Traveling with your dog

Earlier this week, we were talking about traveling with kids, and how to do that right. But what about when the four-footed members of your family come along? Today let’s look at some tips that might help you with that.

• I have seen a lot of hotels that advertise that they are pet a friendly. But I’m not sure that means the same thing to everyone. So you will want to call ahead to make sure your dog will have everything he needs.
• Before you leave on your expedition might be a great time to take your pet to the vet, just to make sure that there are no health problems to watch out for along the way.
• Some hotels, campgrounds, and other accommodations provide everything you may need for your pet. But that is the exception and not the rule. So at the minimum, you will want to take your dog’s food and a leash. Did the vet put your dog on any medicine? Be sure not to forget that.
• Buckle up for safety, ever heard that expression? That’s true not just for you, but also for your pet. Pet stores sell doggie seats and harnesses. And keeping your dog secure also means that your pet will not do anything crazy while you’re driving keeping you safer as well.
• Going to the bathroom, it’s something all of us do. Does your pet go on command? That’s something you might want to work on before your trip. It will make bathroom breaks quicker, and will enable your pet to get used to going anywhere.
• Your pet is going to need to take a break out of the car every few hours. Factor those stops in when you’re considering your overall driving time. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Look up some vets in the place you are going just in case an emergency comes up. Keep that information on your phone.
• Never feed your dog right before your trip. Feeding them a couple of hours will help ensure that your dog will not make a mess in your car.
• Take your pet on a test drive just to make sure they do well in the car. Drive for at least an hour or two to make sure they do well. If they do not well on that drive, you are going to be better off to find a dog sitter for your trip.

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About Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival

When you think of Disney, you think of the most wonderful place on earth for children, way? And while it is true that a lot of what Disney has to offer puts big smiles on children’s faces, Disney also also has plenty that adults will enjoy as well, and I’m not just talking about those adults that never seem to grow up. Today we are going to look at something that may be geared mostly for adults, Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival. This festival started in 1996 and has grown steadily ever since. It used to last only a month, but now it lasts 75 days.

• Have you been to this festival before. Don’t worry. There are always new foods and wines that you can try.
• If you’re like me and have a real sweet tooth, you’ll be happy to know that there will be over 100,000 desserts served.
• You’re more than welcome to explore all the food options which are available online.
• Disney does nothing that isn’t pretty big and meant to awe. For this event, they’ve gathered almost one hundred chefs from eight countries and twenty states. And some of Disney’s own chefs will be included as well.
• And this festival isn’t just about the food, there are workshops, seminars on beverages and cheeses, and a lot of musical performances.
• Disney has something special going on on Sundays here at the festival. The event is called “Sunday Brunch with the Chef”, and will feature all kinds of different chefs.
• Do you enjoy scavenger hunts? Disney puts on a scavenger hunt that will feature Remy from Ratatouille. Completed maps will earn you a prize.

I would love to get your thoughts on any of this. I would also love to help you book a trip Disney.

Not taking vacations leads to…

I must confess that I often have no idea what I am going to write about each day until I get ready to write, unless I’m in the middle of a series or something. I often look at travel news for inspiration.

But there are certain things I’m passionate about.. My heart in this business is to help families reconnect through travel. Families are extremely busy these days. Both parents usually have careers they are working on. They may have parents they’re trying to take care of. And then somewhere, somehow, even grown ups need some time to relax and have fun. And children have their school and then all their extracurricular activities. Families hardly take the time to sit down and eat together.. I think families spending so little time together is why so many families are breaking up. And that is devastating. I think the breakdown of the family may be part of why this country is getting so messed up.. But let’s not go there.

BUT ANYWAY. Work\life balance is so important. I talk about that balance a lot on my Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelforMompreneurs/. Back to what I was saying earlier, usually I don’t know what to talk about, but I again wanted something about this passion I have for work\life balance today.

And then I saw this article on the travel news about how Americans taking fewer vacations. And not only are we as a society taking fewer vacations, taking fewer vacations is leading to depression in some people. This is especially true of people who have not taken a vacation in two years or more.

Is that you? I would love to help you plan a vacation. All you have to do is to write me at familytripsinc1@gmail.com. I’ll help you work through everything you need to in order to plan an excellent vacation. Please let me know.

Traveling with kids #3

Having children can add a lot to your life. True, there is a lot you have to think about and plan for when you have children, but life is so much richer with their smiles, giggles, and funny sayings. And traveling with them is always an adventure. We can learn so much when we see things from a child’s perspective.. That is especially true when we’re traveling together. So let’s get back to tips.

• Try to plan your flights around the time the children usually go to bed, so that they will sleep while you’re in the air. True, sometimes evening flights can be more expensive, but the peace might be worth it. You will also want to bring snacks to make sure no one goes hungry. And bring your Ipad in case someone can’t sleep.
• If you are breastfeeding your, do some research to figure out whether it is acceptable to feed your baby in public. Some countries will frown on that. Other places will not give it a second thought.
• You’ll also want to research questions like… Will you need visas for your desired destination? What is required, and what is recommended as far as health precautions? What kind of currency do they use, and what is the best way to obtain that?
• Talk to your child about the trip you’re planning to take them on. Explain as much as they can possibly understand. Children love to be in the know.

Traveling with kids #2

I hope everyone had a good weekend. I know I did. When you work from home, it seems extra important to try to get out and do some fun things on the weekend. I did have some fun this weekend, and that makes starting work again much better. We are going to get back to some tips you might want to remember when you’re traveling with children.

• Okay, if this is your first time traveling with your first baby, you would be wise to remember that traveling with a baby is going to be different than traveling as a
• couple or group of adults. That resort you and your friends absolutely loved might not be the best to take your children to. Were there a lot of hills to walk that you might not want to push a stroller up and down? Were there long waits at the restaurants? Were people coming up and down the halls at all hours of the night?
• If you are going to be vacationing at a place where you are going to be in seas of people, make sure you have your name and a way to contact you inside all your child’s clothing. And please remember what your children are wearing.
• Planning on going to the beach? You might want to make sure that the place you’re staying has a pool as well. Some children love the ocean, others will not go near it. However, most all children I know love playing in pools.
• A fairly common question for most new parents is, what should I take to hold my baby? Should we take a stroller, or should we just take a sling and be done with it? There are a lot of factors to this. Is the place you are going hot, or will it be pretty temperate? How much packing room will you have? What do you and your baby prefer?

We are going to get back to this discussion tomorrow. Would love to know what you are thinking.

Tips for traveling with kids #1

Yesterday we were talking about why it is important to travel with kids. Today let’s look at some tips on how to best do that.

• The first thing to do is to remember that this is good for your kids. Everyone learns when traveling. And of course, traveling is also a great way to bond. I know this may seem a little daunting, but everyone will become accustomed to it the more you travel together.
• Traveling with your family is not a time you want to rush around. Take your time. Enjoy being together, use your time to actually talk to one another and listen.
• People have babies in other countries too, you know. You do not need to pack every last thing you might need. You can always buy things you need once you’re there. Resorts and cruise ships will often everything you might need are, everything from formula and baby food, to diapers and cribs.
• And that kind of brings up a big question. Would you rather go to a hotel or resort where you will pampered at every turn? Hotels have maid service. Resorts will also have that and will places where you can eat your meals. Or would you rather have a vacation rental where you might have more room, but pretty much have to figure everything for yourself??

We are going to get back to this discussion Monday. I would love to know your thoughts?

Why travel with children

 

Traveling by yourself is one thing. You can go anywhere what you want any time you feel like it. Traveling once you’re married is a little different. You have to consider the other person’s needs and wishes. It is still two adults traveling and making memories together. But will you be able to travel once you start your family? Don’t children need a routine to get on and stick to? Can they understand anything about why things are so different? Won’t they hate the different food? Will they do things that will offend the native people?

• Okay, first, I am the oldest of eight, and we traveled ALL THE TIME. Most of our trips were to visit family or friends in places we used to live. We never seemed to mind getting out of our routines. It was nice to visit with loved ones. And every one of us now loves to travel.
• We’ve all seen the meltdown children have in restaurants or on airplanes. The truth is that children are resilient, and the more we expose them to other cultures, the more they’ll want to experience for themselves.
• I know some would call this cruel, but children will eat once they get hungry. Exposing them to many different foods when they are young will be good for them. They may enjoy more than you think they will. Children can learn languages quicker than adults can. It is just a fact of life.
• And hearing other languages will also improve their English as well. Children are more adaptable. They see other children do something, and they’re likely to want to do it too. They’re more likely to make friends wherever they go.
• Travel helps build their confidence. At home, you have your established routines, everyone knows what’s to happen when. Travel can be unpredictable. Problems can come up, and this can help teach children problem solving.

I would love to know your thoughts about any of this.

River cruising and millennials #2

Okay, let’s get back to some other reasons that you, as a young adult, might enjoy a river cruise.

• This first one may be a big one for a lot of people. Carnival, and cruises like that, might have some excellent deals, but from everything I hear, you are going to be nickel and dimed every time you turn around. Their crew expects tips. You are likely going to pay most any time you want a soda, much less an adult beverage. You may even have to pay for some of your meals. Do you want wifi? They’ll charge you. Do you want to go on the shore excursions to actually see your destinations? That will cost you more too. River cruises are going to cost you more up front, there’s no question of that. But once you are on board, pretty much you will not have to worry about money at all. All your meals will be covered, lunch and dinner usually include an adult beverage. All your excursions are included.
• Wine tours are definitely in vogue these days. People are always wanting to tour vineyards and wineries. They also love doing wine tastings. River cruises are always doing wine tours like this. Not at all interested in wine? Vineyards are often beautiful places. Take pictures to give your friends fomo.
• Millennials like to do things their own way. Do you have a wine you especially enjoy? Bring a bottle along with you. Find wine you love while you are doing your tours. Buy some and bring it with you. River cruises are a lot more relaxed about you having alcohol on board.
• You might want to explore Germany for its excellent food. You are going to find great sausages here. There are also some great pretzels to be had here. And don’t get me started on the pastries. With river cruises, it is easier to get anything you want.
• Amsterdam is a great city to explore. Do you like art? There’s a lot to be seen and enjoyed here. You will also find a lot of great bakeries and coffee houses here.

River cruising and millennials #1

 

River cruising is getting more and more popular. You may be thinking, “River cruising? I’m way too young for that,” what I’m reading is that Millennials are getting into river cruises as well. Today let’s look at some reasons why.

• These millennials absolutely love social media. They love giving their friends fomo, [and for those that don’t know, fomo means, “fear of missing out”. And what better way than to travel to to places most people never get to and post all these magnificent pictures?
• Okay, so how exactly do they do that? River cruise boats can get in and out of places that those huge cruise ships can never get to. So river cruises explore a mix of huge cities and tiny villages.
• Millennials love to immerse themselves in the places that they are visiting. With river cruising, most excursions come as part of the package you pay for up front, this way you can learn all about your destinations.
• At the same time, you don’t have to go on the tours if you don’t want to. Sometimes you might just want to strike out on your own. Decide when you start out, and where you go.
• A lot of river cruises are going to have overnights at certain ports. But if you want to stay over in a port where your cruise is not going to overnight, all you have to do is ask the staff.

We are going to get back to this discussion tomorrow.. I would love to know your thoughts.

 

Ways to work around extra charges for single cruisers

People say that the perfect time to travel is before you settle down to get married and start a family. But when it comes to cruising, that is not necessarily true because a lot of cruises are going to charge you extra [sometimes even up to double]. Why do they do this? Because most the rooms are going to be occupied by at least a couple, if not more, and the cruiseline is counting on that income. Now it is true that some cruiselines are starting to have mercy on single people, but that is certainly not true across the board yet. Today let’s look at some ways you might get around those steep fees.

• When you first call to ask about booking a cruise, ask if they have any cabins for one, or studio cabins as they’re often called. Norwegian Cruise Line has kind of led the way when it comes to singles’ cruising. With Norwegian, singles are going to have their own area where other people can’t get into. Singles will also have their own get togethers.
• You could also sign up for a Match program where the cruise pair you up with another single who you’ll room with. They always pair people of the same sex so that nothing awkward will occur..You may find a new bestie.
• Not sure about either of these? You can always bring friend along on your cruise. Not only will that help with cost, it will also give you someone to do things with.

I would love to know your thoughts about any of this.