My kids are great travelers and generally pretty healthy so  I never thought about contingency packing for sick kids.  Of course I pack children’s Tylenol and Pepto but not much else. This came back to haunt me in a big way on our last trip.

My husband called from work a few weeks ago and asked if we could make a 6 pm flight to Orlando.  He had a business meeting come up and needed to spend a week in Orlando.  Never one to turn down a fun trip, I packed, grabbed 4 TravelKiddys, picked up the girls from school, and made it to the airport.

The trip started out fantastic.  Brian was in meetings all day but the girls were well behaved and we had a great time playing in Disney.  The trip took a turn when my husband called me from the middle of his second day of meetings.  He said he wasn’t feeling well and would be heading back to the resort to try and sleep it off.   He never gets sick so we thought maybe it was something he ate.   No such luck…  About 3 hours later, my oldest turned really pale, broke into a sweat and rushed to the bathroom to throw up.  It lasted about 9 hours and hit all of us during the course of the trip.   Luckily (if you could call it luck), all but one of the girls had it at night and were feeling better by the next day.  We took our time meandering through Disney and Sea World and managed to still have a fun time.  It did get me thinking about what I should have packed to make things easier in the hotel room with the sick kids.

Here is my list:

• Travel-sized package of Clorax wipes
• Travel-Sized Tide sink packets
• Emetrol
• Pepto-Bismol (for both adults and children)
• Sicky cup (we happened to have a plastic popcorn bucket handy but next time I will be packing a big plastic cup)
• Imodium (for both adults and children)
• Tylenol and Motrin (for children)
• Baby powder
• Saltine crackers
• Bandaids/Neosporin
• Hydrocortisone

The hotel housekeeping staff at the Walt Disney World Boardwalk Resort was very helpful and brought us changes of sheets throughout the night.  They also gave us a tip to deal with the smell – sprinkle coffee grounds on the floor after cleaning up the mess.  The room smelled strongly of coffee but that is much better than the alternative!

Anyone have other suggestions?  Things to add to the list?  Handy tips?  Please leave a comment below!

Happy Travels!

General Travel With Kids · sick kids · travel with sick kids

My husband was born and raised in Texas and I am a military brat from the midwest. Neither one of us were skiers but, when we moved to Colorado from Hong Kong 4 years ago, we thought the kids should learn to ski.  We decided to learn as well – suffice it to say, it is much easier to learn when young.  Our kids already ski circles (yes, literally) around us.

Dressing my kids for skiing the first year was challenging.  I found a myriad of checklists for adults with vague references to kids needing the same things. Over the past 4 years of experimenting with assorted gear, the kids have come up with their “must have” ski list.  The kids’ list is in purple and my comments are in black.  Attached is a handy downloadable ski season shopping list/packing list to help the moms and dads plan for the season or the trip.  We compiled the list from the inside out – base layer to outer layer.

Fun long johns. No boring grey or black – we need something flashy and fun. Pack at least 2 pairs of pants and 2 shirts.  No one piece outfits (too hard to go potty) and not cotton.  Pick a light or mid weight wicking fabric in a fun print or color.  This is the base layer so it should have a snug fit.

Long sleeved Spyder shirt with a zipper neck. On the coldest days the girls’ like a Spyder shirt over their long johns.  While the brand is not important (except to my girls), it is important that it be a mid-weight.

Fleece vest. This should be a snug fit so it fits under the ski jacket.

Ski socks. Comfort and fit are key to the socks.  They should be a nice mid weight sock.  Not too heavy (sweaty feet are icky) and wear only one pair.  Multiple layers of socks cause the boots to be uncomfortable.  I tuck a pair of socks in their jacket pockets because the kids often take off their boots during breaks and get wet socks.

Snow boots that we can walk in.

Outerwear. Fun colors and styles are a must!  We like bibs and jackets.  One piece outfits are hard to get out of to go potty and are hot at lunch and hot cocoa breaks.  Bibs (instead of just pants) keep the snow out of our backs. These need not be expensive but must be waterproof not water resistant.

Hats. Fun hats are a must if going to a ski school that has outdoor play time (off of skis) and for sledding.  It is recommended that kids wear helmets when skiing so no hat is needed.

Ear warmers. We are split on earwarmers – 2 kids like, 2 do not. Headband type earwarmers fit snugly under the helmet and help keep little ears warm.  Some helmets have fleece lining around the ears so earwarmers aren’t necessary.

Neck gators are essential but cut the tags off because we hate skiing with the tag rubbing us. Kids pull the neck gators up in really cold weather and on the lift.  Use these instead of scarfs that can get twisted up on the lifts or fall off while skiing down the mountain.

Mittens instead of gloves because we can’t bend our fingers in gloves and have a hard time gripping poles. I think mittens keep fingers warmer.  These should be a good quality ski mitten that is waterproof and fits well.  An investment in mitten clips helps keep mittens from getting left behind.

Cotton mittens/gloves for playing in the snow after skiing.  We like lots of these so we can change them when our hands get cold.  These will not work for skiing but are great for playing outside.

Hand and toe warmers. We tuck a pair into jacket pockets before heading out the door.  They are nice to have on bitterly cold days.

Ski gear. If you are taking a ski vacation and do not have kid’s ski gear, consider renting it from the ski school.  It is a little bit more expensive but there is no lugging it from the rental shop (and they will often store it overnight for you).  They can also easily exchange it in the middle of the day if something isn’t fitting properly.  Kids learn to ski without poles so leave those behind until after they are comfortable on skis.  You can usually rent helmets but not goggles. Goggles can be purchased at the ski shop but vary widely in price.  They are likely to get scratched so do not buy the most expensive pair!

In case you are wondering about snowboarding, most instructors recommend that kids not snowboard until at least 8 because they do not have the muscle strength to control the board until 8.  Starting too early is not fun for anyone!

One final tip – our kids have a PurpleSnake on the top of their helmets.  I recommend using a helmet cover or colored tape to clearly mark your child’s helmet. It is amazing how alike kids look in ski gear and helmets.  I started doing this when I saw a little girl in the same ski suit and helmet as one of my kids sliding down the mountain on a ski patrol sled.  After panicking and calling the ski school I learned that the  girl I saw was part of a ski patrol safety test and is fine. Now, I can distinguish my kids by the unique design drawn on their helmets with a Sharpie.

Happy travels!

Kids Ski Packing List

kids travel · packing list · Skiing with kids · traveling with kids

When my husband travels (as he often does), he always leaves us an itinerary of his trip so we have all of his flight and hotel information in one spot.  My mom picked up one and mentioned that they would like to have something similar when we travel.  Then the babysitter mentioned she would like a copy.   When the neighbors chimed in and wanted one as well, I finally took the hint and created a standard template that we now use before all our trips.

I also took the opportunity to ask what other information would be helpful for them to have in case of an emergency.  What follows is a list of suggestions:

• Alarm company number and passcode.  Most house alarm companies will allow you to set up a temporary passcode that you can activate while traveling.  Many will accept the passcode to deactivate the alarm but will still contact the primary homeowner with an alert.
• Housekey.
• Location of car keys.  I questioned this one – why do you need to know where a spare set of keys is – planning on taking the cars out for a spin?  My parents reminded me that when I was little, our garage was hit by a tornado while we were on vacation.   The neighbors used a spare key to move our car before the garage collapsed on it.  I guess you never know…
• Location of the main water shut-off and electrical panel.
• Expected deliveries.
• Copies of drivers licenses.  For international travel it is always recommended to leave a copy of your passports with a relative.
• Names and contact information of nearest relatives.
• Kids names and birthdays.

What did we miss?  Leave me a comment and let me know.  In the meantime, download a free copy of an itinerary to use on your next trip.  Travel Plans Itinerary

Happy Travels

free itinerary · travel plans · trip planning

Negotiating the airport security screening process can be intimidating – add excited kids and it becomes absolutely daunting.  Ease the anxiety and get through the line faster by following these tips:

• Prepare the kids for the process.  In the days preceding the trip, talk about the process, how you expect them to behave, and even play “airport security” a few times.  At the airport, take a few minutes before stepping into the security line to review the procedure.

• Allow LOTS of time at the airport.  Kids are not fast – especially in airports.

• Everyone should wear Crocs or other shoes that can be quickly and easily taken on and off.  This includes the parents!

• Know the rules.  Check the TSA website at http://www.tsa.gov before you go.  The rules are constantly being updated and nothing slows you down more than being pulled aside for extra screening because you inadvertently packed a prohibited item.

• Check and double check that all liquids and gels are included in clear quart-sized zip top bag.  Remember that liquids should be in their original containers and must be 3 ounces or less. Their are some exceptions for infant formula, milk and juice.  The juice should be “toddler juice” – such as Gerber or Mott’s for Tots (saying kids, tots or something similar on the label helps).

• Have one parent be responsible for getting the kids through security.  The other parent is responsible for the quart bag(s) of liquids, laptops and electronics.

• Strollers will have to be collapsed at security and go through the x-ray machine.  Babies are not allowed to stay in carriers (such as a Baby Bjorn) for the screening.  You will have to take the carrier off and send it through the x-ray machine.

• Expect long lines – keep some stickers or small toys handy to entertain the kids during the wait.

• Traveling with infants and young toddlers?  You are allowed to bring reasonable quantities of breast milk, formula, and juice.  Where possible, bring powdered formula and plan on purchasing water and juice once through security.

• Give clear instructions to your kids about what to do after walking through the metal detectors.  For example, “Grab your shoes and walk to the black bench to put them on.”  Keep it simple and do not hesitate to ask for help gathering your things.

• Many airports have special lanes for families (aptly dubbed the slow lanes!).  The TSA screeners in these lanes have special training and are often better equipped to help young children through the screening process.  Many have stickers handy to help encourage kids to walk through the metal detector.  You can carry small children through but the screeners expect children to walk through unaided by the time they are about 3.

Our last, and most important tip, is that kids reflect your state of mind.   Put a smile on your face (even if forced) and relax!

Happy Travels!

airport travel tips · Flying with Kids · kids travel tips · traveling with kids

Join me and explore the joys and pitfalls of traveling with kids!

I am often asked, “Why take the kids?  Isn’t it easier to leave them with grandparents or friends? Or stay home until they are older?”

My answer is a resounding, “NO!”   Of course, with four kids under the age of 8, I don’t have many people volunteering to keep them while I traverse the globe!  And staying home just isn’t an option for parents that love to travel.  Through this blog I will share the tips and tricks I learn as I explore the world (and my own backyard) with kids.

It seems appropriate for the initial blog post to focus on the Golden Rules of traveling with kids.  We have three:

Be prepared.

Smile.

Don’t over plan.

Be prepared for the trip – don’t start the trip without activities for the kids.  The days of airlines handing out toys and trinkets for the kids have long past and video games and DVDs only last so long.  Buy activity kits (we recommend TravelKiddy, of course!) or make your own.  Think variety – lots of variety – and pack twice what you think you will need.  Snacks and drinks are also a must to keep kids happy.

Smile.  Before I had kids, I always noticed the scowling parents eating in restaurants or traveling with their kids and swore that would not be me.  Flashing a smile (even a fake one) can lighten the mood and even garner much needed compassion from those around you.  During one challenging meal, a simple smile (ok, maybe a grimace) toward the table next to ours, brought out the grandmotherly instincts of the women sitting there and they proceeded to make faces and play peek-a-boo with our kids – it saved our meal (and theirs!) Things can and will go wrong while traveling with kids – a smile can help ease things along.

Don’t over plan.  Sure you want to visit every historic site while in Rome but the kids will be bored quickly.  Dragging them along to each and every one will guarantee a meltdown. Instead, pick out the three or four must see activities or sites, a few bonus things, and an equal number of fun kid activities.  Spend the morning in a museum and the afternoon at the local zoo.  You will both have more fun on the trip.

Happy Travels!

General Travel With Kids · kids travel · travel activities · travel with children