Is a road trip in your future?  Check out my list of road trip must have items and tell me what I forgot.

1.  Individual snack bags and water bottles.  We use insulated coolers like the ones found here – they are easily packed and stashed in the back seat.  Plus the zipper closure means that
nothing falls out.

2.  Gallon sized zip lock bags.  Great for stashing trash, half eaten snacks and the other debris that seems to accumulate while traveling.

3.  TravelKiddy (of course!).   We do not travel with lap trays or lap desks but use a foam core board instead (available FREE by request when you order a TravelKiddy).  All too often the lap desks/trays became weapons or ended up broken when someone stepped on them.

4.  Pit stop activities.  Jump ropes, balls, and cones are perfect for creating active games – a good 20 minutes at a park or rest stop are time well spent on a family road trip.  No time to pack?   Made in the Shade is our bag of choice for pit stops.

5.  Maps.  The best answer to “Are we there yet?” is a map.  Print or buy several varieties and let the kids practice map reading skills, find landmarks and even select pit stops.

What is on your list?

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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

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is almost here?  Traveling to big gatherings of friends and family should be joyous occasions but can be overwhelming for little kids.  Here are some tips to mitigate the stress that often leads to tantrums.

1. Thanksgiving dinner is often served at an unusual time.  Have light snacks available to prevent meltdowns by hungry kids.  Elderly relatives will also appreciate a snack or appetizer at customary mealtimes – especially if they have to take medications.
2. Carry small children into a crowded room.  Staring at a bunch of knees and towering adults is intimidating.  This also protects shy children of overly touchy relatives.
3. The kid’s table is a good thing but keep an eye on things – it can quickly fall into chaos.
4. Consider serving the kids first and letting them eat while the adults put the last minute touches on the meal and table.  Then let the kids play while the adults enjoy a more leisurely meal (without the constant demands for more food).   Prepare kids desserts (or have them make their own – our friends at SugarLoco have fabulous ideas!) that can be served ahead of the adult desserts.
5. If visiting friends or family that do not have kids, bring an activity kit, travel games or puzzles to entertain your kids.
6. Provide space for the kids – a basement or backyard and a football can do wonders toward a pleasant gathering.

What are your suggestions for making Thanksgiving fun for everyone?

activity kits · thanksgiving dinner · traveling with kids

Occasionally we give you a peek behind the scenes for an update on what’s new and what challenges we face as a micro business competing in a big box world.

What’s New:

As we head into the holiday season, TravelKiddy is launching a new section on our site called the Clever Kids Emporium.  The Emporium will feature brain teasers, puzzles, and games that are challenging and fun.  As always, they are packaged and ready for use at home or on the go.   Look for this section on our site November 16.

New brands and expanded inventory are also coming soon – Crocodile Creek, Klutz, eeBoo and Melissa & Doug and many more.

Small business:

Throughout the past year we experimented with a number of marketing forums: blog reviews, daily deals, and targeted marketing to name a few.  Needless to say, we are still struggling to manage a might marketing budget on ideas and options that perform.  As we move forward, our marketing will be focused through our newsletter, Facebook, Twitter and blog.  Be sure to sign-up or follow us for great deals and promotions, like our November promotion of 25% off your entire order with code NOV25.

Happy Travels.

small business · travel activities · what's new