Family Vacations without the Fuss {Guest Post}

Photo Credit: kennymatic via Compfight cc

Vacation time is approaching quickly.  For moms that often means added stress to an already hectic schedule.  But do not worry, you can travel with kids and reduce the hassle.  There are many things that can be done, so use these tips to help guide your next vacation.

1. Planning Makes Perfect

Where would a mom be without her lists?  I personally use lists for just about everything – and that certainly doesn’t stop with planning vacations.  There are a variety of things we often overlook when planning a vacation like stopping the mail or mowing the lawn.  Making a list well in advance will help you avoid doling out money on vacation for things you already have.  Give your list some attention and you’ll be more likely to be fully prepared.  Instead of grabbing a piece of scrap paper, buy a planner or customized notebook to keep in your purse.  That way you’re less apt to lose it and more likely to enjoy adding to it.  

2. Efficiency Travel

The most important thing that you need to do is figure out “the how”.  If flying, you should take the time to print out all of your boarding passes 24 hours in advance.  This is a great way to avoid wasting time in the check-in line.  You should also check with the hotel that you will be staying at to see if they have available shuttle service from the airport.  If you do decide to take a cab, try to order it before and contact the hotel to establish the going rate.  Most great hotels will give you all of the information you need to get this done easily.  It saves a lot of hassle and keeps children moving to avoid unnecessary waiting.

3. Your Pillow Away From Home

Deciding where to stay during your vacation is key.  While your accommodations may seem like merely a bed at first glance, they actually play a much larger role.  Having a fridge in your room allows you to bring healthy snacks like yogurt and fruit and prevents you from raiding the vending machine at 11pm.  For my kids, a microwave is excellent for heating up chicken nuggets in between meals.  A pool or playground can provide hours of safe entertainment for your little ones while allowing you to relax.  There are even 5 star hotels and resorts that offer specialized kids programs while still providing top notch dining and spa facilities.  Upon traveling to the Hawaiian Islands, my family stayed at a stunning top Honolulu hotel that provided a little something for every member of our family.  No matter your requirements, make sure you’re looking into your options before booking.  The right amenities at the right price make all the difference.

4. The Technology Solution

You may also want to think about bringing the technology with you.  The mobile games, audio books and other forms of media can keep everyone entertained during a long car ride, train ride or flight.  Of course you don’t want your children attached to their game boys or iPads while you’re touring the Grand Canyon, but allowing them during travel time will save you all a lot of headaches.  To limit the junk and keep them learning during summer break, look into fun, educational apps that you both will approve of.

5. Stick to the Clock
Stay on schedule the best that you can.  You may have many things that you want to enjoy with your family, but if your child is accustomed to having a nap at a certain time, you really should try to get the nap in.  The child is more likely to become cranky and irritable without it, resulting in a meltdown no one will enjoy.  If many of your reservations fall during traditional naptime, try adjusting their sleep schedule in the weeks leading up to the trip.  Just moving naptime 15 minutes earlier or later in the weeks before your trip will help your small one adjust.

About the Author

Kendra Thorton is a 37-year old mother of 3. Before being promoted to the full time position of mom, she was the former Orbitz Director of Communications where she was able to travel around the world. Kendra has been to 28 countries on 6 continents, and have been quoted in the news about seasonal travel trends and destinations all over the United States. Follower her on Twitter (@KendraThorton).

A Day For Discovery and Exploration at Baby Blast Year 4!

A POST EVENT PRESS RELEASE

A DAY FOR DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION AT BABY BLAST YEAR 4!

As more and more diversions are created for children to engage in, how can we help in making sure a child gets the best kind of learning at his or her most crucial stages? Kids nowadays are spending less and less time outdoors, having been exposed to gadgets and other forms of technology even as infants. But recent studies show that children, especially those aged 3 and below, who play outdoors regularly grow up happier, healthier, and stronger!

Since 2010, Baby Blast has spread awareness that enjoyable, unforced learning, as well as hands-on play and parent-child bonding during the age of 0-3 years is critical in laying down the foundation for the child’s future learning and holistic development. Every year, attendance to the event grows in number, as more families enjoy the fun activities and learn from the featured topics.

Outbox Media Production Agency, in cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS), once again celebrated the wonder of life at its early stages! EHS advocates, teachers, experts and parents together with their kids, gathered last April 14, 2013, from 10am-8pm at the Trinoma Activity Center for “Baby Blast Year 4: Discover, Create, Imagine and Explore!” a one-day event highlighting the importance of early childhood education.

This year’s event was hosted by Toni Aquino of DZMM, Jackie Go of gojackiego.com, pre-school teacher and TV host, Nikki Veron Cruz, celebrity moms Snooky Serna and Jenny Miller, sportscaster Anthony Suntay and journalist Peach Mascarinas, together with the tandem of Anthony and Rossel Taberna. Performances and messages of support for early education were also given by Gail Blanco, Paolo Santos, Patricia Bermudez-Hizon and Tintin Bersola-Babao.

The program was opened by a dance number from talented child singer Pauline Agupitan, together with the Neutron Acrobats and OBM Dancers.

This year’s program highlighted the importance of allowing babies and kids to experience the outdoors and engage in physical activities that can benefit their social, mental, physical and emotional development, given today’s tendency to merely rely on gadgets and technology to keep kids busy.

BLO-wn Away at Expo Mom 2013

Three weeks ago, before all the craziness of junior intership happened, I attended this year's Expo Mom at the Rockwell Tent with my boys and the mother-in-law. This was my first Mom Expo experience. We went on the first day.

I was so excited because I knew that Paper Chic Studio will be there. I actually went straight to their booth. I've been following them on Facebook and I wanted to see their products in person. Of course, I wasn't disappointed. Their products are sooo cute. Paper Chic Studio offers washi tapes, baker twines, paper straws and more.

After getting my Paper Chic Studio fix, I went around and saw some interesting finds. We met Master Hoobie at the Cackleberries.com booth. Cackleberries.com is the maker of Oville, a safe online community for kids where they can learn and meet friends. There were laptops in their booth where kids tried out the fun learning experience they offered.

Another thing that I liked was this desk from Furnikids. I think it was love at first sight and and I think that it would be perfect for my little boy. I would have gotten it on the spot but I had to stop myself. Wala pa akong paglalagyan! Kailangan ko pa ulit maglinis.

When we got tired, we sat down on the chairs in front of the stage and it was great that we did. Blo- Blow Dry Salon was just about to do a demo on stage. Then they announced that the first 10 mommies to go to their booth would get a free temporary hair makeover. 

There's Henry in the middle with his new found friends.

Of course I ran towards their booth immediately and signed up. They had a menu of the different styles they do.

I chose Pillow Talk. You can see the result below. My lackluster hair came alive with these lovely curls. Thank you to the Blo Bloers! I wore my hair like this until the end of the day since we also went to the Manila Auto Show after this. 

I think this hair makeover was the highlight of my first Expo Mom experience. The hubby kept telling me how lovely my hair was. I'm so glad I finally came to Expo Mom and I can't wait until next year.