5 Things We Carry While Traveling With Kids

Their questions never seem to end, but they are cute and lovable. Still, while on travel, sometimes kids get unmanageable, especially if they're hyperactive. But there are a few essential things that can help save a lot of mess while traveling with kids. Here goes my top 5 -

1. Just like me, they are nuts about music. Hence, their i-pods are a must. I make sure to load 'em with their favorite tracks, so they don't get bored.

2. Games, toys, joke books and stuff? That's a YES. We let them choose their own things and allow them to manage their tiny backpack. It's fun. On proper management of their stuff, I'd reward them with something special on return.

3. Book kid friendly hotels and resorts, where there are plenty of activities to keep them busy.

4. While eating out, we make sure that the restaurants have a kid friendly menu. Stomach problems can be a pill, and we always want to avoid it.

5. Pack healthy kid food such as fruits, fruit juice cans, pretzels, cheese and stuff...the usual home menu. That's the best!

Ancient Cities I: Chichen Itza

History has been good to us! For families who're looking for a historical vacation, an ancient kind, the Americas alone brags some of the most spectacular cities from the ancient world.

The Anasazis, the Incas, the Mayas, Aztecs, and Olmecs — all of them were master architects, astronomers and mathematicians, with their cities showcasing their art of building cities. No doubt, human achievement is fleeting, but the tides of time do bring us face to face with fragments of past achievements.

So, the Mayan city of Chichen Itza, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico (southeast of Merida)is a miracle of ancient achievement. You'll be surprised to know how the Mayas settled and adapted to the hostile nature of this region. The region consists of merely a few inches of soil on hard limestone and receives little moisture. However, the adaptability of the Mayas is sensational!

Chichen Itza was developed as a powerful city and trade center dealing in for cloth, slaves, honey and salt, which reached its pinnacle from circa 800 to 1200.

What's most prominent here, today, is the ruin of El Caracol, a sophisticated astronomical observatory. Did you know that Chichen Itza has one of the largest ball-playing courts of the Mayan world. This is perhaps one of the best kept secrets of the city. A bas-relief at the site depicts the captain of a losing team being decapitated before the ruling-class audience. Another cool sight here is the the image of a serpent created by shadows on Kukulan Pyramid.

So, next time when you think about Mexico, think beyond Cancun and Acapulco!!

Build a Tree House Instead!

Tree houses never captured our imagination as they do today. This is true particularly for the children. Treehouses symbolize freedom. Have you ever felt how lifting it is for our spirits and inspiring for dreams? We know we can't fly with the birds, but at least we can build a nest like them! I think building a treehouse and spending a few nights behind the leaves could be a great pastime activity for families. True, it's going to be the most exciting adventure for your kid, that too, right at your backyard.

Imagine going to sleep with the birds and waking up to their songs. Instead of indulging in rampant consumerism at theme parks breaking the bank with a beach trip, this is a better idea to please your kids!

For starters, Tree Houses You can Build by David R Stiles and Jeanie Stiles can be a very good guide to start building your own treehouse. The best part is that you don't have to be carpenter at all! In the book, the authors explain the basic building procedures through clear, simple instructions and non-technical line drawings, explaining every step, from the earliest sketches to the final cedar shingle. Even the safety issues have been considered. Isn't it then time to start building our treehouses!?

Fairy Tale Wedding: Oh baby, Dontcha wanna be a Cinderrela!!!

Maybe you always wanted to look like a "Sleeping Beauty", the Beauty of the "Beauty and teh Beast" or a "Cinderella" on the BIG day. Walt Disney Co. seems to have capitalized on your desire! Yes, they're bringing out a new array of fairy-tale characters-inspired range of bridal gowns for women just like honey and you.

And you don't have to break the bank while buying that special outfit designed by Kirstie Kelly. Priced at $1500- $3000, these just a bit above the average wedding gown price of $1000.

Besdies, Disney has also taken a leap into the market of destination weddings. Disney's Parks and Resorts division glamed up its 16-year-old Fairy Tale Weddings program this year by hiring celebrity party planner David Tutera to design a "couture" line of decorations, floral arrangements and furniture for wedding packages.

This is surely a good bet for those looking for an over-the-top wedding.

Vacation Ideas: How About Ranches?

My mind is occupied with countless vacation ideas, but the Ranches have taken the front seat this time. True, for wholesome and unforgettable adventures in the lap of nature with everything from horseback riding and fly fishing to massage, a family ranch vacation could be a lifetime experience.

So, where do we find the ranches? Montana brags the Laughing Water Ranch. Just west of the Glacier National Park, this offers 220 acres of beautiful mountain timber and rolling pastures.

More top notch ranches:

Bar M Ranch, located just 30 miles east of Pendleton, Oregon.

Vee Bar Guest Ranch, located in the Centennial Valley near the 12,000-foot Snowy Range Mountains.

Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, located in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley horse and wine country, 35 miles northwest of Santa Barbara, California.

Lone Mountain Ranch, an award winning historic ranch resort located in Big Sky, Montana.

A Loving Family!!

Yesterday we went out for some chocolate and ice-cream fun. It's not always that I get the chance for a day out with my kids. Honey is always psyched about these outings. After all, it's not where we go or what we do. We did it together as a family!

Although, I was having a bad cold and feeling too lazy to venture out, the excitement around made me shoot out of the living room! Whooshhhhhhhhh! The car was badly in need of a wash, d'oh! But who cares.

It's very important to create a loving family, and only a loving parent can do this with success. This is the reason for such trifling getaways. Spread positive energies, and nullify the negative. It's necessary to check out the words that we utter at home. Conversations shouldnot always stem from criticism, call to action, duty or responsibility. It should never be demanding and insisting.

So, what I try to do is keep saying to the kids:

I believe in you.
I love you.
You are/you'll be great.
I like the way you do that.
Kid, you're good example for your sister/brother.
We trust you.
You're fun to be around.
We are proud of you.
You're improving everyday.
We can see you're trying hard in school.
You'll be rewarded.

Just let my childern know that they are my TOP priority. Love and forgiveness is the key to a happy family life. Until the next vacation, we must make them believe that we really care. Vacations don't mean a thing if we do not practice thumb rules of a healthy family life.