I am always on the look out for fun travel guides to get my kids involved in trip planning and was thrilled when the author of the Cooper’s Pack collection of travel guides and e-books contacted me to do a review.  They graciously sent us three books to review (Seattle, New York and Alaska).

In the books, you follow Cooper and friends on adventures throughout the world.  The first 3/4 of the book is a story of Cooper’s adventure – from trip planning to returning home.  It features many photos and a cute story about Cooper visiting one of his animal friends (part of his “pack”) and being shown the city.  The story follows Cooper and his friend as they visit destinations around the city.  The last quarter features a list of activities, a brief history and space for recording your own memories.

The books are definitely geared for young kids (my recommendation is ages 3-7) and are packed with pictures of Cooper and friends visiting each destination.  The story is engaging and works well as a bedtime story for pre-readers but is also appropriate for emerging and early readers – just the right mix of new and familiar words.  My kids were captivated by the images and I could see using this guide to plan a trip and taking pictures in the same places as Cooper.   This book would be a helpful tool for parents of kids that are afraid of new places – the pictures definitely give a sense of familiarity.  It would also be fun entertainment for the travel part of the trip – in the car or plane.

While this is a helpful trip planning tool, it is not stand alone and adults would do well to have another travel guide to plan the details of the trip.  I would love to see a section on local kid-friendly dining/snack options and, more importantly, convenient potty stops!

My kids give it two thumbs up and are clamoring for me to but them a Cooper or friend stuffed animal to take on our next adventure!

You can find more information and purchase the guides and Cooper & friends animals here.

We were provided with three travel guides for this review.

travel guide review

Emily did a second review of the Planet Explorers Walt Disney World guide book after we returned home.

Hi I’m Emily, (almost 10), and we (my family and I) just returned from a trip to Walt Disney World. These are the things I wish Laura Schaefer had mentioned in her wonderful E-book (Planet Explorers Walt Disney World, a guidebook for kids): 

• The E-book was helpful but I wish she told you when the four most popular parks (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood studios, and Epcot) opened and closed.

• I also wish the author told about the special hours (on certain magical nights) for guests staying on Walt Disney World property.

• I think most people would appreciate knowing there are cards (which are very helpful) you can pick up (found with the park maps) which have the magic hours (regular park hours), times and what kind of shows and parades, where you can meet characters and at what time.  An important thing to remember is there is a separate card for all the parks.

• I think she should have mentioned the Disney Meal Plan, or the Disney snack plan. It can save you money and is worth considering.

Now you know my opinion on what I think the author should of changed. Overall, she did a wonderful job, and I still recommend that you read this book!

I also found the book a fun way to let kids help with the overall trip planning.  She included just the right amount of information to be useful but not overwhelming.

The book costs $3 and you can find the ebook here: http://www.planet-explorers.net/.

Legal note:  We purchased a copy of the guide for review and received no compensation monetary or otherwise for our reviews.

disney · planet explorers review

Like most moms, I pack for myself last – usually in a mad rush 30 minutes before we need to walk out the door.  I barely pack the essentials, much less have the time to carefully pack perfume.  So when a representative from Travalo contacting me about testing their travel-sized atomizer, I was skeptical.   There was no way I was going to be funneling perfume into a little bottle that would probably leak anyway.  With much encouragement from my friends (apparently I am the only person that doesn’t travel with perfume!), I decided to give it a try…

I am a single fragrance girl with expensive taste.  I admit to some trepidation about pulling the nozzle off my bottle of Tiffany perfume.  To my relief, it popped right off and, more importantly, went back on again.  The Travalo has a convenient filling station at the bottom of the spray bottle that you insert into the perfume bottle’s stick pump.  Simply press down firmly and repeatedly until the Travalo is filled.  There were no spills and no wasted perfume. 

They sent me a Travalo Classic to try and I absolutely love it.  It is about the size of a lipstick tube and tucks easily just about anywhere.  Given my propensity to forget perfume in the midst of the morning rush, it is nice to have it in my purse for a quick spritz.

Even if you aren’t into perfume this could come in handy. As an experiment, I filled my Travalo from my bottle of Evian Mist and found it very refreshing to spritz on my face and wrists throughout the day – especially in this dry Colorado climate.  On a long flight, it would be simply heavenly!  In fact, I like using it better this way and will likely purchase another one so I can keep perfume in one and Evian in another.

A few details: 

• The Travalo is approved for carry-on luggage (I have not tested this yet!).
• It comes in an assortment of colors.
• It is available in three sizes (the largest holding up to 65 sprays).
• It retails for $9.99 – $19.99
• Purchase it directly from their website by clicking here: Travalo

Enter to Get Away with Travalo!  It’s easy – here’s how:

Simply leave a comment about your dream destination for taking a Travalo.  It’s that easy but hurry – contest closes on October 20, 2011.

The Fine Print:

Entry into the contest will be allotted to all individuals who provide the following: name, email (for private records) and dream destination for taking Travalo.   One reader will be chosen at random to receive a free Travalo.  This winner has until October 27 to claim their prize, which will be shipped directly from C. Fox Communications.   All submissions meeting the minimum requirements will be forwarded to Travalo representatives at C.Fox Communications where the grand prize of a $400 travel voucher will be selected from all comments received from all participating blogs.  The grand prize drawing is October 27.

Disclaimer:  I received a Travelo free of charge to review and one to giveaway; however I was not otherwise compensated for providing a review.

Where is your dream destination?

giveaway · review · travalo

I rarely do product reviews but I ran across this product recently and think it is perfect for travel so I wanted to share it.

Makeup is an afterthought for me most days.  I am rarely successful picking colors from the array at the drugstore and don’t have the time or the patience for a make-over at Nordstroms.  I am a fan of Bobbi Brown products but the last time I went in for a color refresh, they used a million products and mentioned that I should be able to quickly complete my make-up routine in 30 minutes.  Sorry – I don’t have 30 minutes in the morning and I don’t want to dig through a bunch of bottle and tubes to find the right combination of products every morning.

In searching for an easy solution, I happened across a product line called Mommy Makeup.  Their tag is “Look divine in half the time.”  I admit I was dubious but decided to give it a try.  I purchased the Pretty n Polished kit, which comes complete with concealer, powder foundation, eyeshadow trio, mascara and lip gloss – everything you need to get out the door fast.  It even includes a chart to help simplify application.  So far, I am hooked!

So, why am I sharing?  While this might not be the go to solution for your everyday routine, it is PERFECT for travel.  The 5 products and brushes take up almost no space  and will leave you looking flawless the entire trip.  No more bag full of tubes and compacts and jars – just a small bag with 5 products and brushes.  And, if you are like me, no more forgetting half the things you need!

My only complaint? Brushes aren’t included with the set.  Normally this wouldn’t be a problem (and I wouldn’t expect them to be included) but this set is billed as all-inclusive; however, the application chart talks about a variety of brushes that aren’t included in the set.  They do offer a nice brush set that is worth the price BUT don’t list something as all inclusive unless it really is!

You can find their website here.  Note that I was not compensated in any way for this review, nor did I receive any free or discounted products.

What tips can you share for packing makeup?

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