I don’t know what big mouth thought it was a good idea to write this post (hint: it was me), but my most recent family trip to Cancun started off anything but calm.
I thought I was so prepared for the flight. I pre-packed my 17-month-old’s favorite snacks. I surveyed other Apple Vacationers for their favorite iPad apps for toddlers and had them downloaded and ready to go. I even had two in-case-of-emergency bottles of milk on hand, just in case.
What I didn’t anticipate was that an approaching thunderstorm would keep us stuck on the tarmac at O’Hare for an hour and a half. All of the passengers aboard were antsy. We were tired of sitting and anxious to get to the beach.
My daughter felt the same way times 10. She was sick of being strapped in her car seat (because we had pushed back from the gate, everyone needed to be in their seat belts). She was tired of me pushing snacks on her, and because we weren’t at the gate anymore, the iPad had to stay off, so no Elmo allowed. The few books and non-electronic toys we had kept her occupied for a few minutes at a time, but all she really wanted was up, up, up.
While there wasn’t much crying, there certainly was lots of whining. The guy in front of me turned around and said “that’s exactly how I feel”.
So, Juice readers, what’s your secret to handling unexpected travel delays with a toddler? Please leave your hints in the comments below, and I’ll compile them for an upcoming post.
Sr. Marketing Manager Ali Gerakaris is a new mom and dragged her family with her on her first post-baby business trip. Here are her thoughts:
Gamboa Rainforest Resort (Inclusive). If I was traveling with kids to Panama this would be my choice of hotel. Only ½ hour drive from Panama City brings you into the heart of the rainforest just minutes from the Canal. It has the feel of a really upscale lodge and is set right in the middle of the Soberania National Park. It is reminiscent of a Disney themed property. The rooms are large with a rustic feel and large glass windows that overlook the property and swimming pools. Some have 2 twin beds and a loft bedroom with a king bed accessed by a circular metal staircase. The bathrooms are nicely appointed and done in white and blue tile. There is internet access, a library, and family’s activities room as well as a world class spa. There are 3 restaurants with the highlight being the Chagres River View, which offers fine dining and an extensive selection of wines. The highlight of the property however is the numerous optional excursions offered by the resort, which include biking, boat tours and aerial tram views of the rainforest and canal. The hotel has a tour desk which co-ordinates all of its excursions.
Monkey Island Tour
Ariel Tram
Need a vacation for you…. but you still really want to take the kids? Then an easy vacation choice is