RSSNov|28|2007
Traveling With Kids: What To Pack, Part 1
Posted by Camica as Destinations, Education, Family, People, Tips, Transport
Going on trips with my kids are always a huge production, especially if it lasts more than a weekend. My husband jokes that we should buy a motor home, since we end up bringing half the house with us. Most parents would understand, oftentimes, the baggage allowance for my kids is a ratio of 2:1; 2 bags per kid compared to the adults. Since we practically spend every weekend visiting grandparents, and insist on vacationing with the kids every time, we had to learn to trim our baggage to the essentials. For the harassed mom or dad, we’d like to share some tips and tricks we’ve learned, along with our must-bring items.
If you’re traveling with an infant or a toddler, a car seat is always a must. If you’re traveling on a plane, make sure the car seat you have is FAA-approved.
A baby …
Nov|21|2007
Traveling With Kids, Part 2
Posted by Camica as Around The World, Destinations, Family, Getaways, People, Tips
Here’s the rest of the tips about enjoying your vacation while traveling with kids:
• Double-check your reservation- to err is human, and sometimes reservation agents can make mistakes with your reservation. To avoid unnecessary inconvenience, make sure you call your hotel or resort 24 hours before you leave to double-check your reservation. Also, if you’re unfamiliar with the hotel, and you know someone in the area, have them check it out for you beforehand. Issues about cleanliness and security, which you might normally let pass if you were traveling alone, can suddenly become a big deal if you have kids along. If you have any special requests, such as non-smoking rooms or an extra bed or crib, it’s always better to let the hotel know beforehand, so they can be sure to reserve it for you.
• Make a list of things you need to pack, and bring it …
Nov|20|2007
Traveling With Kids, Part 1
Posted by Camica as Around The World, Destinations, Family, Getaways, People, Tips
The coming of the holidays usually means an increase in family travel as well. Some families may be traveling to visit grandparents or relatives, some may simply want to take advantage of the season to have a holiday vacation. Whatever the reason, traveling with kids also means more baggage, more preparation time, more expenses and oftentimes more stress! It doesn’t have to be that way, of course. You can still travel with your kids and end up having fun, not feeling like a Scrooge. Here’s some tips on traveling with kids:
• Pick a family-friendly destination or experience – choose a destination that will appeal to all ages: kids, teens and adults. Although you might find it intellectually stimulating to visit museums, your kids might be (very) vocally opposed to it. Also skip places that might be potentially dangerous, such as overcrowded tourist spots, places …
Nov|14|2007
Baby (Born) On Board!
Posted by Camica as Air Travel, Around The World, Family, Health, News, People, Tips, Transport
There’s an urban legend floating around in the airline industry, that babies born on board a flight get a lifetime free ride with the airline. It certainly tickles the imagination, the idea of being able to go places anytime you want, all for free! Unfortunately, it’s a legend that has no basis in fact; airline agents I’ve spoken to deny that the airline has any such policy. In fact, airlines strongly discourage pregnant women to fly during their third trimester.
In general, airlines require a pregnant woman traveling during her ninth month to present a doctor’s “permission-to-travel” letter signed within 72 hours of travel. This is enforced based on an “honor policy”, however. It’s the passenger’s decision to inform airline agents that she’s expecting and how far along she is. So if the passenger misleads the airlines about her due date, or …
Nov|09|2007
Babywearing: Baby Slings, Part 2
Posted by Camica as Backpacking & Budget, Family, People, Tips
Among all the baby slings in the market, I found the ring sling to be the best fit for me. There were several reasons, which I would like to share with you, to help you decide if a ring sling is ideal for you too.
• First, I liked the fact that the ring sling can be used from birth through toddlerhood. Most carriers in the market are not suitable for newborns, while some are not big enough or can’t handle a toddler’s weight. A ring sling can support a newborn’s head and neck, and can be adjusted to fit your baby’s size.
• Ring slings are very good for breastfeeding moms. The sling can be easily adjusted to position the baby for easy access to the breast, and the tail can be used to cover the baby and the breast. For bottle-feeding moms, the ring sling is also …
Nov|08|2007
Babywearing: Baby Slings, Part 1
Posted by Camica as Backpacking & Budget, Family, People, Tips
Last post, I started sharing about the benefits of babywearing. I only discovered the magic of baby slings after my second child was born. Although I already had the full arsenal of baby gear from my firstborn, I decided I had to buy a baby sling as well. It’s an investment I’ve never regretted.
Although there are several different kinds of slings and baby carriers in the market, I decided to choose a ring sling. Ring slings are baby carriers that are composed of a length of cloth and two rings made of metal or tough plastic. One end of the cloth is sewn to two rings. Starting from the shoulder, you wrap the cloth around the wearer’s body like a sash, with the end threaded through the rings like a buckle to form a loop. The baby sits or lies in …
Nov|07|2007
Wearing Your Baby, Part 2
Posted by Camica as Around The World, Backpacking & Budget, Family, People, Tips, Transport
Babywearing, or the art of carrying your baby in a sling or a carrier you wear around your body, has been around for generations. In fact, it’s the most natural and convenient way of lugging your baby around. Unfortunately, most “civilized” countries haven’t been using this method, preferring to place the baby in a stroller or a baby carriage, or relegating baby to a nanny. As parents became more hands-on, and started bringing their babies anywhere, however, the practice of carrying baby close to the parent has become a growing trend. In fact, studies show that carrying baby is beneficial, not only for the parents, but most specially for the baby.
It’s best for baby
Baby slings encourage kangaroo care for newborns and premature infants. Babies who are carried more tend to cry less, sleep more, grow faster and get less sick than babies who are carried …
Nov|07|2007
Traveling with Grandkids (Part 2)
Posted by Noemi as Family, People, Tips, Travelogger, Trends
Start with short trips
Before going on a multi-day trip, it would be a good idea to first conduct a test run. A day trip to the museum or a theme park would be good. You can also go to a neighboring city for a day. The idea is for you to bond with your grandchildren and see how being together (alone, without the parents) is going to work.
Involve the children in planning
This idea is suggested not only for grandparent and grandchildren trips but for family trips in general. Considering the children’s input towards the travel plans will not only ensure that you will be giving them a good time, but will also give them a sense of achievement. It is also important to explain to the children your limitations. You …
Nov|06|2007
Wearing Your Baby, Part 1
Posted by Camica as Around The World, Family, People, Tips
Last week, I wrote about my youngest daughter’s favorite things, and among them was her baby sling. I must admit, it’s become a favorite not just for baby, but also for mom and dad as well. It’s part of our travel necessities, even for a simple trip to the mall. For readers who have infants or are expecting, I seriously suggest that you study the benefits of babywearing.
Babywearing is the term used for carrying your baby in a sling or a baby carrier. I know most parents already have a baby stroller or carriage, but a baby sling can be more convenient and useful than a baby stroller. It’s less bulky, more compact and lighter than a stroller, which is helpful when you want to maximize space and weight for packing. Unlike strollers or baby carriages which would be another item in your baggage, …
Nov|05|2007
Traveling with Grandkids
Posted by Noemi as Family, People, Tips, Travelogger, Trends
Did you know that multigenerational travel is one of the fastest growing trends in the word of travel and leisure? Nowadays, more and more seniors are continuing to lead active lives. They play sports, they live independently, and they want to travel with their grandchildren.
From the other end of the spectrum, it is not surprising that children actually express a strong desire to travel with their grandparents also. Why wouldn’t they? Grandparents are known to be fun and indulging when it comes to their grandkids! I wouldn’t have minded going on a trip with my grandfather when I was a kid…
Anyhow, are you a grandparent who is considering going on a trip with your grandchild? Here are some tips for you to make it smoother sailing.
Talk to your kids – their parents.
This is the …
