absolute blast! The biggest hit for the Littles was the Kilimanjaro Safaris® Expedition because they felt like they were Dora the Explorer and Diego, and Hubs and I both came out of it saying, “Why go to Africa, when you can just go to Orlando!” I swear we were “this close” to a giraffe! This park has so many fun things including a water ride and a 4D “It’s a Bug Life” movie, and there are educational attractions, too! Definitely a must-see!

4. Bring snacks and consider accommodations with a kitchen/kitchenette

Days at the parks are LONG and you never know when the Littles might need a quick bite.

But unlike adults, they just can’t seem to hold back a tantrum even at the first signs of hunger, so while visiting a place like Disney where the food can be over-priced, we were able to save tons of money (and prevent unexpected fits) by carrying our own snacks with us for the day.

Plus, when traveling with the Littles, it’s infinitely easier to deal with early morning milk needs and meals in general when we stay in a place with access to a kitchen. On our Disney vacation we did just that were able to get out the door and to the parks faster by eating breakfast in and making our morning coffee.

5. Relax Between Park Days

One thing that kept us balanced during our Big Ole Southern-British Disney Family Vacation in Orlando was the fact that we mixed pool or “lazy” days with park days. This way, we never had two park days back-to-back. I highly recommend this, if possible. Even pool days and play days with a toddler are exhausting, so at least take a day in between park days to slow down just a little before you rev up to hit another big day with tots in tow. Rotating days was our sanity- that along with cocktails at night after the kids went to bed and a morning jog for some natural endorphins!

Now, go forth and enjoy the magic with your Under-3 set. And don't stress, just have fun. It’s worth it!

Comment below if you have additional Disney Trip Tips. I’d love to know and I know everyone else would too!

Diana Heather writes at ParentingsATrip.com. She is also the Chief Mom, both at home to her two girls and at Totsy.com. You can follow Diana on Twitter @ParentingsATrip.