Baby Abroad

Scoop! Travel Gear Contest

2010-01-11T07:33:00.012-05:00

Planning a vacation with the kids this winter? To help you prepare for jetting off, Savvy Traveller is offering Baby Abroad readers the chance to win a World Savvy Traveller Prize Pack, valued at approximately $200, including:

* The LugT Shuttle Bus Weekender Bag from Tilley: A sleek and durable tote, which features a special strap that attaches to luggage handles, as well as separate pockets for easy access to your water bottle, cell phone or digital camera.

* A Tilley stainless steel water bottle: Essential for all those long day trips—not to mention environmentally friendly!

* A clip-on cup holder: Reduces spills and clips on to almost anything, including luggage or a plane's tray table—even in the upright position.

Leave me your favourite family travel destination tip in the comments section here for a chance to win.

Christmas Vacation

2010-01-07T10:08:00.006-05:00

Christmas might be over, but it’s never too late or too early to celebrate the holiday spirit! In fact, in Finland, the celebration never ends!

Calling itself the real home of Santa Claus, Finland celebrates Christmas year-round with markets, festivities and other traditions.

Open throughout the year, Santa Claus Village is home to Santa Claus’s office, where visitors can meet Santa and visit his main post office. (Parents can even have cards or letters sent from Santa Claus’ office, stamped with a unique Arctic Circle postmark.)

Also open throughout the year is SantaPark, an underground cave where elves work all year in preparation for Christmas. Guests can bake and decorate gingerbread in the Gingerbread Kitchen, learn elf skills in Elf School, or make Christmas decorations in the Elf Workshop. There’s even a sleigh ride to take guests to the elves’ toy factory where presents for Christmas are made.

Worth a family trip maybe? Definitely if you’re travelling with kids!

For more information, visit Finland at www.visitfinland.com

Family Travel

2009-12-12T11:06:00.004-05:00

You know where I stand when it comes to travel with baby (yes, you can!), but in case you think I’m a total anomaly, here are some other experts who agree, and who offer great tips and advice on how to make it happen for you. Bon voyage!

Just Cruising: Part 2

2009-11-27T10:04:00.009-05:00

Last week I covered some of the best cruise lines for families travelling with babies, based on a survey by cruise travel specialists at Cruise Complete. Here are the rest of the lines that made the list:

Disney Cruise Line: Already well-known for being a family-friendly line, Disney Cruises is also among the best for infant programs. Flounder’s Reef Nursery accepts children from 12 weeks to 36 months; the counsellor ratio is 1:4 for infants and 1:6 for toddlers. Amenities include: baby swings, walkers, books, toys, games, a television and DVD area. There is also a soft play area and separate nursery with cribs. Parents should expect to carry a pager (attendants do not change diapers) and pay $6.00 per hour for the first child, and $5.00 per hour for each additional child. The minimum age to sail on Disney is 12 weeks old.

Holland America: Holland America does not provide children’s programs or babysitting for children under three, but a limited number of high chairs, booster seats and cribs are available to cruisers at no charge. Parents should expect to reserve these items in advance, at the time of booking. The minimum age to sail on Holland America is 12 months.

Norwegian Caribbean Line: NCL offers youth programs and group babysitting for children ages 2-12, including a FreeStyle Play period where all age groups play together. Group babysitting outside of the complimentary Kid’s Crew program runs $6 per child per hour, and $4 per hour for additional siblings. NCL does not have programs in place for children under age two, and no private babysitting is available. The minimum age to sail on NCL is 6 months.

P&O Cruises: P&O offers a children’s program- The Reef- starting at age two. Splashers, for 2 to 4 year olds, is a day program filled with activities and designed for young children. In the evening, parents can take advantage of the cruise line’s supervised night nursery. Parents should be aware that this service is operated on a first-come, first-serve basis, and infants must be settled and sleeping before they leave. Minimum age to sail on P&O Cruises is 12 months.

Royal Caribbean: Designed for babies 6-18 months, all Royal Caribbean’s ships have incorporated a Royal Babies program into their cruises. These playgroups are 45-minute sessions (parents must accompany the child) that include activities like baby gymnastics and musical inspiration. On the newest ship, Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean also provides a nursery, with child watch options day and night. Children are divided into two age groups within the nursery: Babies (6-17 months) up to and including 1 day less than 18 months, and Tots (18-36 months). Parents should expect to carry a phone, and the charge is $8 per hour, per child. Each session must be a minimum of 1 hour and a maximum of 6 hours. The minimum age to sail is 6 months on most itineraries, but is 12 months on all Transatlantic, Transpacific and Hawaii cruises. Some South American and other cruises are also 12 months, so be sure to check age requirements for your specific cruise.

RSSC: Regent Seven Seas Cruises does not provide formal activities for young children on their sailings, but the line does provide in-suite babysitting services (expect to pay $25 per hour!). The minimum age to sail on Regent Seven Seas Cruises is 6 months.

Just Cruising: Part 1

2009-11-27T09:59:00.009-05:00

I’ve never been on a cruise, so I’m no expert on the subject. But I did recently get a very interesting press release on the best cruise lines for families with infants from someone who is—the cruise specialists at Cruise Complete.

(Apparently, most cruise lines have a minimum age for children to sail. And though it ranges from 3 months to 12 years, that depends on the cruise line and is subject to change, so be sure to double-check at the time of booking.)

This list is extensive, so I’ve turned it into a two-parter. You’ll just have to tune in next week for more!

Carnival Cruise Lines: Carnival Cruise Line's Youth Program, Camp Carnival, is designed for 2-11 year olds, but children younger than 2 can play with the toys during designated family play times (parents must be present!). There are babysitting services during limited hours for children younger than two at Camp Carnival; rates are $6 for the first child and $4 for each additional child. Minimum age for sailing is 6 months, with the exceptions of Transatlantic, Hawaii and South American cruises, which are 12 months.

Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity offers private, in-cabin babysitters. A child must be 12 months old to qualify for this service and no more than two children are allowed per babysitter. Parents should expect to make requests for services at least 24 hours in advance. Minimum sailing age on Celebrity Cruises is 6 months, with the exception of Transatlantic, Transpacific, and select South American cruises, where the child must be at least 12 months old. Beginning July 30, 2009, the following cruises are also subject to the 12 month requirement: Celebrity Infinity - January 31, 2010, February 14, 2010, January 30, 2011, and February 13, 2011. Associated cruise tours are also subject to the 12 month minimum age requirement.

Costa: There are no organized activities for children under the age of three, but during the low season/off-peak times families can access the children’s areas. Costa Cruise also provides a group baby-sitting service in their Miniclub (between 11:30pm-1:30am) so that parents may take part in cruise entertainment. Costa also provides, on request, cribs, high chairs, baby bath, bottle warmers and liquidized food. Minimum age to sail on Costa is 6 months.

Crystal: Crystal Cruises does not have a formal program for children under the age of three, but babysitting services are available. Arrangements can be made through the concierge; parents should expect to provide 24 hours notice and pay a nominal charge for babysitting services. The minimum age to sail on Crystal Cruises is 6 months.

Cunard: On Cunard’s ships, the Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Elizabeth 2, parents will find well-equipped nurseries and children’s centres, featuring toys, games and activities. These children’s areas are supervised by nannies and youth staff, but children must be one year old to participate without parents; children under one are welcome with parental supervision. Both ships offer a family pool area, and there is complimentary group child-sitting available in the evenings. Minimum sailing age on Cunard is 6 months on Alaska, Canada/New England, Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, Trans-canal and Australia/New Zealand voyages. All other voyages, including Transatlantic and Transpacific itineraries, require an age of 12 months.

Travel with Kids—Yes, You Can!!!

2009-11-18T16:29:00.000-05:00

Despite what you may think, I don't just spend my days thinking about my next family adventure. Rather, I spend them seeking out new hot spots for jet-setting couples as deputy editor of 2: The Magazine for Couples.

We just gave birth to our fall/winter 2009 issue, and in it, contributor Shelley White offers some great tips on travelling with the wee ones. Her tips include incorporating kid-friendly activities in your itinerary, booking a suite (I second that) so you and your significant other can chillax while your baby sleeps, giving each other the opportunity to trip solo for a break and considering backup, such as uncles and aunties who are also parents or (gasp) the in-laws. I especially love her suggestion to check out Colleen Dunn Bates' Storybook Travels, a book that turns kid-lit classics into travel guides (think Harry Potter’s London). Can't wait to check it out for myself!

For the complete story, visit: www.2forcouples.com

Hotel Scoop! Table for Two

2009-11-13T10:12:00.003-05:00

Okay, I love this:

At Four Seasons Hotel Chicago on any given Thursday night, parents can enjoy their own private date night and sup on gourmet foodie fare like the adults they are while the hotel provides free childcare with any dinner for two. Yes, you heard me.

While the grown-ups savour Executive Chef Kevin Hickey's creative culinary offerings (think Beef Tartare with Homemade Beer Mustard or Brioche-Crusted Wild Alaskan Halibut), the kids get to enjoy their own buffet of chicken fingers, mac 'n' cheese and fruit kabobs, all under the watchful eye of a licensed babysitter. And that's not all. The kids' dinner also includes the use of Nintendo Wii, board games, colouring books and a selection of movies. In fact, they'll have so much fun they'll be begging mom and dad for another date night, ASAP!

No more early bird special and tabletop tantrums? Worth a trip in itself!

No Parents Allowed?

2009-11-05T15:59:00.009-05:00

So check this out: You’re thinking hot, sexy getaway with your other half. But what to do with the kid(s)? (We love ours as much as you do yours, but sometimes you just need a little adult time. Plus, shots and late-night dancing at Skybar don’t really mix with toddlers.) Shipping them off to the grandparents is always an option. But what about shipping them all off together? There’s even a company that will do it for you!

Grandtravel provides an opportunity for family bonding via luxury vacations for grandparents and grandchildren that include experiences ranging from adventure ("mushing" across an Alaskan glacier pulled by Alaskan huskies and seeing the world’s largest chocolate waterfall) to refined (attending theatre productions in London and dining atop the Eiffel Tower).

The fuss-free, grandparent-friendly packages include deluxe or best available accommodations with private bath, most meals, transportation, admission to all scheduled attractions and events, en route activities for children, pre-departure guidance, the services of a professional tour manager, a Grandtravel Activity Director (always an experienced educator or youth counselor), and service charges and hotel taxes. Tour managers manage the on-tour logistics so that grandparents and grandchildren can relax and enjoy their experience.

And so that parents can enjoy theirs too :)

Virtual World Wonders Theme Park for Kids

2009-10-22T10:40:00.017-04:00

Before the boy-in-the-balloon hoax, for most of us, the thought of air balloons conjured up fantasies of faraway lands and new adventures—probably inspired by the classic film Around the World in 80 Days. And yet, for so many of us, a trip around the world is out of reach. Well now there’s a smart, new website that promises to show your kids the wonders of the world for the price of a theme park pass—and from the safety of your home.

At the Wonder Rotunda virtual, educational theme park, children create a virtual self to travel by hot air balloon over the Serengeti, zip-line through a tropical rainforest, explore the North Pole and dive the Great Barrier Reef. Some of the park’s other adventures include learning to make a difference in the world and circling the globe to learn about the work of the United Nations.

Designed for kids aged 7 to 12, Wonder Rotunda aims to get kids thinking about the world, what they're passionate about and how they might make their mark some day. Yet they don’t have to go it alone. Parents can also create their own personal character and join in on the fun.

A one year unlimited access pass to the Park is $45. Passes can be renewed annually for $35.

Halloween Fun in Sunny San Diego

2009-10-14T20:54:00.012-04:00

I get tons of press releases every day on different holiday happenings around the world, but I have to say when it comes to celebrating fall and Halloween, San Diego's lineup wins hands down. Here are my fave picks from their family offerings:

*LEGOLAND California joins in the Halloween fun every Saturday and Sunday in October with its annual Brick-or-Treat celebration. Children ages 12 and under can trick-or-treat with a souvenir goodie bag along the park’s Brick-or-Treat Trail, a kid-size cul-de-sac of spooky LEGO homes with fun and creepy creatures. A costume contest every Saturday and huge 4-ft. tall LEGO jack-o-lantern round out the fun. www.legoland.com

*The San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park presents Kid Free Days during the month of October. From October 1 – 31, children ages 3 – 11 receive complimentary admission into both parks. www.sandiegozoo.org

*Halloween makes a splash at SeaWorld San Diego during its Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld celebration. This family-friendly program features trick-or-treat stations, a Sesame Street-themed Halloween show, special Halloween-themed sea lion show and interactive Halloween characters along the pathways of the park. Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld takes place every weekend between October 3 and November 1. www.seaworld.com

Not to mention:

*This year, the popular Annual Julian Fall Apple Harvest, September 15 – November 15, celebrates its 100th birthday as thousands of visitors venture to this historic East County mining town, nestled in the Cuyamaca Mountains, to sample fresh crisp apples, homemade apple pies and ciders. Visitors can also enjoy acres of colorful fall foliage, charming bed and breakfast inns, art shows, quaint antique shops and live entertainment. www.julianca.com

*On November 22, the 63rd Annual Mother Goose Parade, the largest parade in San Diego County, brings crowds of spectators to the city streets of El Cajon. The parade kicks off the holiday season and features whimsical floats, clowns, bands, equestrians and celebrities. www.mothergooseparade.org

For more information on San Diego’s offerings, including vacation packages and coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau's website at www.sandiego.org.

Tools: Baby B’Air

2009-10-09T07:54:00.007-04:00

Maybe I’m a bad parent to begin with, jet-setting with my family but skimping on the extra seat fare for our baby and opting to have him fly in our laps instead (or in a spare seat on the plane, if we can find one). But I still feel better having my little one strapped into a Baby B’Air Flight Vest.

The safety harness fits like a life jacket over your baby’s head and tethers to your seatbelt, giving your wee one a little space to manoeuvre and you a hands-free break—especially handy for single parent travellers. Though I felt a little shy bringing it out after takeoff (some airlines might not let you use it during takeoff, taxi or landing), it was a relief to strap my active boy in and let him jump and play, knowing he wouldn’t be able to fall down or crawl away. It’s also nice to know that should any turbulence disrupt your flight, your most prized possession won’t have far to go. Best of all? You get to skip the child wrestling required to keep your baby in your lap. Everyone wins!

As for specifics, the Baby B’Air Flight Vest fits children up to 40 pounds, but different sizes (infant, toddler) are available to accommodate different ages and neck openings. (Most airlines require children over 2 to have their own seat.)

Baby B’Air: Don’t leave home without it.

For more on flying with baby, check out this post on choosing the best seat in the house.

Have a favourite travel tool? Click below to share.

Tour: British Columbia

2009-10-01T16:58:00.043-04:00

I’ve long coveted a trip to BC, but when the opportunity finally came, I was torn: Bring my baby on a business trip and compromise my experience there, or leave him at home and sentence his father and grandparents to five days of scrambling around to cover my absence. I opted to bring him along. It was tough travelling as a single parent—see my previous post for tips on how to—but the quality time together was gratifying. And then there are the beautiful BC vistas, of course, with their old-growth forests, ocean views and mountain backdrops.

After flying into Vancouver and picking up our rental car, we headed straight for the BCFerries terminal in Horseshoe Bay to catch our ride to the Langdale terminal on the Sunshine Coast. On our way, we passed Vancouver’s trendy Granville Street, Stanley Park and the Lion’s Gate Bridge, which had me wishing we had more time to spend checking out the city. The ferry is super kid-friendly, with spacious, clean baby changing facilities and play rooms—not to mention a great cafeteria and work stations. It also offers spectacular views along the way, BUT do make sure you reserve your spot AND arrive plenty early, as wait times can vary. For most of our trips, getting on was a cinch. But for our trip between Horseshoe Bay and Nanaimo, not having a reservation landed us in a two-hour + line-up.

Once in Langdale, we headed straight for Rockwater Secret Cove Resort in Halfmoon Bay. It’s become THE spot for a romantic getaway, thanks to its ultra-romantic Tenthouse Suites, with their sexy soaker tubs, secluded verandas and waterfront views. We were understandably relegated to a spacious—albeit somewhat dated—family-friendly suite in the lodge, with separate living/dining room and bar—perfect for parents to escape to while their little one sleeps. (FYI: Families can also opt for the cute cabins, and co-owner Kevin Toth’s daughter is available to help with babysitting. None of our hotels had playpens or cribs when I checked during reservation time, so I brought our own. Don’t take it for granted that your hotel will have one—check ahead!) We spent the following days exploring the neighbouring seaside towns of Sechelt and Gibsons, as well as the nearby Smuggler Cove Marine Park, where we imagined the rum runners of yore as we trekked through bogs and wetlands. Sechelt offers gorgeous views, especially from Magellan’s, an upscale yet informal family restaurant. (Try the drunken prawns.) Gibsons was super cute—keep an eye out for it in Zac Efron’s new movie with Kim Basinger as they were rumoured to be filming while we were there. I loved the picturesque harbour (check out the slick Smitty’s Oyster House, pictured, while there) and funky shops and cafes (like The Black Bean Roasting Co.). If you're in the area of Halfmoon Bay's Secret Cove Marina, don’t miss the delightful Upper Deck Café, which is more of a bistro. The delectable menu is heavy on the fish and seafood, of course, and not exactly kid-friendly, even though the staff are. So when visiting (note that it’s only open from May to September), remember that it’s BYOBF (bring your own baby food). It's worth it.

Back in Horseshoe Bay, we caught the ferry to Nanaimo and Vancouver Island. We unloaded our bags in our family-friendly suite at the popular Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort in Parksville, known for its safe, sandy, warm-water beaches. Not only was our suite spacious, with a separate living/dining room, it also had a kitchen and amazing views of Rathtrevor Beach, which recedes almost a kilometre from the shoreline at low tide. Fortunately, thanks to a friend who joined me on the trip, I didn’t have to pass on the soothing Grotto Spa and mineral pool. (Though I later learned that the resort can provide guests with babysitters.) We also had some fun family time at the Parksville Community Park playground.

On to Victoria, where we picked up our rental stroller from Wee Travel Baby Equipment Rentals. (They do deliver, for a charge.) It was great giving my back a rest from the baby carrier as we pushed the stroller along the city streets, checking out trendy LoJo’s (Lower Johnson Street) coffeehouses and shops featuring naturally made goods. We explored the First Nations artisanal offerings along the Inner Harbour, checked out the classic tea time at the grand Empress hotel and followed the aptly named Scenic Marine Drive past Beacon Hill Park. For dinner, we booked a table at Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub & Restaurant, whose menu features almost 100 percent local product. Loved their microbrews and burger, though loved the chocolate shop upfront even more. After a long day of touring, we tucked in at the precious Villa Marco Polo Inn. A gorgeous, antique-laden mansion, it’s not exactly kid-friendly, though the owners made an exception for me. Sitting down to a single-seating, multi-course, gourmet breakfast with all the other guests the next morning, I was a little stressed about my misbehaving babe. As it turns out, most were parents and grandparents enjoying a little one-on-one time who couldn’t help themselves and chipped in distracting the little one as I grabbed bites for myself.

And then it was time for goodbyes—to my good friend and the gorgeous West Coast scenery. With so much to do and so little time to do it, we’ll be back again for sure.

Have a favourite stop on this tour? Click below to share.

Jet-Setting Solo

2009-09-24T16:38:00.016-04:00

I recently embarked on my first trip ALONE with baby. Before I left, I was terrified. But it ended up being much less harrowing than I had imagined. That said, there was still a lot of prep work that I did that helped, along with some other little mother’s helpers that appeared along the way. So here are my tips—let’s call them the 4 L’s—for travelling as a single parent. Bon voyage!

1. Legalities: First things first—depending on where you’re flying, you may need some extra paperwork for travelling alone with your child, and it may need to be notarized. Check with your airline.
2. Logistics: Imagine all the steps of your trip—from checking in to the airport to getting around at your destination to tucking in at your hotel—as you consider your baby’s needs while packing. Do you need a stroller or a car seat? Can you manage that with your bags (and baby!) on your own or can you rent one at your destination? I knew I wouldn’t be able to carry all my bags and a car seat and manoeuvre a stroller all at the same time, so I opted for our baby carrier, got an infant seat with my rental car and reserved a rental stroller at my destination. (For more on baby equipment rentals, check out my post.) I also went lean and mean on packing, bringing only the essentials. In the end, Zach and I shared a medium-sized suitcase in addition to my purse and his diaper bag for a one-week trip.
3. Love: Even if you’re a single parent and not just travelling as one, there’s gotta be someone you can lure into travelling with you. A friend? Family member? Granted it’s not the same as sharing duties with a significant other—you’ll still have to handle the lion’s share of the work—but having someone around to give you a break or helping hand here or there can really make a difference in your holiday. I was lucky enough to have an amazing friend who agreed to meet me, and we turned the trip into a Thelma & Louise-plus-baby girlfriend getaway.
4. Laugh: If there’s no one who can join you on your trip, look around for local playgroups, play gyms and playgrounds—that way you and your baby get to break and hang with other like-minded folk. And don’t forget about flight attendants, service staff and other parents in your midst who would love to help out—whether it’s holding your baby while you take a pee in the airplane’s cramped quarters or entertaining him while you eat—soak it up!!!

PS: The Rough Guide to Travel with Babies and Young Children and Lonely Planet’s Travel with Children also have travel tips—including lists of great holiday resources, such as singleparenttravel.net—for single parents. For more on these guides, check out my post.

Tour: Boston, Cape Cod & Martha's Vineyard

2009-09-17T14:50:00.016-04:00

President Obama is following me. Or rather, my baby. Maybe it started when Zach was born—the same night Obama won the election. (And totally not my fault, BTW—I was induced because he was late.) But just as our flights were booked and we were organizing our family trip to the Cape Cod area, we discovered all the hotels and restaurants were booked up on Martha’s Vineyard because of the president and his entourage. (Not to mention Chelsea Clinton’s rumoured wedding.) Thanks a lot. Well, we went ahead with our trip regardless. Although it was only a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard because of said culprit. (Fortunately for us, our room in Boston was reserved long before Obama, Bush and Clinton followed us there to honour Senator Kennedy’s passing.) Presidents aside, here’s what we saw…and loved:

After picking up our hot red convertible Mini Cooper loaner (suh-weet!) just outside of Boston’s Logan airport, we hightailed it to the Cape, pausing for a lobster salad and glass of sangria at the Olde Salt House after falling under the spell of swish Cohasset. (The town where The Witches of Eastwick was shot, and which oozes East Coast prep with its beautiful mansions.) We checked into the Clarion on the main drag of Nantasket Beach in Hull to catch a little beach time. While there, we pigged out on fried seafood at popular local resto Jake’s, spied the vintage carousel on the strip and checked out the old Kennedy home.

From Hull we passed on to Plymouth and visited the famous rock there. (Yes, it is just a rock. But the town is adorable.) To make the most of our day at Martha’s Vineyard, we reserved a room at the family-friendly Shoreway Acres Resort Inn in Falmouth, just a short drive to the Island Queen ferry. (If you go, dinner at the delicious Bleu Restaurant in Mashpee Commons is worth the stress of eating out with baby. Go early so you can catch the shops while they’re open.)

There’s more to Martha’s Vineyard than I imagined. So many beaches! So many towns! I only wish we had more time to explore Edgartown, which gave off a St. Tropez-like upscale-beach town vibe though with a New England button-down twist. We also visited the Farm Institute, a camp where kids get to help grow veggies and tend to the animals. As well as Chappaquiddick (the site of the infamous Ted Kennedy incident, though it was on our itinerary and for other reasons long before his passing). Visitors come here to check out the Cape Poge lighthouse, Japanese garden as well as other tours like canoeing and kayaking on this mostly residential island.

Finally, we put the top down on the convertible and moved up the Cape Cod National Seashore, checking out the parks, beaches and dunes along the way. As most of the land is protected as conservation/preservation area, only Cahoons Hollow in Wellfleet has a beach bar/resto, though we found the spot a little windy. Herring Cove Beach, meanwhile, was just right, though it only had a concession stand. (Race Point Beach is also popular, but we were turned away because of water quality.) Besides Edgartown, my only other trip regret was missing more time in Provincetown, at the tip of the Cape. Though known for its largely gay population, it’s packed with cool boutiques and cafes, not to mention tourists and families.

We topped off our tour of the Cape with dinner in Chatham—another New England gem—at the grand dame though deceivingly humbly named Chatham Bars Inn. (We ate in the hotel’s Tavern, which was loud, casual and a little more family-friendly.) Families take note: At The Tern Inn in nearby West Harwich, cottages come with their own barbecues and patios.

Last stop: Boston. And just in time too, as the weather had started to turn. We spent a rainy Saturday exploring the Children’s Museum (which is actually an AWESOME indoor playground and education facility for all ages) and New England Aquarium—along with every other family in town. We stayed at the recently renovated Colonnade Hotel (though too bad we couldn’t enjoy the rooftop pool), and though I loved its contemporary chic, the windows—which could be opened from down low—had my child-proofing heart racing. We spent our last night—and fifth anniversary—noshing on divine salmon at the Liberty Hotel’s hep Clink resto. (Occupying the same building that once housed a jail.) Lucky for us, there was another jet-setting family catching the early bird special and making as much noise and mess as we were. Though if you want to play it safe, Legal Sea Foods is still a nice yet family-friendly resto, with salt-free fries for kids and fish-shaped cheese ravioli. Presidents not included.

For more info on the area, visit massvacation.com

Jet Baby: More Tips on Travelling With Baby

2009-09-16T12:13:00.006-04:00

I’m back from almost back-to-back trips with baby (hardly a week in between!). Gruelling as that was, I guess it’s no surprise I’ve returned from the latest with a cold. (Though with all the germs Zach was exposed to, I’m surprised it isn’t him with the sniffles!) While my thinking is a little fuzzy from the head cold (feels like a truck parked on my forehead), I figure it’s best if I share some of the family trip wisdom learned from life on the road while it’s still fresh in my memory:

-Help can come from the unlikeliest of places. Like the college-age rugby player who basically adopted Zach on our flight to BC. (Which was most welcome as I was travelling alone with him while dad stayed home to bring in the bread.) Whereas our pretty, 20/30-something seatmate on the flight back was nice enough but much more interested in watching TV.
-Don’t sweat the small stuff. The only way to completely baby-proof your environment is to give up and tie your child down. So I didn’t bother packing baby-proofing gear (we hardly use the stuff at home). Instead, I always scan my hotel room for the more obvious culprits (vases, cords, etc.), do my best to remove them or block them, and keep a constant, ever-vigilant eye on my babe. As for germs, when you’re on the road, you can’t get away from them. Sure it grates on my nerves to see my little boy crawl on his hands and knees across ancient carpet (we’re a hardwood-floor family) and dirty floors—and even poop-strewn grass. But it’s nothing a little soap and water can’t fix (I hope). Consider it a boot camp for his immune system—a little dirt is supposed to be good for kids anyway.
-Sleep is king. It can be hard to maintain a baby’s routine on the road, try as I might to schedule long car trips and walks for his usual nap time. And missing a nap can lead to meltdowns later in the day—or night. So on our second trip, whenever possible, I sacrificed a morning of touring so Zach could get a solid morning nap in his crib at the hotel. Then even if he got just a catnap in the afternoon, it wasn’t the end of the world. And we made sure we were on time for bedtime—there was no point in staying out late when we’d just have to spend the extra time wrestling a crazy-exhausted baby. Oh, and if he has a favourite blanket or teddy, don’t forget it. Ever.
-Avoid time-specific plans and reservations whenever, wherever possible. Your baby is not a programmable robot; you are subject to his whims. Stick to time ranges when you can or have a plan B in place.
-The most important thing I learned about travelling as a single parent (which I did on my last trip) was to make sure you aren't alone. Though I may have cheated bringing my best friend along (thanks, Vick!), travelling isn’t a race or competition. If you can lure a friend or family member to come along to help out a little here and there, it can make all the difference between a frenzied vaca and a nightmare in hell.

Have a fave family trip tip? Click below to share.

*Originally published on my New Freakin Mummy blog.

Tools: Family Travel Guides

2009-09-10T17:13:00.007-04:00

As I write this, I’m looking out the window of my spacious suite at the gorgeous Rockwater Secret Cove Resort on the Sunshine Coast of BC on a beautiful, sunny day…while my baby naps. This is just one of the concessions a jet-setting parent has to make while travelling with baby. To keep him healthy and happy (and sleeping through the night), it’s important to respect his rhythm and try to maintain his routine as much as possible…or when possible. I figured this one out on our last trip, but there are still times when I have to look up the answers. And though, as a working journalist, I'm a good researcher, there are two family travel guides that make finding answers easy.

The Rough Guide to Travel with Babies and Young Children is so thorough as to be almost tedious. We can do without obvious tips like “If you’re heading for cold weather, bring lots of layers…” And some checklists have you packing everything but the kitchen sink. However I love the section on travelling as a single parent (which I’m doing on this trip). And those with special needs kids (everything from allergies to disabilities) will also appreciate the section on this.

Lonely Planet’s Travel with Children also covers trip planning and family travel considerations, though not in as much depth. Instead, it spends more of its time exploring destination options and types of holidays. Whereas Rough Guide’s destinations are summed up in a paragraph on each region’s family appeal, Lonely Planet spends a little more time delving into what different countries, cities and towns have to offer families, including where to stay, what to see and when to go. Both guides cover the logistics of different destinations, such as car seat regulations and baby food and diaper availability, as well as some other destination-specific family travel tips. (For example, if you’re going to Africa, Rough Guide warns that some safaris have age restrictions to avoid disturbing the animals. And Lonely Planet advises on breastfeeding etiquette for different cultures.)

Some other great family travel tips from Rough Guide and Lonely Planet:
-Bring a Thermos flask to warm up baby food while on the move.
-Pack baby food jars in socks to avoid breakage.
-Every time you arrive in a new place, do a quick risk assessment.
-Always carry an up-to-date photo of your child and know his height, dress them in bright clothes and note what they are wearing each day.
-Give older kids a whistle to keep everyone together.
-Avoid making time-specific plans. If you’re meeting someone or making dinner reservations, best to be vague about your ETA, stay flexible and have a contact number/email if plans change.

A Brief Yet Comprehensive Guide on How to Travel with Toddler…And Not Lose Your Mind

2009-09-03T14:31:00.027-04:00

All the travel guides I’ve read on travelling with kids warned me that travelling with toddlers is the hardest of all. But never one to shrink away from a challenge, I was determined to do it, and in style. Well, we made it. (To Cape Cod, to be exact. More on our trip to come.) And yup, it was hard. Damn hard. But also memorable and rewarding and I’m so happy we did it.

Still, there is much to consider and plan for. So here’s my list of musts, which served my family well. Good luck!

What to Bring:
BabyCenter is a good starting point when it comes to tackling your planning list. Here are some general things to consider, as well as a useful packing checklist. In addition to these I would add other sun protection gear (especially for beach destinations) and plenty of your child’s favourite snacks (which we used more for comfort than hunger). Number one on our packing list was Zach’s favourite toy—Ghost Bear—which he simply can’t sleep without. Crucial! We also decided to bring our own car seat and stroller (which was super handy at the airport!), which we checked at the gate and didn’t count towards our checked baggage or carry-on allowance. (For those considering renting gear at their destination, check out this post.)

Air Travel:
Although we planned for Zach to sit on our laps rather than pay for a separate seat on the airplane for him, we still notified the airline we were travelling with baby and checked their policies. (BabyCenter has a great checklist on what else to ask your airline when flying with small children.) The flight was full, but we were lucky to have two seats together. However, if you want to try preselecting your seats, here are a few different theories on which might be best for you and your family. (Note, however, that not all seats have extra oxygen masks, which is why it’s important to notify your airline that you’re travelling with baby if you’re not purchasing a separate seat for him/her.) Although families were allowed to board first, we chose to go last, hoping Zach would tire himself out with as much crawling as we could fit in. (It worked!) Since I’m still nursing, I breastfed Zach on the ascent and descent to help him with ear pressure. But I’ve read that snacks and drinks work just as well for toddlers and babies too distracted to nurse.

Car Travel:
We got a gorgeous Mini Cooper Convertible on loan (I know, crazy lucky, right?!), which is why we brought our own car seat. (Though we checked ahead of time to make sure that our car seat would fit in the car and latch to it properly.) But if you’re renting, you can always request the appropriate car seat for your child and his/her age and weight (rear-facing, for example). Another concern was whether we’d be able to fit all our gear (stroller, car seat, luggage) in the car, so we researched that as well. And made it—but just! Our GPS was also key, though most major car rental companies offer these as well for an additional fee.

Health & Safety:
We were going to the States, so we didn’t have to worry about any major health concerns, like immunisations, vaccinations, etc. (If you have concerns, check with your doctor and/or a travel health clinic. The Travel Health section of the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website is a great resource. As is the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website, for travel reports on your destination, including info on safety and security, local laws and customs, entry requirements, health conditions and other important travel issues.) We did check our family health insurance policy and brought along Zach’s medical history, his first-aid kit and most commonly used medicines (infant Tylenol, saline drops for congestion, something for teething). If your child has allergies, you might want to check out this post on how to manage.

Accommodation:
We stayed at a variety of inns, B&Bs and hotels—most of which were pretty family-friendly. Still, my mommy eyes couldn’t help but scope out the room for possible dangers which needed to be baby proofed, such as cords, plugs, sharp edges and corners—and low windows that could easily be opened. (A good practice wherever you go!) We didn’t pack any baby proofing devices (no room!), but kept a close eye on Zach at all times and blocked off any hazards with all those lovely pillows they pile on your bed. We also requested playpens/cribs for our rooms, and didn’t have to bring our own.

Sleep:
We didn’t have to deal with time change, but with all the touring, it was still hard to maintain Zach’s routine. We tried to schedule car trips or long walks during his nap times, so he could sleep en route. But this didn’t always work. And although Zach now sleeps through the night, during our trip, he’d wake up several times—which I’d quickly fix with a dose of milk and a cuddle. For more tips on keeping your tot rested while on the road, check out this post.

Activities:
On past trips, I’m usually go-go-go. But with Zach in tow, I know how long it takes just to get out the door for a walk. So I curbed my tendency to pack too much into a day. We also added plenty of kid-friendly activities to our itinerary, including parks, museums and play centres, and tried to give him lots of time to play and crawl between stops. Nothing worse than a wide-awake and wound-up baby when you’re stuck in a confined space.

Food:
Prepare to experience the early bird special! After a few meltdowns, we realized that even 7 p.m. was too late to take Zach to a restaurant, and soon joined the other parents at 6 p.m. sittings. And we still had to take turns eating, while often the other parent kept baby from screaming, bouncing off the furniture and took him for walks. (FYI, foodies! This also works if you still want to check out some culinary hot spots—it’s doable, but make sure you make your reservation early, before the restaurant fills up with not-so-kid-friendly patrons.) We also always, always, always, had plenty of water and snacks on hand—to stave off hunger, keep him distracted and for comfort. Crucial!

Last but not least, give the gift of a little solo time to one another. I savoured my kid-free breakfasts, while the hubby got to enjoy some vinyl shopping on his own. It is a vacation after all.

Have a travel with toddler tip of your own? Click below to share.

Travel with Toddler: Practice Trip

2009-08-26T10:00:00.010-04:00

I have a few trips lined up, and as travel with toddler is much different than travel with baby, the hubby and I figured we’d practise with a mini trip to cottage country. (Okay, that wasn’t the intention—pampering and downtime for mommy was more along what I had in mind—but a practice trip is exactly what it turned out to be.) So I scheduled an overnight at the Rosseau JW Marriott Resort & Spa property in Muskoka that I keep hearing about. (The rumours were right—it is gorgeous! And very sexy resorty for cottage country! About time Ontario’s North got jet-setty—it already has the celebs. Even spotted Dancing with the Stars’ Lisa Rinna and her hubby Harry Hamlin lunching on the terrace next to us! But alas, no Goldie or Kate.)

It was a soft adventure, I admit. I didn’t have a chance to check out the hotel’s spa or gym, but I did visit its many pools and sliver of a beach. (Considering the local geography—all rocky landscape jutting out from cool, unruffled waters like drops of paint gathering here and there—this is quite admirable.) We enjoyed the breakfast buffet at Cottages, its main dining room with a terrace overlooking the pool and docks, but didn’t discover the hotel’s romantic supper-service-only Teca restaurant until too late. (Ditto for the cool activities on offer, like yoga classes and organized walks.) As for our room, it was definitely family friendly. A large, fully-equipped kitchen accommodated all of Zach’s meal-time needs. There was plenty of space in the bedroom for the playpen they provided and set up for him. And it was great having a separate family room for the hubby and me to lounge in while he napped in our bedroom. The balcony was also safe for Zach to crawl around on, with the bars in the railing narrowly spaced apart. Older kids will also love the separate pools for them to play in. (As will their parents, who don’t have to stress about the noise level troubling other guests. But from what I could see, most of the people there had kids anyway.) Probably the only qualm I have was the lack of a change station in the public restroom. But the floors were so impeccably clean that I had no problem with changing Zach on his portable change mat on the floor.

Oh, but I digress. We were talking about travelling with toddler, right? Right. So back in the day, I used to pack 20 minutes before leaving for the airport. Now? I set aside a whole day just to make sure I anticipate all of Zach’s needs. Like his clothing and diaper changes. As many toys as we can fit. Food. (Sure there are grocery stores where we’re going, but who wants to spend precious holiday time grocery shopping?) A high chair thing we have that attaches to whatever table you’re eating at (in case restaurants don’t have any or they run out). Medicine, toothbrush. Stroller. Baby carrier. OH. AND MOST IMPORTANT: HIS TEDDY BEAR AND BLANKET. For comfort and security. NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT.

Of course packing for a week-long trip that requires travel by air as well is a whole different story. Or blog post. So check back here next week for the complete 411 on travelling with a toddler.

Hotel Scoop! Trip Pics

2009-08-21T10:15:00.018-04:00

I love Santa Barbara. We went there for the second half of our honeymoon five years ago. (First half was New York.) And we had a fabulous time touring the wine country that was featured in the movie Sideways and staying at adorable B&Bs and inns. We didn’t have a chance to check out the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore while we were there, but next time it’s on my list. Especially since they have a cool new promo that I love: Their own paparazzo to snap our family pic!

The hotel has teamed up with its very own in-house photographer Hal Boucher to give guests the star treatment, so now extended-stay and return guests can have their very own family portrait taken by the same lens man who photographed John and Jacqueline Kennedy on their honeymoon. Boucher, who has been a Biltmore fixture since the ’50s, has also snapped Mr and Mrs Jack Lemmon (pictured), Lana Turner and Bing Crosby and even caught Rock Hudson's secret wedding to his agent's secretary in Cottage 5. Guests can view his classic pics along the hallways of the Resort's newly restored Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club. As for their own family portrait, it will be inscribed with their family's name, framed and delivered to their room.

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for my close-up.

Old School

2009-08-18T16:07:00.004-04:00

Calling all Indiana Jones wannabes! The Israel Museum in Jerusalem’s Youth Wing is hosting tons of cool activities for kids this summer where they get to put their explorer hat on.

We love the archaeologist-led digs that let kids try their hands at uncovering, reconstructing and restoring treasures like old ceramics, pottery and even jewellery. And I can only imagine how fun it must be to help prepare breakfast in a prehistoric cave using Stone Age tools and enjoy said prehistoric feast (August only). But if those kids are still hungry for more, there are Scripts and Scrolls workshops using ancient techniques and mask-making.

Like camp—only more interesting!

Tools: Home for the Holidays

2009-08-13T12:32:00.015-04:00

Despite my love affair with the film The Holiday—featuring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet in a home-swapping adventure—and its two featured abodes (Diaz’ chic Hollywood pad and Winslet’s quaint English cottage), I’ve always been a bit wary of the home exchange trend. It’s gross to imagine anyone else sleeping in my bed and lounging on my sofa, and I can't imagine what kind of people wouldn't mind me in theirs. But as someone who’s lived abroad, I also know the benefits (and love the bragging rights) that come along with actual immersion, something you don’t get when you’re staying at a hotel with other like-minded tourists. And for parents, home swapping has its own advantages. Like being easy on the wallet and providing a home-like environment for children.

But checking out some popular home-swapping websites this week—homeexchange.com, 4homex.com and digsville.com—I’m having second thoughts. Quick searches brought up an immaculate 2-bedroom art deco gem on Vancouver Island, a SoCal getaway and a mountain lakeside retreat in Patagonia. My home exchange appetite has definitely been whetted.

Not only can you search your coveted destination for sweet pads, but you can also do a reverse search to see who wants to visit your city for a possible swap. And if you're lucky, you may even find another family to swap with and can maybe skip the hassle of seeking out or packing cribs/strollers/toys/etc. altogether if they let you use theirs and vice versa.

Staycation, shmacation—I'd rather stay at someone else's even better place!

Tools: I ♥ Widgets

2009-08-11T12:05:00.009-04:00

Okay, so last week I was cruising down the information highway and I came across some pretty awesome travel-oriented widgets. (In case you don’t know, widgets are little applications you can add to your blog, website, Facebook profile or Twitter account to share with family and friends.) Not only that, but I figured out how to create my own! So now there’s a Baby Abroad widget (see at right) to keep you posted on the latest family travel headlines. You can also share it on your pages and with your friends—just click down on the Get Widget button at the bottom for quick and easy emailing and Twitter/Facebook/etc. uploading.

As for my other fave travel-related widgets, here they are:

With Trippermap, you can map your Flickr photos and show off the great trips you've been on. (Grrr, can't fit it here, but you have to check it out!) Can’t wait to try this one out after our next family trip.

With Quickmaps, you can map out your route so your friends and family can follow along.

Quikmapsgreat free widgetsWidgetbox

I love this one! The Search Map (self-explanatory). Only wish I had room for it on my homepage!

Search Mapgreat free widgetsWidgetbox

Then there’s this widget that fills you in on whether you need visas for where you’re going to.

Travel Visa Requirementsgreat free widgetsWidgetbox

And finally, a quick trip-booking app so you can make it happen!

Expedia Multi-Booking Panel Widgetgreat free widgetsWidgetbox

Have your own fave trip-planning tools? Click below to share.

Tools: Holiday Nanny

2009-08-06T10:24:00.007-04:00

Family holidays are great, but sometimes you just want a little downtime with your partner. How to reconcile the two? If you’re anxious about hotel or resort babysitting services, it may be worth the price to hire a Holiday Nanny.

Holiday Nanny ensures you have a qualified child caregiver at your disposal. The UK-based agency works with families all over the world, matching a nanny’s skills, qualifications, personality and talents to the family they are accompanying and the children they will be looking after. So basically they do all your caregiver-search homework for you and ensure the best fit for your needs—even down to whether it’s a sporty nanny, creative nanny or musical nanny you’re looking for. (Hmmm, you’re very own Sound of Music maybe? Without the absent mama of course.) They even have maternity nurses and nannies who are experienced in working with children with special needs.

It’s pricey—a basic week's package rings in at $815, including 45 hours of daytime care and 14 hours of nighttime babysitting. But isn’t your perfect holiday—and peace of mind—worth it?

Road Safety

2009-08-04T16:00:00.008-04:00

Buying a car seat is one of the most important investments a parent can make. Our attitude when it came to buying one for our baby was Money Is No Object When It Comes To Our Kid’s Safety, and we bet his life on the Britax brand.

Well, Britax has recently launched a new model, the Advocate CS. ($420; five-point harness and accommodates kids from 5 to 65 pounds.) It’s unique for its side impact cushion technology, which not only protects your little one better but also any other passengers who may be riding along in the back seat as well. The Advocate CS also includes a Click & Safe® Snug Harness Indicator, which lets parents know when the harness is properly snug, and an adjustable head restraint to minimize side-to-side head movement during a crash. These are all key features I've learned to value in my experience with Zach.

It also got me thinking about car seat and road travel safety. So the people at Britax connected me with Dr. Laura Jana, a paediatrician, safety advocate and mother of three, who is also a certified child passenger safety technician and member of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Section on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention. (Now that’s what I call multi-tasking!) Here’s what Dr. Jana had to say about car seat and road travel safety:

1. “First and foremost, make sure you have a car seat that fits both your car and your child properly, and then look for additional important safety features, such as side impact protection. Whenever possible, test the car seat in your car before purchasing it. Once you find a seat that fits appropriately, ensure proper installation and use by reading your car seat and vehicle manuals and having a certified technician check your child’s seat to make sure it’s correctly installed.”

2. “Remember that anything that isn’t secured in a car can become a projectile in the event of a crash. Before even putting your car into gear, take a look around the inside to see if there are any loose objects present and safely store or secure them. Also, leave all phone conversations and other distractions for when you’re not behind the wheel. If you need to hand your child food or pick up a dropped toy or sippy cup, pull over and stop the car first. When you stop the car, never leave your child unattended inside. Even in a locked car children are subjected to the dangers of rapidly rising temperatures, even on a mildly warm or sunny day, and can also accidentally bump a running car into gear with potentially disastrous results.”

3. “Finally, before you travel anywhere make sure you teach your child basic safety information, such as how to provide his full name, address, phone number(s) and what to do if you become separated.”

Have a road trip tip? Click below to share!

Q&A with Bruce Poon Tip, Gap Adventures

2009-07-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

Although I’m an avid, experienced traveller, I’m still only a newbie parent with just a few family adventures under my belt, so I love querying other parents about how they make their trips work.

As Gap Adventures is known for taking trippers off the beaten path, I was curious to learn how the company's globe-trotting CEO, Bruce Poon Tip, tackled his family trips with daughters Jada, eight, and Terra, five. Here’s what he had to say:

How many trips have you done with your girls and to where?
Too many to count.

What do you pack?
Clothes…The girls have their own tow bags and they’re allowed to pack whatever they want. No questions from Mom and Dad, but it all has to fit in the bag!

How do the kids affect where you go and what you do when you get there?
We mainly did Central-based stuff until our youngest turned 5. Last year we did our first big adventure in Costa Rica that included rafting and trekking. I think early on we had a restriction on the time it takes to fly somewhere, but there isn't any destination we wouldn't go to.

What are your tricks for travelling with kids?
DVD players are key on flights. A big thing for us is making sure our kids eat right, so we always bring our own food for the kids on flights. If by some chance they don't like the meal and don't end up eating, that would be a disaster. Our girls get cranky if they don't get their food!

What are some of your favourite family travel memories?
When we were in London at London Bridge, a cab driver came up and offered to have the girls take some pictures while sitting inside a traditional London Taxi cab. It ended up being a bit of a shoot and the driver was very patient letting our girls get behind the wheel and hang out the window for different shots. Not that it was a big deal but out of all the things we did in London they continue to bring that up as their fondest memory.

And in Costa Rica we were invited to an animal rescue farm because my girls had been speaking to some of the rangers on a beach, and we got a chance to see a lot of animals that were being nursed back to health. It was a really special experience to see their work in rescuing the local wildlife. It also gave me the opportunity to approach the topic of how we as tourists are encroaching on the natural habitats of animals and how it’s important that we take care and give back. Before we left, we made a family donation to the rescue centre.

Have a favourite family travel tip or memory of your own? Click below to share.

Road Rest

2009-07-28T10:24:00.005-04:00

Pre-kids, all I had to worry about as far as travel itinerary goes was making it in time for the hotel’s breakfast buffet. Cleary things have changed.

As a parent, I know that nothing is more important than Zach’s sleep schedule—throw him off and you can expect him to throw a tantrum. But meeting a child’s nap time deadlines can be difficult when you’re on the road. Which is why I love Sweetmama’s tips on keeping your tot rested while on the road, courtesy of child sleep expert Tracey Ruiz:

1. Bring along some familiar things from their sleep environment at home. For example, a sleep sack, noise machine, or a special ‘lovey’ that your child may be attached to. I personally found it helpful to carry the same items whenever I travelled so that my child became more and more familiar and comfortable with travelling.
2. Try to follow the same nightly routine that you have at home. If you don't act like something is different, they're more likely to stay consistent in their habits.
3. Do a trial run at a place where you know you can follow through. Doing a trial run at Grandma's is easier to deal with than at a hotel where you may be concerned about the transition affecting other guests.
4. If your destination has a time zone difference of three hours or less, keep on your regular schedule. After a few days, your child should naturally adjust. If your destination takes you over the three-hour time difference, make sure you use the sunlight to your advantage to reset their clocks. You should also eat at local times, and get as much fresh air and exercise as a family as you can.
5. Remember to enjoy your holiday, but do take your child’s nap schedule into consideration. Try to make sure you are doing activities at naptime that are conducive to sleep. For example, if there is going to be a drive during the day you should try to schedule it during naptime.
6. Most importantly, be consistent. If you want your child to be on a schedule, you need to be as well. If you choose to bring them into your bed during your travels, don't be surprised if they want to stay there after you return home.

If by chance things do become totally out of whack during your vacation time, get back on track as soon as you return home.

Scoop! Baby Abroad Greatest Hits

2009-07-23T09:00:00.002-04:00

Great news for all you Baby Abroad readers! We’ve just partnered up with the popular trend-spotting parenting website Sweetmama.ca, so now there’s even more Baby Abroad to go around!

To welcome all you Sweetmama fans to our family travel site, I’ve compiled a best-of list to catch you up. Happy reading and visit again soon!

-My first few posts are essentials when planning your first trip with baby. In my very first entry, I cover a few things to consider before you even purchase your plane ticket. Then there’s a useful checklist on what to pack for baby. And finally some things to know before you board the plane. (You can also read more about which seats to reserve here.)

-Travelling with kids who have allergies presents some extra concerns. That’s why I love this helpful post on how to fly with allergies.

-Mamas-to-be can have all their questions about travelling preggers answered here.

-And finally because road trips are such a big part of summer (it’s still summer, right?), here’s all you need to know on the subject.

Bon voyage!

A Truly Legendary Hotel

2009-07-21T12:54:00.004-04:00

Just in time for your European family vacation, Ireland’s posh Ashford Castle is launching a summer children’s program that celebrates its fabled history.

The sprawling County Mayo estate, which dates back to 1228, claims to be located precisely where stories of fairies and leprechauns are said to have originated. As such, the Myths of Ashford Castle tour begins in the Drawing Room, where little ones gather to catch local historian Mick May’s tale about the area’s enchanted creatures. The group then sets off in search of a pot of gold (eventually finding one filled with chocolate coins, of course).

At the end of the tour, kids are presented with a four-leaf clover shamrock necklace for good luck, as well as a book on Ashford Castle's myths. The storybook experience closes with a special hot chocolate treat in the Drawing Room, all the better to usher in sweet fairytale dreams.

Tools: Star Sightings

2009-07-16T15:50:00.006-04:00

Okay, so I’ve found a new time suck.

Being the celebrity stalker that I am, I am absolutely loving Google Maps’ new tool Favorite Places, which lets you scout out celebrity haunts. Not only that, but you can also search by destination, so you can see what celebs, designers, authors, athletes and more recommend if you’re visiting, say, NYC. (Designer Diane Von Furstenberg, for example, recommends a garden room table and the tuna tartare at the Waverly Inn, pictured. While DJ Roger Sanchez likes to party at Cielo Night Club and lounge at Mr West.)

It’s still on the skimpy side—where’s my Brangelina? My Gwynnie? Hell, Madonna?—and I wish you could search by celebrity names, but I’m still looking forward to new additions. The future is bright!

California Dreamin’

2009-07-08T10:26:00.008-04:00

Okay, I may be a bit partial here. California is my favourite place, and Santa Monica my favourite place in California. But still, the family appeal of Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel is hard to beat.

For not only does it offer front-row access to the ocean, Santa Monica Pier (my favourite place in Santa Monica—or Dogtown, for all you skateboarding aficionados) and great local shops and restos (not to mention that it's also just a short drive from Beverly Hills, Century City and West L.A.), but this summer it will also offer families a “Fun & Sun” activities program that includes guided tours of the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market with the hotel’s Executive Chef Gregory Foos and family baking classes in the hotel’s kitchen.

It also, along with all Loews hotels, offers a Loews Loves Kids program, which includes a complimentary gift bag with a Fisher-Price toy for children under 10; access to a Kids Kloset filled with games, books and a wide range of travel necessities; extensive children’s menus; cribs and roll-away beds; and child-proofing kits for guest rooms.

They say there’s no place like home, but this comes pretty darn close (or so we wish), don’t it?!

Princes and Princesses

2009-07-02T09:30:00.005-04:00

At Istanbul's luxe Çırağan Palace Kempinski, even young guests get the royal treatment.

The former Sultan’s palace has a cool kids program that pampers your little one with pint-sized crowns, bathrobes and slippers, tear-free bath products, their own teddy bear and a backpack stocked with colouring book and pencils. They even get a “Kids’tanbul” city guide with suggestions such as museums, toy stores, parks and other kid-friendly sites. (Parents will also love the fact that breakfasts and accommodation are free for children under 6, and that there’s a 50% discount for kids between 6 and 12 years of age.)

Just hope it doesn’t go their heads.

Space Cadets

2009-06-26T09:34:00.006-04:00

If you’ve been planning to check out Houston’s new, happening Pavilions bar-and-resto scene (where House of Blues also just landed), or craving an haute dog and sake shooters at Max’s Wine Dive, you might as well book a trip this summer so you can take advantage of the city’s festivities honouring the anniversary of the moon landing as well.

The family-friendly line-up includes fireworks, live music, exhibitions and screenings of films like Apollo 13, but of special note is The Health Museum’s Facing Mars exhibit (May 30-September 2, 2009), which lets visitors experience what it’s like to walk on Mars and fly over the Martian landscape, as well as test and launch rockets. The museum will also have an actual-size model of the Mars Exploration Rover on loan from NASA on display throughout the summer.

If you can’t make it this season, the Space Center Houston space museum is open year-round and gives visitors the chance to see a Saturn V rocket, an Apollo capsule that was actually flown (Apollo 17), touch rocks brought back from the moon by Apollo astronauts and sit in the gallery of Mission Control, as well as take behind-the-scenes tours that let them glimpse into the lives of astronauts. The Eagle has landed indeed.

Scoop! Kids Fly Free in Costa Rica

2009-06-19T16:00:00.006-04:00

Families taking advantage of off-season deals in Costa Rica this summer have one more reason to travel there now with NatureAir’s kids-fly-free summer program.

The carbon neutral airline is offering free airfare in Costa Rica for kids up to 11 years of age with the purchase of two adult round trip tickets from June 15 to August 30.

NatureAir’s carbon neutrality program ensures that every flight’s carbon emissions are compensated for with the protection and reforestation of the Osa Peninsula in Southern Costa Rica. The company also saves energy with the use of bio-diesel (cooking oils) to run its fleet of ground equipment and diesel vans, sponsors the Rainforest Alliance, World Heritage Alliance, Climate Neutral Network and The Ecotourism Society, and founded the NatureKids Foundation, which helps bring education to communities throughout Costa Rica.

Visit http://www.natureair.com/ for more info.

Scoop! Best Cities

2009-06-16T09:59:00.008-04:00

In a global survey of 50 cities by respondents from 20 countries, Paris ranked as the top city. Here are other findings from the 2009 Anholt-GfK Roper City Brands Index:

Top 10 Cities

1 Paris
2 Sydney
3 London
4 Rome
5 New York
6 Barcelona
7 San Francisco
8 Los Angeles
9 Vienna
10 Madrid

Place Brand Ranking (cleanliness, aesthetic qualities and climate)
1. Sydney
2. Rome
3. Paris

Pre-requisites Brand Ranking (affordable accommodations and quality of public amenities)
1. Sydney
2. Toronto
3. Amsterdam

Pulse Brand Ranking (interesting events, activities and lifestyles)
1. Paris
2. New York
3. Rome

What's your favourite city? Click below to share.

Health Scoop! Nut-Free Vacation

2009-06-12T10:43:00.003-04:00

Parents of allergy sufferers take note: Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH) is guaranteeing a nut-free time for all this summer during their Heli-Hiking vacations in British Columbia.

Each morning, fresh fare is laid out so guests can bag their own lunches for the day’s hike. And at the end of an exhilarating day of alpine flower exploring and mountaineering in the Canadian Rockies, adults and kids return to the lodge for a family-style meal of seasonal gourmet cuisine. And all without fear of risking nut allergy reactions.

Plus, if guests book by June 15th, they'll get a $225 lodge credit on a three-night trip, and kids get 50% off the adult rate!

Visit www.canadianmountainholidays.com/heli-hiking/trips/family for more info.

Road Rules

2009-06-10T13:39:00.005-04:00

No doubt the great weather—and sour economy—has North American trippers looking to their own backyard for getaway inspiration. After all, what’s not to love about skipping the currency conversion hassle and simply hopping in your car to get away from it all? But planning a road trip still requires some forethought. Here are some of my favourite tips on planning a road runner getaway:

-Plan your route beforehand, although GPS can come in handy for last minute detours/alterations, and don’t forget to factor in traffic/rush hour. Also note that travelling with kids will take longer as you’ll need to take more breaks (the Canadian Automobile Association or CAA recommends stopping for 15 to 20 minutes about every two hours) and probably shorter days on the road. To budget for your trip, visit www.CostToDrive.com and find out how much it’ll cost ya to drive to anywhere in the U.S. (You can also get a rough idea for Canada.)

-Get your car—oil, tires, general tune-up—checked out before you go.

-Pack an emergency kit with flashlight, tools, water, food, etc.

-Secure all packed goods in the car to avoid flying objects during sudden stops (or, heaven forbid, crashes).

-Save gas (and the environment) by avoiding speeding and idling and using your air conditioner sparingly.

-Check out this earlier post for tips on eating healthily while on the road.

-Bring lots of toys and books (and even kids’ music and audio books) for the kids, of course!

Have any road trip tips to add? Click below to share!

Croatian International Children’s Festival

2009-06-05T11:12:00.002-04:00

Jet-setters are always looking for the next great destination, and in recent years, Croatia has been touted as the new Riviera, with its enchanting old town charm, great sunbathing and relative affordability.

And for families, another reason to visit is the annual International Children’s Festival, held in Sibenik, a historic town and port on the Adriatic Coast. From June 20 to July 4, streets, squares and parks will come alive as actors, dancers, musicians, puppeteers and other artists entertain children with performances, exhibitions and book fairs. All the world’s a stage, indeed.

Fore more info, visit http://www.mdf-si.org/eng/index.asp

Scoop! Family Deals in the Alps

2009-06-03T10:51:00.003-04:00

If you’re considering a European vacation with the fam this summer, you might want to have a look at Switzerland—especially with the Free for Kids package they have going in the gorgeous Alps of the Lake Geneva Region.

As part of the package, ski lifts and accommodation are free for children up to nine years of age. But the Swiss also know how to make great wine, cheese and chocolate, and there are plenty of tours available for all three.

For more info on touring Switzerland, check out my story for Elle Canada.

For a complete list of Free for Kids package partners, visit www.alpes.ch

Vineyard Tours for Kids?

2009-05-29T13:38:00.003-04:00

If you thought your Sideways vineyard touring days were over now that you have kids, think again. The good folks at British Columbia’s Thompson Okanagan have heard your sighs for yesteryear and are inviting the little ones to swirl, sniff and sip—juice that is.

Thanks to Kelowna-based wineries like Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Mission Hill Family Estate and Gray Monk, families can forgo the babysitter in favour of a family-friendly outing, with tutored juice tastings kids can take part in. So while mom and dad master the art of slurp and spit, their little darlings can sample sparkling Okanagan Applessence--a locally produced apple-based nectar flavoured with peach, pear, cranberry, raspberry and other seasonal fruits. Cheers to that!

For more info, visit www.hellobc.com/foodandwine

Family Vacation Flicks

2009-05-27T13:25:00.004-04:00

Have been reading Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath of late. And got to thinking about all the great go-West road trip stories I’ve encountered over time. And from there I started thinking about road trips in general, and road trip movies. And with that, some hilarious family trip flicks came to mind. And made me giggle. So today, dear readers, there will be no tools or tricks. No scoops, tips or advice. Just sweet, sweet memories. Of my favourite family vacation flicks. Here goes:

National Lampoon’s Vacation: Aunt Edna. Wet sandwiches. Walley World. Need I say more?

National Lampoon’s European Vacation: Oh man, I could go on forever. Definitely a hall-of-famer in the guild of family vacation flicks. Stuck in a roundabout in London. Visiting long-lost non-relatives in Germany. Train ride with teens. Good stuff.

Home Alone: The hilarious mayhem of family vacations and a desperate mama’s road trip.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles: Though you don’t see them, a sense of family is omnipresent in this, the ultimate buddy/road trip flick.

Summer Rental: Another John Candy flick. (Dude seems to be a family trip flick staple!) I’ll never forget dad’s sunburn scene.

Indiana Jones: Not a family vaca flick per se, but definitely a family-friendly flick imbued with a love of adventure, and the excitement of travel to faraway lands—Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile are other classics that fit this bill.

Have a fave family vacation flick? Click below to share.

Tools: Where I’ve Been

2009-05-22T12:47:00.005-04:00

Stumbled across a cool new website on Twitter called Where I’ve Been. It’s like Facebook—but if all your friends were travel junkies.

Signing up allows you to connect with people who are experts on different destinations—because they live there, have been there or are there now. So if you’re planning a trip to, say, New York, you can ask your new travel buds what places they recommend. Simple as that. And, in turn, you get to be an expert as well, sharing tips on your hometown and places you’ve been.

There are also your basic hotel/bar/attraction/restaurant/other listings, and a cool interactive map that lets you scout these out visually, but not every destination is covered in the same way or in as much depth (Toronto has a map, but Buenos Aires doesn't)—though I guess that’s where friends come in handy. The site is also short on destination info, even for profiled cities and countries—so if you’re looking for a travel-guide-like briefing and detailed suggestions, you’re better off elsewhere. But for the inside scoop and recommendations from fellow hipsters, you’ve hit the jackpot.

Got a favourite trip planning tool? Click below to share!

Sexy Family-Friendly Hotels

2009-05-20T13:49:00.007-04:00

As if I needed yet another reason to spend time on the computer (Twitter, I’m glaring at you!), along comes a delicious, new find to feed my travel obsession and keep me seated at my desk armchair travelling around the world: Boutique and luxury hotel spotter Mr. & Mrs. Smith has surprised me with a listing of child-friendly hotels among their fave spots, proving you don’t have to give up chic just because you’re travelling with kids. For not only are these hotels ab fab, they also welcome families and prove it by catering to the needs and tastes of the young and the restless.

The swish Balinese bungalows (pictured here) you’ve dreamed of escaping to with your sweetheart and perhaps given up hope of now that your twosome has become a threesome? Totally doable! With nanny service to boot! Sophisticates will love the French chateau with child-sized cues for the pool table and the oh-so-cool boutique hotel in London with an onsite, toy-filled playground.

Although the list could cover more ground (US properties are limited to 7 and mostly along the West Coast, so no New York), the reviews do a great, thorough job of listing all the child-friendly attributes each hotel has to offer, from recommended rooms to activities to which ages the hotel is best suited for. An excellent starting point for planning your next family getaway!

Advice for the Pregnant Traveller

2009-05-15T09:39:00.017-04:00

Ah, those were the days, when I travelled with tummy. From our babymoon in Tahiti to a last fling in New York and my final, pre-maternity-leave business trip in Miami (which also doubled as some much-needed me-time), I never let my in utero partner stop me from getting my travel on. In fact, his coming debut provided even more incentive to take advantage of my last days of independence! But there were still many things to consider to make sure I was travelling safely for both of us. I checked with my airline on their policies for pregnant travellers (most will allow you to travel up to your 35th or 36th week—although, according to BabyCenter, most cruise lines don’t allow pregnant women to sail in their third trimester), made sure I was covered with travel insurance in case baby wanted to surprise me with an early arrival or some other pregnancy-related emergency, and also got a fit-to-fly letter with a copy of my medical records from the midwife just in case…and with that I was outy.

Fellow Yummy Mummy blogger Evelyn Hannon does a great job of listing additional considerations--especially when it comes to more exotic destinations--on her Journeywoman travel website:

*Most, but not all, vaccines are considered safe during pregnancy. Once your pregnancy is confirmed, you'll require special advice. In Canada, an organization called Motherisk will answer any questions you might have about appropriate drugs and immunization. In the United States, pregnant women traveling to less developed countries should consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for country-specific information.

*If possible, avoid travelling in malarial zones. Even while taking anti-malarial drugs, pregnant women are more liable to catch the disease, and the illness tends to be more severe.

*Dreaming of finally climbing that mountain? Especially if you're in the first trimester of your pregnancy, avoid high-altitude destinations, where oxygen to the fetus could be decreased.

*According to Dr. Jane Wilson Howarth in her book, Bugs, Bites and Bowels, the safest time to travel seems to be during the second three months of pregnancy. Providing your pregnancy has been problem-free, the risk of miscarriage will be small and there is little chance of early labour or other complications.

*Pamper yourself. When planning your holiday, avoid too hectic a pace. It's very wise to build in extra rest stops while you're on the road. Remember, your body is busy nurturing a baby, and the extra effort of travel makes it work even harder.

*It isn't always easy to eat properly when travelling. Constipation can become a problem, especially if you're taking iron supplements. Try to eat plenty of high-fiber foods, like fruits and vegetables.

*Where the quality of water supplies is less than perfect, the pregnant traveller should avoid using iodine to purify her water. Iodine could have an adverse effect on the fetal thyroid.

*In developing countries, pasteurized milk is often difficult to find. You should take powdered milk with you if you want to ensure that you get enough calcium. It can be mixed into or sprinkled over most foods.

*For coping with morning sickness, ginger is an excellent remedy. Crystallized forms can be found in the baking section of most supermarkets. Otherwise, raw root ginger can be found just about anywhere in the world, and can be grated into your food in small amounts.

Have any more pregnant traveller tips? Click below to share!

Sweet Ride

2009-05-13T08:34:00.006-04:00

Jet-setters have expensive taste, which can sometimes outstrip their budget and land them in the red (guilty). So I’m loving Fairmont’s new eco-friendly initiative, which lets me have my own BMW, stay fit and be green all at the same time--for free!

Starting this spring, all Fairmont hotels across Canada will be offering guests complimentary hotel bicycle service featuring BMW Cruise Bikes. Best part: There are bikes for the kiddos too so the whole fam can enjoy the ride!

The bike program is just one of the many cool services Fairmont offers as part of its Fairmont Fit program. Offered to members of the Fairmont President’s Club (www.fairmont.com/fpc; free to join!), the brand’s guest loyalty program, Fairmont Fit provides guests with easy access to exercise gear (which can be borrowed or purchased) as well as pre-loaded mp3 players to use during their workout. Sweet!

Tools: Sun Protection Gear

2009-05-08T11:22:00.011-04:00

Although we’re looking forward to a summer calendar booked with pool dates, camping trips (if you can call a luxe cabin getaway that) and (if we’re lucky!) an off-season value trip to a gorgeous Caribbean beach, sun protection for our bebe is top of mind. And rightly so: Although one in five Americans will develop skin cancer, it's more than 90% preventable. So here are my sunny day must-haves for wee ones:

KidCo PeaPod: This tent-like indoor/outdoor travel bed is perfect for poolside lounging, hanging at the beach or simply looking after your little darling while you mend your garden. Not only does it offer UV protection, but it also includes a wind screen to protect him from the elements and mesh panels to keep the bugs off. I’m not very good with my hands, to put it nicely. So I love that it’s easy to assemble sans dad (even the mattress on the new model is self-inflatable!), and also folds up into a neat, light, little tote bag for all our play dates.

UV Skinz: Especially great for babies under 6 months, who shouldn’t be wearing sunscreen anyway, and those with sensitive skin, UV Skinz produces UPF 50+ UV swim shirts for babies, kids and adults, blocking more than 98% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. And in honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, UV Skinz is promoting awareness of sun protection and skin cancer prevention by donating up to 3,000 Baby Skinz swim shirts. Place an order this May, and UV Skinz will include a free Baby Skinz swim shirt that you can pass on to a baby in need, be it at a local women’s shelter, YMCA or even neighbour. That’s what I call sharing the love!

Have any other sun protection must-haves? Click here to share!

Mini VIPs

2009-05-06T13:52:00.007-04:00

I never considered the Four Seasons hotel chain, or Chicago for that matter, particularly family-friendly destinations. But they’ve both proved me wrong with Four Seasons Chicago’s latest amenities, which go to great lengths to pamper your little VIP.

A Bedtime Stories Butler helps young guests wind down from a busy day in the Windy City. (Kids can choose from a selection of classic tales presented on a silver tray.) The healthy yet fun children’s menu includes Dinosaur Oatmeal, Fresh Fruit Kabobs and Build Your Own Tacos. (At the restaurant, lounge or café, kids are also treated to colouring books and crayons and there’s even a special high chair for accompanying dolls!) And families taking part in the Kids In The City package even get complimentary room service. But my favourite service has to be their Radio Flyer wagon program, which lets you tote your little rock star (and all his gear) through Chicago’s parks, lakefront, beach or zoo in a wagon built for two.

And if your little diva is still not impressed, you can request a visit from the Ice Cream Man, who’ll bring his travelling soda fountain to your room and make ice cream sundaes for the whole family. Nothing but sweet dreams after that, kiddo. (After the sugar rush crash, of course.)

Tools: All in One

2009-05-01T09:14:00.005-04:00

Resorts might be antithetical to the jet-setting experience—which, I think, seeks the authentic in travelling—but sometimes a parent’s just got to give in.

In that case, check out ResortCompete.com, an online booking tool that claims to have the “Largest Collection of All-Inclusive Resorts on the Web.” With more than 700 listings, and notices on resort specials, the site allows you to search for your favourite resorts and request quotes.

ResortCompete.com does a pretty good job of covering world-wide resorts beyond the US-Caribbean-Mexico triangle—Turkey, Tunisia and New Zealand (Huka Lodge, pictured), anyone?—which you can browse by destination or search with specific criteria in mind (Family, Kids Club, price ranges). Resort profiles include such helpful information as hotel offerings, package features and local attractions, but if all else fails, you can call to speak with a live agent.

In fact, after a quick peek, maybe resorts today aren’t that bad.

Good Eats

2009-04-29T09:20:00.005-04:00

It’s hard enough deciding where to eat out in my own hometown, never mind in a foreign city. So I’m loving my latest discovery: Urban Spoon, which offers restaurant suggestions galore, all hipster-approved and filtered through the reviews of in-the-know critics, food bloggers and other foodies. Searching for a kid-friendly hangout in Glasgow? Urban Spoon has you covered. Gluten-free in Melbourne? Check. Ethiopian in Toronto? Check. The site also has easy-to-use lists like the top 100 restos in town, openings and the “talk of the town” for the latest, greatest and most buzz-worthy suggestions. Reviews are accompanied by price ranges, popularity votes and menus (where available), as well as Google Maps, directions and other local suggestions like nearby restos, hotels and theatres. And you can get it all on your iPhone. (Dang, still need one!) The only downside is that listings are limited to Canada, the States, the UK and Australia. (For now only, we hope!) So if your destination is off their map, check out Google Maps, where you can search for world-wide restaurants and reviews, which you can also access in a mobile application with GPS capability. Bon appétit!

Camp Care

2009-04-24T18:02:00.001-04:00

’Kay so it’s not exactly jet-setty, and I’ve never been a big fan, but checking out some of the KOA Kampgrounds across North America, I’m actually intrigued. All the more so by their invite to “Come Kamp and Care With Us” on May 8 and 9 in support of kids with cancer.

For their 6th annual event, participating KOA Kampgrounds are offering campers a Saturday night (May 9) free if they pay for Friday (May 8). Each KOA Kampground will also hold its own fun, fundraising auctions, crafts, games and more to benefit KOA Care Camps for children with cancer.

“We look forward to this weekend in May, when we begin the camping season with an affordable event that brings families and friends together in safe, healthy, outdoor settings. It allows all of us to contribute to a program that means so much for these deserving kids who are facing the fight of their lives,” says KOA President and Chief Operating Officer, Shane Ott, who is also on the board of directors of Camp Mak-A-Dream, a KOA Care Camp in Missoula, Montana.

KOA Care Camps are a network of specialized camps for children under treatment or in recovery from cancer, and their siblings. The KOA Owners Association created the KOA Care Camps Trust in 1984 and raised $8,000 that year. In 2008, the KOA Care Camps Trust’s total donation was just over $250,000, from the combined efforts of nearly 14,000 camping families who stayed at KOA locations, along with matching funds from the KOA Holdings Board of Directors.

Reservations for the May 8-9 “Come Kamp and Care With Us” event and a list of participating campgrounds are available on www.KOA.com.

Sounds like a great way to welcome summer to me.

Top 10 Beach Resorts for Families

2009-04-20T15:00:00.000-04:00

Whether you’re trying to find the perfect beach to vacation at this summer, or simply gazing out your window on this rainy day, here’s a list to brighten your prospects, courtesy of Professional Travel Guide:

1. Beaches Negril Resort & Spa, Negril, Jamaica; from $481
2. The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, Wailea, HI; from $485 (renovated 2007)
3. Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach, Cocoa Beach, FL; from $79
4. Te Tiare Beach, Huahine, Society Islands, French Polynesia; from $759
5. Hotel Cavaliere, Cavaliere, France; $116 (renovated 2005)
6. La Flora Hotel, Miami Beach, FL; from $129 (renovated 2004)
7. Song of the Sea, Sanibel Island, FL; from $175 (renovated 2005)
8. Plantation Island Resort, Malololailai Island, Fiji; from $163
9. Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos; from $690 (renovated 2008)
10. Port Lucaya Resort & Yacht Club, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas; from $80

What's your favourite family beach resort? Click below to share.

Tools! Baby Gear Rentals

2009-04-17T13:03:00.011-04:00

I recently tried out a Salsa Babies class, and while Zach and I had a blast, between strapping him into his car seat, driving out to the site, moving him into the stroller and then settling him into the baby carrier for the class, only to do it all again but backwards at the end of class, it was just too much to sign up for on a regular basis. And that was just for a neighbourhood gig. So yup, travelling with baby means lugging around mucho gear. Some you might decide to do without (like forgoing the baby sling for the multifunctional baby carrier), some you might replace/exchange (passing on the stroller system for a lightweight, portable umbrella stroller) and some you might simply refuse to let go of (like your much-researched car seat). But what about play pens, high chairs and toys? For longer vacas, these can be a nightmare to pack and carry.

That’s where baby gear rental companies come in, offering to deliver it all to your destination for a nominal fee. While there are lots of these companies, they can be hard to find. That’s why I love my latest discovery: Baby Travel Pros, which lists rental companies across North America. Though there’s only one listing so far for Canada (in Calgary, no less!) and none so far for destination favourites like New York (?) or Hawaii (!), with 40 members and growing, it looks promising.

Another awesome resource is Babies Travel Lite, which doesn’t offer rentals—it specializes in full-out purchases for everything you might need delivered to your destination (check out their baby bundles for fuss-free packing)—but does have great listings for baby gear rental companies in the US and worldwide (including a more extensive list for Canada!).

Finally, on home turf, Wee Travel rents out gear in Toronto and Vancouver, perfect for the 2010 Olympics!

Scoop! Best Seat in the House

2009-04-15T11:28:00.009-04:00

There are lots of different views on which are the best seats to book on an airplane when travelling with kids. Here are some of the best suggestions I found:

-If you’re flying with a baby without an assigned seat (usually only possible if they are under 2 years old), you may want to reserve bulkhead seats so you also have the option of getting a bassinet if the plane has one (and if your baby still fits in it). (Ask for both at the time of booking.) Bulkheads usually have extra oxygen masks, but check whether your seat comes with an extra one if you don’t plan on purchasing a separate seat for your baby. Though bulkhead seats have more legroom, the armrest often doesn’t fold, so you and/or your toddler can’t stretch out. The entertainment screen might also be positioned right in front of you, which can be distracting and hard to see. Bulkheads also don’t have under-seat storage, which can be inconvenient.

-Choose aisle seats to make it easier to get up and out for bathroom breaks, walks and to access items stored in overhead bins. (Better if you take the aisle, with your child adjacent, so their little limbs don’t get clipped by passengers and food/drink carts.) If you’re flying with older children, window seats offer a welcome distraction.

-Sitting near the galley and toilets can be convenient for bottle warming and trips to the washroom, but it can also be busy and noisy, especially toward the back of the plane. (Plus back rows may not recline.)

-If you’re purchasing a separate seat for your baby, first check that your car seat, booster seat or safety harness is safe for air travel. Then check with the airline on their policies. (Bringing a car seat may affect which seats are available to you, and car seats, booster seats and safety harnesses may be banned by your airline, especially during takeoff and landing.) Also make sure that your car seat will fit the airplane’s seat dimensions and figure out ahead of time how you will strap the car seat in using the airplane safety belts. (Some airlines even keep their own stock of car seats, but it’s still rare, so don’t count on it.)

-Note that if you’re travelling with small children, they won’t be able to sit in the emergency exit rows.

-There’s also a middle seat school of thought where, with rows of three seats, you’ll reserve the window and aisle, leaving the middle empty, with the hope that no one else will take it so you’ll have room to stretch out. This means relying on the kindness of strangers if it does get reserved and you have to ask to switch places to sit beside your child. If you want to give it a shot, your best chance is booking aisles near the back of the plane, since the middle seats further up are coveted by people anxious to get off the plane sooner. Also avoid busy days and times for your best chance of getting a spare seat.

For more on airplane seating, check out SeatGuru and SeatExpert.

Which is your fave seat for travelling with kids? Click below to comment!

Scoop! Europe on a Budget

2009-04-08T17:52:00.008-04:00

Let’s face it: Even jet-setters need to watch their purse strings. And Europe’s high season appeal can be especially hard on your bottom line. That’s why I love Travel & Leisure’s recent stories on how to visit on the cheap. Among my favourite suggestions:

-Fly with low-cost airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet.

-Rent a car by the hour with Hertz. (Rent a diesel car for more bang for your buck at the pumps.)

-Try renting out a vacation villa, home or apartment instead of booking a hotel, such as with HomeAway and VRBO.

-Book a trip to where your money counts by keeping an eye on global currency exchange rates. (But prebook and prepay where you can to lock in that rate.)

-Choose a hotel/airfare/car rental+ package when you book online with Expedia or Orbitz.

For Travel & Leisure’s complete stories, visit http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/11-money-saving-european-travel-tips and http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/nine-money-saving-travel-tips.

Got tips of your own? Would love to hear them! Click below to comment/share.

Hotel Scoop! Fab Deals at the Fairmont

2009-04-06T12:28:00.017-04:00

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts just announced a bunch of great family-friendly packages for this summer. Here are some of my fave options:

I love Quebec City, so I’m a little partial to this one, but still the Prince & Princess Package at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac sounds like a sweet deal. The offer at this historic castle includes nightly accommodation, a guided tour of the legendary hotel, one in-room family movie rental, special in-room delivery of popcorn and juices and a 50% rebate off a second room or second night booked. Rates from $265 per night.

From whale watching to sea kayaking to hiking, Victoria, B.C., makes for a gorgeous summer adventure. At the Fairmont Empress, the Family Adventure Package includes nightly accommodation, a full breakfast for the entire family, a children’s activity book with local kid-friendly attractions and a hotel scavenger hunt that ends with a special take-home treasure. Rates from $369 per night.

Traditional winter destinations usually offer great deals to lure us in the summer, and Riviera Maya’s Fairmont Mayakoba is no exception. The Sweet Deal Package includes nightly accommodation, a $250 food and beverage credit per room per stay, daily breakfast buffet including gratuities and complimentary access to the hotel’s Kids Club for three hours a day per child. Rates from $319 USD per night.

This summer marks The Gathering, as Scots from all over the world gather in the homeland to celebrate their roots. Take part at the Fairmont St Andrews in Scotland with the Ancestry at The Fairmont St Andrews package, which includes a private meeting with an expert to discuss your family history, a tailored ancestral search and a copy of famed photographer Andy Hall’s book of images, A Sense of Belonging to Scotland. Rates from $256 USD per night.

(As an added bonus, families can also take advantage of Fairmont’s kids dining program, which offers complimentary meals from the buffet or children’s menu for little ones 5 years of age and under, and 50% off the regular menu for children aged 6–12.)

For more info, visit www.fairmont.com or call 1-800-441-1414.

Health Scoop! How to Eat Healthily While on the Road

2009-04-03T09:05:00.005-04:00

When planning a trip, my mouth waters at the thought of the hotel breakfast buffets to come. I’m not sure if it’s the high-fructose corn syrup or breaking my usual diet rules that gives me so much glee. Regardless, by Day 3 of my trip, I’m usually over it and regretting my recently expanded waistline.

That’s why I love foodie and fellow Yummy Mummy Club blogger Theresa Albert’s tips for healthy eating on the road. Here are some of her suggestions:

1. Find a grocery store the moment you reach your destination and purchase mixed greens, low-fat salad dressing, skim milk, orange juice, natural peanut butter, low-fat feta cheese, unsalted nuts, whole grain (low sodium) crackers and some fresh fruit (make sure you include a lemon).

2. Starting the day with a breakfast of fruit, nuts and crackers will help you avoid the crappy coffee and pastries available at every turn.

3. Bookend your day with a huge salad of feta cheese and lemon juice. This way, no matter what sins you committed throughout the day, at least you had a salad.

4. Skip the rice and potatoes and ask for extra steamed veggies. Set the rule that the kids cannot eat anything deep-fried, period. (Obviously, set the example.)

5. Keep crackers and Salba bars in your purse to help you resist bad snacks throughout the day.

6. Make everyone drink water like crazy. Dehydration stresses the body and sends the message of fatigue, which most of us respond to with carbohydrates, and not the good ones. Let the kids put lemon in theirs or go half and half with the OJ.

For more of Theresa’s tips, visit her blog.

Health Scoop! Flying with Allergies

2009-04-01T11:32:00.000-04:00

The National Post recently published a great article on concerns about and tips for flying with children who have allergies. Here are some of their suggestions:

Before You Fly
- Call the airline and ask about their allergy policy before you book your ticket.
- Look at the airline's website or call customer service to find out what foods are served or sold on board.
- When you book, make sure to tell the travel agent about your allergies, and what specific accommodations you need.
- Book direct flights if possible, so you're not dealing with multiple planes and flight crews.
- Bring your auto-injectors and/or asthma medications with you onto the plane (do not check them).
- Security may require that these medications show a prescription label in the name of the patient/ traveller.
- Transport Canada also advises carrying an official doctor's note stating that the medication is required for severe allergies or asthma. For sample notes, click here.

When You Fly
- Tell everyone you deal with -- the check-in agent, the staff at the gate, the flight attendants -- about your child's or your allergies.
- Arrive at the gate early and talk to the staff before they're too busy. Be clear, calm and polite.
- If you're concerned about contact with small amounts of an allergen, ask to pre-board and wipe down the seats, tray tables and armrests.
- You can also cover the seat with a blanket or a seat cover. Bring wipes to wash your hands.
- Bring your own food. Don't eat meals prepared by the airline's caterers, even if a flight attendant tells you there are no nuts or other allergens.
- Keep medication with you; do not store it in the overhead bin.
- Keep your child's hands out of his or her eyes and mouth.
- If you or your child is reacting to something, tell the flight crew. It is important that they know about your condition.

Click here to see the full article.

For more on travelling with allergies, visit Anaphylaxis Canada.

Top 5 Lessons On Travelling With Baby

2009-03-30T09:54:00.002-04:00

1) Travelling with a baby is easier than you think. Sure there’s a little more to worry about pre-trip (immunizations, what to pack), especially if it’s your first time, but once you’ve got that checklist figured out, you can use it again and again.

2) People love babies. (I know, big surprise, you think. But really, I was continually amazed by and grateful for all the smiles and patience and kindnesses showed us on our trip. We really were welcome everywhere, despite my fears to the contrary.)

3) Routines will be interrupted. To begin with, in Buenos Aires, you don’t dine until 11pm. So that baby routine you had just accomplished, that’s over, unless you want to plan your trip around baby’s schedule and miss out on immersing yourself in your destination’s culture. Don’t worry, though, baby will be back on sched within a week or two of being back home.

4) When in Rome, don’t necessarily do as the Romans do. Before our trip, lots of people told me to not worry about a car seat. That rules in Buenos Aires are lax and that most parents just hold the baby in the back seat. While this is true (I saw toddlers bouncing around in the passenger seat at toll booths), it doesn’t diminish the risks. I did manage to get a hold of a car seat, but on the one night we didn’t use it, we got into an accident. At a red light. Right in front of another accident. On our last night. Fortunately the hubby was holding baby snug in his arms in the back seat and no one was hurt. Next time, you can bet we’ll be less flexible and more staunch about using the car seat.

5) Travelling with baby makes everything more fun. That wait in the airport lounge? Fun! Line-ups at attractions? Fun! Strolling down boulevards and kicking back at the hotel before dinner? Even more fun! Travelling with our baby brought a whole new level of adventure to tripping, and made some things we’ve learned to take for granted novel again.

*Originally published on my New Freakin Mummy blog.

Tour

2009-03-27T13:18:00.000-04:00

As one of the largest cities in the world, with more than 11 million people, Buenos Aires offers plenty to do and see. Here are a week’s worth of musts when visiting with baby:

Monday: Chill out! You only just got here. Relax and enjoy some good food in Las Canitas. (BTW: Restaurants in B.A. are a boisterous affair, so few will take notice of a fussy baby. Welcome to stress-free dining out!) Then head over to Palermo Soho to explore its adorable boutiques for both baby and you.

Tuesday: Stroll through the Parque 3 de Febrero in Palermo, off the main Libertador thoroughfare. Picturesque lakes and and the Rosedal rose garden make for a perfect place to snack on a packed sandwichito or empanada. Follow this up with a visit to the nearby Zoo—dating back to 1874—where animals are housed in cute circus-like pavilions themed on their origin and natural habitat.

Wednesday: Lounge away in one of Recoleta’s many shaded cafes, window-shop at its myriad high-end boutiques and explore the enchanting cemetery.

Thursday: Enjoy the favourable currency rate by checking out some of the local malls: Patio Bullrich and Paseo Alcorta for precious labels, Galerias Pacifico and Alto Palermo for more mainstream fare.

Friday: Sure it’s a hokey tourist trap, but we still love La Boca for its coloured past and tango street performances.

Saturday: Shop for gifts and souvenirs at Plaza Francia, a weekend fair packed with artisanal goods.

Sunday: Visit the historic neighbourhood of San Telmo. The Sunday antiques market is a highlight, but be sure to check out the local shops for the real deal.

For more on jet-setting in B.A., check out my travel story for ELLE Canada.

Sleepovers

2009-03-25T23:00:00.000-04:00

I have a confession to make: I’m a total hotel slut. During my trips, I like to visit as many as possible. And having a baby hasn’t dissuaded me from my bad habit. So in our two-week visit to Buenos Aires (minus a few days’ detour to Punta del Este—more on that to come), we visited no less than three different hotels. Here’s the lowdown on each:

Palacio Duhau—Park Hyatt Buenos Aires
For successfully flying with baby for the first time, we treated ourselves to a couple of nights at the luxe Hyatt at the start of our visit. Palacio Duhau is set in the chi-chi neighbourhood of Recoleta, just walking distance from the high-end Patio Bullrich mall and similarly posh designer-label boutiques. Despite the hotel’s grande dame façade, our room was comfortably contemporary and spacious. We loved the exquisite garden terraces so much we spent the better part of an afternoon just lounging and munching there, and the breakfast featured the best pancakes I’ve ever had.
I didn’t know it at the time (which is why it pays to ask your hotel upfront what services they offer to families), but the Hyatt provides complimentary use of a car seat for babies to families who want to make a day trip outside of the city. Our room was outfitted with a crib and adorable baby bath amenities. We try to keep Zach from watching TV, but age-appropriate educational and entertaining DVDs are also available. All in all a 9 out of 10 (the crib was gorgeous but not up to our safety standards)—which proves you get what you pay for.

Malabia House
B&Bs hold a special place in my heart, so I was especially excited to visit this acclaimed property. So much so that I refrained from warning them that I was travelling with baby for fear of rejection.
Nestled on a quiet street near the Palermo Soho hubbub, where trendy bars, cafes and shops congregate, Malabia stands out like a beacon of serenity-now. Washed in white, with its vintage construction (a former convent) lovingly maintained, the 14-room B&B offers a quiet sophistication that belies its forward-thinking services: late breakfast and three high-speed, no-additional-cost computers.
However, even they had to admit that the house is not child-friendly. And while they make exceptions for babies, they only keep one crib on hand for guests.

Esplendor
Also located in Palermo Soho, Esplendor is an easy boutique hotel option. Rooms are spacious and budget-friendly. (Rates at the time of our visit hovered around $100 to $150 a night.) The breakfast was limp, the shower fussy and the internet (one computer for guests to share) slow, but the rooftop terrace was sexy, the staff sweet and there was comfort in the anonymity of this 27-room hotel, not having to stress over disturbing other guests with Zach’s nightly meltdowns. They also seem more child-friendly, given that they have 3 cribs available for babies. (Though ours looked more like a playpen.) They don’t supply cots, but the king-size bed was so huge, a toddler could easily fit between us without any of us losing a good night’s sleep.

SLEEPOVER TIP! Even child-friendly hotels have a limited stock of cribs and cots, so be sure to make your request upon booking your reservation. If you’re concerned about safety standards, you may be better off bringing your own carefully researched and purchased travel bed or playpen.

Next up: A tour of family-friendly Buenos Aires.

The Journey

2009-03-24T11:00:00.000-04:00

Minor freak-out as the check-in attendant at the airport tells me that not only do I not get a bassinet, but I’ve also been gypped of bulkhead seats, despite confirming twice by phone. She tells me to take it up with the boys at the gate, and when I do—storming over to them like a mama bear—it turns out she had no clue what she was talking about and in fact I have both. Phew.

Seating
The bulkhead seats are ideal for travelling with children as they provide more legroom—but that’s taken up anyway by the bassinet, which is installed after takeoff and removed before landing. We’re told to hold the baby in our arms facing us and supporting his neck* during takeoff and landing, as well as when the seatbelt sign is on (!). We follow the first two rules, but break the third throughout the flight—who wants to wake a sleeping baby every time the seatbelt light goes on? He’d go mental! As would we. Besides, personally, looks to me like the baby is safer in the bassinet than in our arms. There’s a mesh flap that snaps tight overtop, with openings at the head and feet, so he can’t really fall up or out.
*This is also the hold we use at our destination when riding in taxis or cars without a car seat.

Feeding
Besides requesting bulkhead seats and bassinet, the most popular tip I found for flying with a baby is to feed them on the ascent and descent, to help with ear pressure. I’m still breastfeeding, so I didn’t have to worry about bringing bottles, formula, etc. But if you do, BabyCenter offers great tips. As for breastfeeding during takeoff and landing, was pretty easy to do so, even in the cramped quarters. Zach is long, but fortunately our neighbour didn’t mind his little feet nudging him in the side (or if he did, he was kind enough not to voice his disapproval). And it’s easy to transition from that position to the safety hold recommended by the flight attendants in case of emergency. On takeoff, I started him too early, and he was done feeding by the end of all the taxiing. But then he was too milk-drunk to register the takeoff, so it worked anyway. I’m not sure if it was the feeds, but he didn’t make a fuss or complain of ear pressure in any of our ascents/descents.

Changing
We were mentally prepared to change the baby on the floor or on our seats (already practising mind-your-own-bee's-wax glares), but fortunately the washroom on our plane had a fold-down change table. And fortunately for me, the hubby handled all the diaper changes (bless him).

Boarding
Here’s where it rocks to fly with baby: We finally got to be the first to board the plane and snag the best overhead storage, thanks to the family pre-boarding policy. Also, due to a meltdown of Zach's that nicely coincided with the customs checkpoint on the way home, we got waved through it all. I’ve never experienced such kindness from airport security, although we did have to endure each and every one’s parenting tips along the way. A small price to pay, though, for skipping the line.

Have any tips on flying with baby? Click below to add.

Packing Checklist for Baby

2009-03-23T11:15:00.000-04:00

We decided it would be easier for us to stay organized if we just kept all of Zach’s gear in his own suitcase. (Air Canada must be feeling generous—we were each allowed to check in 2 suitcases, though we only used 3 in total. As for carry-ons, we brought just his Phil and Ted’s stroller system’s travel bed—the cocoon, which we used instead of cribs at our hotels—a diaper bag and my tote bag. Yes, we are that lean and mean.) Here’s what we packed for the little guy:

8 to 10 outfits for a two-week trip (to be washed as needed)

enough wipes and diapers to last the trip (sure you can buy them at your destination, but who wants to waste precious vacation time strolling for the right kind? Plus diapers and wipes disappear from suitcase to reveal room for goods—souvenirs, etc.—acquired during trip)
2 light blankets, 3 receiving blankets, wash cloths, bibs and lotion

sun protection (since babies under 6 months can’t wear sunscreen, we brought a hat, borrowed a UV-protection hoodie from a friend and packed our PeaPod UV-protection travel bed/tent, which is super portable and easy to assemble, for poolside lounging)

baby carrier (great for when you’re navigating the airport with luggage or walking on cobblestone roads)

toys, books, teething gear (see previous post)

medical history (HealthPod Baby keeps it all organized in one super-handy, portable package, perfect for noting important numbers—Poison Control, Telehealth—and other emergency-critical details)

travel health insurance for baby (including policy info and travel assistance phone number)

Did we miss anything? Click below to add your must-have.

Trip #1: Buenos Aires, Argentina

2009-03-20T16:27:00.000-04:00

We’re off to B.A. to visit my dad, who winters there. We’ve been a few times already*, but this is our first time travelling with a four-month-old baby. Priority concerns include:

getting the passport in time (natch)
getting bulkhead seats (reserved) and a bassinet on the plane (requested but no guarantees)
BTW: Babies under 2 usually fly “free,” but we still had to pay some fees and surcharges, which came out to about $85 for this long-haul flight. BabyCenter has a great checklist on what else to ask your airline when flying with small children.
whether or not to bring our bulky Phil and Ted’s stroller (we decide on an umbrella stroller my dad borrows from a friend, based on another friend’s tip that her Bugaboo was too big for the taxi trunks and doorways there)

whether or not to bring the car seat (car rental companies will only lend them out if you rent a car and I couldn’t find any local car seat rental companies for B.A., though there are lots for North America; a friend tips me off that rules there are lax and parents just hold babies in the back seat, but we luck out again as dad finds another friend to lend us one)

teething (we bring an arsenal of gear—Camilia, Gripe Water, infant Tylenol, infant Tempra and teethers just in case)

*For travel to new destinations, it's a good idea to check with your doctor about any concerns you might have before you fly. The Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website is a great source for travel reports on your destination, including info on safety and security, local laws and customs, entry requirements, health conditions and other important travel issues.

Next up: What do you pack for a four-month-old rock star?