As I sit here packing to go away, I thought I would share my tips on packing my in-flight bag. We are all allowed 1 carry on and mine is strategically packed like a true professional! As a mommy, who also does not really enjoy flying, the bag must be stacked and packed specifically so there is no searching or anything missing during the flight.

First, you need to select a good bag with accessible pockets. It should be big enough to fit all your items, but small enough to fit under the seat in front of you (where your feet also go). If you board a plane late or the guy next to you takes up the entire over head bin with luggage and souvenirs, you don’t want the bag rows away from you. Choose an affordable bag. The wear and tear of travel can quickly destroy a designer bag and will then put a damper on your vacation. …Read More>>

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If you don’t have a small child, this blog may bore you or perhaps make you think I’m crazy; but those who know the challenge of traveling with a toddler, I hope you enjoy!

Although you know you are going to a foreign country, where the people look different and speak in a different language, don’t assume your toddler understands. Here are a few things you should prepare them for.

Start with the airport. …Read More>>

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Traveling to Dreams Tulum, I had my first experience using a kids club at a resort. I had not planned to do it, and thought we’d continue with our family togetherness vacations that had worked well in the past.

When we arrived at Dreams Tulum, we had lunch at Seaside Grill and then headed for the pool. For a family resort, I wondered where all the kids were. I soon found out they were in camp. How horrible of these parents to come to this beautiful resort and stick their kids in camp! I would soon eat those words. …Read More>>

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There were too many tips for traveling with a toddler to limit them to one blog.  Any parent knows that traveling with children requires advanced preparation and endless patience.

Hopefully these five tips will help your trip go smoothly:

The picky eater - I have always found in resorts that there was no problem with food and drinks. Most resorts in Mexico & The Caribbean & Hawaii have plenty of juices and bottled water. They also have fancy (non alcoholic) drinks. He loved to order and drink from “strawberry daiquiris,” “spider mans,” and “mudslides.” Most restaurants offer a good supply of foods your child will find familiar for all meals such as pancakes, fresh fruit, salad, crackers, rolls and the child friendly chicken nuggets, burgers, pizza and hot – dogs. …Read More>>

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Normally, when I travel I am very “go with the flow.” I always figure as long as I have my passport, my tickets and a credit card, anything I forget I can always buy when I get to my destination. Then I started traveling with my son and quickly realized a little more planning was necessary.

Here are five suggestions based on my personal experiences:

The airplane ride — If you plan to bring a car seat on the plane, ensure it is FAA approved. It says it on the seat. Otherwise they will take it from you as you get on the plane and put it in the overhead bin.

Think of entertainment. I am amazed when I look around the plane and see unruly children who have nothing to entertain them. My son, since he pays for a seat, is entitled to a carry-on bag of his own. We always bring a backpack of items to amuse him on a flight and the ride to the hotel. I invested in a small DVD player for long rides. We also have an assortment of small books that he can bring. Crayons and coloring books are good. Small trucks or action figures travel well.

Food always helps — we bring small juice boxes (keep an eye on the ounces to get thru security).. Bring some small snacks that the child is familiar with for a long ride. If I have a morning flight, I pack cereal in a baggie and request milk as the in-flight drink so he can have breakfast on the flight. I also always bring lollipops. This helps his ears while landing. I usually bring ring pops because they are also entertaining. I give it to him about a half an hour before we land. Now he knows when he gets a ring pop on the airplane, we are almost there. Also, pack a similar supply of items in your suitcase for the ride home. …Read More>>

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