How often do you regret not packing some fun games for your kids while taking a family vacation? Traveling with kids could get very frustrating. So, games can save you from all the monkey busines. Get magnetic stuff, clings, card games, travel bingo or whatever you want so that you can reward them with a cool new activity for good behavior, after every milestone achieved, or when you're doing nothing at the hotel room.
Personally, I'd recommend taking a Baby Tangle, if you're going with a 0-2 year old kid. Puzzles, Mazes, Sketch Books, Magnetic Game Sets with Solitaire Games, Dry Erase Acticities, License Plate Games, Checkers, Roadside Search Games, Wacky Tracks etc are great hits among 3-6 year olds.
Chinese Chekers, Magnetic Tangram, Magnetic Mosaic, Cards, Mazes, Hit the Road Nickelodeon Travel Deck , Rubber Neckers Travel Card Game, Creativity Kit Lap Desk , Quizzies etc are favorites among 7- 10 year olds.
If your kids are 11 years of age or above, then a chess board, electronic and magnetic games, activity cards, Auto and Traffic Safety Cards etc will keep them entertained.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Monday, April 9, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Top Family Vacation Destinations III
Does everybody share the same priorities when it comes to booking vacations? From theme parks and beaches to history, culture, wine and dine, adventure and outdoors, we have a gazillion options to choose from. Even within the super set of adventure, there are hundreds of tempting activities: ski and snowshoe, sailing, canoeing and kayaking, hiking, water sports like sucba and snorkeling, jet skiing, surfing...it's just endless.
So, where do you want to go, if the kids insist on ski? Scour the web, browse the map, check out the seasons. How about a ski-vacation in Utah? Withing 40 miles from the Salt Lake City airport, and just west of Colorado, there are seven different mountains and some fantastic ski resorts. What more can we ask for??
Utah brags the 'Great Snow', and nine different ski resorts offering diverse experiences, with two 'only-ski' resorts. Plus you'll find quite affordable hotels in SLC. And the BIG bonus?? Boy, most ski resorts offer "Free Ski for Kids", yay!! That is, if your kids are six years of age or younger, they can have a FREE ride!! For those in teh age group of 7-10, it's just $10 for each. Can it get any cheaper?? All we need to do is grab cheap airfare, book in advance and jet set to the la la land!!
to be continued...
So, where do you want to go, if the kids insist on ski? Scour the web, browse the map, check out the seasons. How about a ski-vacation in Utah? Withing 40 miles from the Salt Lake City airport, and just west of Colorado, there are seven different mountains and some fantastic ski resorts. What more can we ask for??
Utah brags the 'Great Snow', and nine different ski resorts offering diverse experiences, with two 'only-ski' resorts. Plus you'll find quite affordable hotels in SLC. And the BIG bonus?? Boy, most ski resorts offer "Free Ski for Kids", yay!! That is, if your kids are six years of age or younger, they can have a FREE ride!! For those in teh age group of 7-10, it's just $10 for each. Can it get any cheaper?? All we need to do is grab cheap airfare, book in advance and jet set to the la la land!!
to be continued...
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Top Family Vacation Destinations II
Alright!! We're good to go with Paris. We know that off-season saves us plenty of $$$$$, plus it remains free form the tourist hordes. It's easier to book hotels and we find plenty of cheap airfares. Most online travel sites offer airfare discounts, but I found some great travel deals at Cheapoair. They have top travel deals year round. I bet these are incredible!!
So what lies next in the line? Something domestic? Maybe! How about a family break in Orlando?? America's beloved Orlando is a BIG hit for family vacationers around the world. Who can resist Disneyland!! Mickey Mouse & Co are household names, no? But it can really burn a hole down the pocket, especially with theme parks charging adult fees for kids who have just turned 10!! The expenses might leave you with eyes popping out, but there are tricks to save the big money.
Yes, you don't really have to be a high roller for your kids to have a slice of Orlando. There are several ways of doing this on a budget.
The first thing is to save as much as you can on airfare. Book in advance, do it off season, go for the lowest fares, be flexible with dates, fly on off-peak days and hours...do whatever it takes!!
The next big savings is going to be on hotels and car rentals. All inclusive vacations packages really help a lot here. But remember to compare prices all inclusive vis a vis cheap airfare, hotels, car rentals and food taken seperately. See what fits you best and book accordingly.
While you're in Orlando, always grab the Seasons Passes available for entry into Theme Parks. All theme parks offer seasons' passes, which give you the edge. The cost for such passes is almost equal to the price of two days' admission. But the advantage of these passes is that they offer unbelievable discounts on food, shopping, free parking, early entrance and plenty of other benefits. Without a pass, you have to pay 100 percent for every lip smacking cuisine which you may want to gorge on, you don't get discounts when you go shopping...So, next time when you're doing a theme park, always go for Seasons passes. You'll save a fortune!!
To be contuinued...
So what lies next in the line? Something domestic? Maybe! How about a family break in Orlando?? America's beloved Orlando is a BIG hit for family vacationers around the world. Who can resist Disneyland!! Mickey Mouse & Co are household names, no? But it can really burn a hole down the pocket, especially with theme parks charging adult fees for kids who have just turned 10!! The expenses might leave you with eyes popping out, but there are tricks to save the big money.
Yes, you don't really have to be a high roller for your kids to have a slice of Orlando. There are several ways of doing this on a budget.
The first thing is to save as much as you can on airfare. Book in advance, do it off season, go for the lowest fares, be flexible with dates, fly on off-peak days and hours...do whatever it takes!!
The next big savings is going to be on hotels and car rentals. All inclusive vacations packages really help a lot here. But remember to compare prices all inclusive vis a vis cheap airfare, hotels, car rentals and food taken seperately. See what fits you best and book accordingly.
While you're in Orlando, always grab the Seasons Passes available for entry into Theme Parks. All theme parks offer seasons' passes, which give you the edge. The cost for such passes is almost equal to the price of two days' admission. But the advantage of these passes is that they offer unbelievable discounts on food, shopping, free parking, early entrance and plenty of other benefits. Without a pass, you have to pay 100 percent for every lip smacking cuisine which you may want to gorge on, you don't get discounts when you go shopping...So, next time when you're doing a theme park, always go for Seasons passes. You'll save a fortune!!
To be contuinued...
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Top Family Vacation Destinations
We've heard them blowing the speakers, " the world is shrinking, the world is a global village, et al...''! True, we, as nations, have never come this close. But for the budget vacationer, the world is still too big and wide. With $$$ constraints keeping us rooted to the neighborhood year round, we hardly get a chance to go out and have some fun with the family. And boy, when the moment arrives, we really don't want to take a chance. We must hit the best spot on earth, no? So, here's my top picks in the world of family travel, the top family vacation spots round the world.
In Paris, with the Kids
Paris is not just for lovers! True, the City of Lights is equally fun with the kids. splurge at the French boutiques, wine tours, and delicious French brassieres. If you're teh luck one to save money on cheap international airfare, you can go out and splurge at the French boutiques, wine tours, and delicious French brassieres. Who hasn't heard about Parisian restaurants and the fasion streets!! And do I have to mention the Eiffel Tower.
What you want to be mindful while visiting Paris is that September is the high season, and the city remains packed. So, plan accordingly. If you're doing the high season, book your hotel in advance. Off-peak, you'll enjoy plenty of airfare and hotel discounts, but remember, it would be raining after September. Most visitors complain that even July and August have an average of 8 rainy days, in Paris! If you love the rain, it's going to be a surefire even during the off season!!
In Paris, with the Kids
Paris is not just for lovers! True, the City of Lights is equally fun with the kids. splurge at the French boutiques, wine tours, and delicious French brassieres. If you're teh luck one to save money on cheap international airfare, you can go out and splurge at the French boutiques, wine tours, and delicious French brassieres. Who hasn't heard about Parisian restaurants and the fasion streets!! And do I have to mention the Eiffel Tower.
What you want to be mindful while visiting Paris is that September is the high season, and the city remains packed. So, plan accordingly. If you're doing the high season, book your hotel in advance. Off-peak, you'll enjoy plenty of airfare and hotel discounts, but remember, it would be raining after September. Most visitors complain that even July and August have an average of 8 rainy days, in Paris! If you love the rain, it's going to be a surefire even during the off season!!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Air Travel Tips for Families and Nervous Flyers...continued
Alright! You've put on a loose and comfy pair of clothes, oiled your nostrils and that of your kids, arrived at airport with an hour and a half still to go, and DECIDED that this time you're NOT indulging in in-flight meals and drinks. Is there anything else that we should consider?? Think hard. What have you found?? Nothing? Maybe you didn't get a good sleep last night and so you think you'll take a nap during the flight, yes? But that's what you should avoid!
Stay Awake, Don't Doze Off!
Most experts warn against sleeping on the plane. It's important that we adjust our sleep cycle from jetlag, not duirng the day, but at night. So, one must avoid sleeping during the flight if it arrives at night. True, you might be tired after landing. But it would a lot easier to hit the sack and wake up afresh, no?
More Oxygen
If you think your cabin is getting stuffy, ask your flight attendant to request the pilot for "less recirculated air, and more fresh air". If it's still stuffy, request an oxygen bottle.
Consider Exercises
We all know that exercise is vital for steady blood circulation. But on board, the importance much higher. You don't have to pump the irons! Just do some easy stuff like contracting and relaxing the muscles, or just get up and walk around the cabin. It's nothing embarrasing.
Goodbye Cocktails!
Never!!?? Oy, it's only for the flight. Yes, Alcohol and coffee dehydrates the body, which in turn prolongs jetlag. So, we gottta avoid alcohol and live on WATER. Besides, cabin air is so dry that it will just put the Sahara and Atacama to shame! Water is the Word!
Happy Flying!!
Fretfire
Stay Awake, Don't Doze Off!
Most experts warn against sleeping on the plane. It's important that we adjust our sleep cycle from jetlag, not duirng the day, but at night. So, one must avoid sleeping during the flight if it arrives at night. True, you might be tired after landing. But it would a lot easier to hit the sack and wake up afresh, no?
More Oxygen
If you think your cabin is getting stuffy, ask your flight attendant to request the pilot for "less recirculated air, and more fresh air". If it's still stuffy, request an oxygen bottle.
Consider Exercises
We all know that exercise is vital for steady blood circulation. But on board, the importance much higher. You don't have to pump the irons! Just do some easy stuff like contracting and relaxing the muscles, or just get up and walk around the cabin. It's nothing embarrasing.
Goodbye Cocktails!
Never!!?? Oy, it's only for the flight. Yes, Alcohol and coffee dehydrates the body, which in turn prolongs jetlag. So, we gottta avoid alcohol and live on WATER. Besides, cabin air is so dry that it will just put the Sahara and Atacama to shame! Water is the Word!
Happy Flying!!
Fretfire
Air Travel Tips for Families and Nervous Flyers
Bang on the Blogspace!! After a brief hiatus, I'm back here again to discuss family travel issues. My neighbor was flying for the nth time, yet she was panicky about air travel issues like health, safety and that coveted peace of mind. This morning, Heidi left for San Francisco on one of her usual duty-assignments. Early morning, honey and I bumped into while we're jogging down the park. She was so nervous about her flight! True, from over-the-top to downright horrible, flying experiences vary across passengers. So, why not jot down a few tips and tricks for a better flying experience. I don't want us to be nervous flyers.
Food is Number One Priority:
With cartloads of snacks, munchies and meals rolling down the aisle, it's hard to resist the temptation of in-flight food, no? But experts suggest that one should load the tummy right at home. That is, before starting for the airport, we eat carbohydrate food and tide over the flight duration. Not to be lured by the looks-so-appetizing in-flight meals. This also helps reduce jetlag, plus saves you from all the chemical preservatives that come free with food on board.
Dress up for the Flight:
So, what does that mean? Do we need to dress up like we do for the party? Of course not! Air travel demands loose clothing. The low-pressure environment inside the aircraft is just like a mountain resort, where our bodies swell up! Tight clothes can block circulation and create a lot of complexities. Belts, girdles, tight bras, tight wedding rings and, tight shoes are STRICT NOs!
Early at the Airport??
Do you mind arriving at the airport a bit early? If yes, you must reconsider. Arriving early is the key to stress-free pre-boarding. You know all those security check and check-in formalities. Plus you have a better seat selection, no?
Keeping Germs at Bay:
Aircraft cabins are perhaps among the most crowded compartments on earth! Add to it the low ceiling and less-of-fresh air aspects. Such an environment is the ideal breeding ground for viruses. What we want to do in this situation is to apply food-grade oil to the nostrils, so that viruses cannot enter our immune system through the tiny cracks in the membranes. Did you forget the kids?? The same things apply for them as well. So, be mindful.
To be continued...
Food is Number One Priority:
With cartloads of snacks, munchies and meals rolling down the aisle, it's hard to resist the temptation of in-flight food, no? But experts suggest that one should load the tummy right at home. That is, before starting for the airport, we eat carbohydrate food and tide over the flight duration. Not to be lured by the looks-so-appetizing in-flight meals. This also helps reduce jetlag, plus saves you from all the chemical preservatives that come free with food on board.
Dress up for the Flight:
So, what does that mean? Do we need to dress up like we do for the party? Of course not! Air travel demands loose clothing. The low-pressure environment inside the aircraft is just like a mountain resort, where our bodies swell up! Tight clothes can block circulation and create a lot of complexities. Belts, girdles, tight bras, tight wedding rings and, tight shoes are STRICT NOs!
Early at the Airport??
Do you mind arriving at the airport a bit early? If yes, you must reconsider. Arriving early is the key to stress-free pre-boarding. You know all those security check and check-in formalities. Plus you have a better seat selection, no?
Keeping Germs at Bay:
Aircraft cabins are perhaps among the most crowded compartments on earth! Add to it the low ceiling and less-of-fresh air aspects. Such an environment is the ideal breeding ground for viruses. What we want to do in this situation is to apply food-grade oil to the nostrils, so that viruses cannot enter our immune system through the tiny cracks in the membranes. Did you forget the kids?? The same things apply for them as well. So, be mindful.
To be continued...
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