A small Investment for PEACE while traveling

Yes, I will admit, I am no admirable blogger (it has been a MONTH - horrors!), but mostly due to being primarily a one-woman operation (excuses, excuses), it's tax season..... BUT, that being said, I still have LOTS of ideas, just not ALWAYS the time to put them in type...

My thought of the day as I was putting my new Nordic skis on the roof is that I am thankful to have a roof rack that keeps them safe and on TOP of my car (leaving room for all the other things we will soon pack IN the vehicle to go to "Ya-Ya's" house later this afternoon). My point? When one invests money in things, like a trip (are you starting to see where I'm going with this?), it seems silly, and perhaps 'unsafe' NOT to invest in a few things to 'insure' the entertainment of your children for the trip to that lovely beach destination or the exotic lodge for the winter ski trip. Let's keep this in perspective.....

You just spent a few thousand dollars on a big trip, and decided to fore go the money for travel activities. The result? Kids NOT traveling Happy, and as a result, no adult is happy either.

You don't have to spend a lot, just take a look around our site, you can shop by mode of travel, age, theme, activity type and more. We even have CUSTOM kits, where you pick how much money you want to spend, answer a few questions and we do all the work. We will even wrap a few of the items for FREE. Send us an email if you need some advice. We're always happy to help.

Don't forget to check out our Travel Trays, the solution to easy play on-the-go.

Remember, it's a small investment to keep the kids entertained (AND, we'll keep them UNPLUGGED - that's our thing), and we like to think of ourselves as the FROSTING on the cake - maybe not completely necessary, but almost always enhances the experience.

Kids first BACKPACKING Trip

Another way to have "kids travel happy"...... last weekend we hiked into a cabin near Jackson, NH, with our two boys, my Mom, and her partner, Lynn (and Moxy, our pup). It was what we like to think of as a perfect introduction to backpacking.
First of all, the cabin is a gem, it sleeps 8, and although uninsulated, has a wood stove, which made it toasty, even on a cool mid-November night.

We DID have to carry sleeping pads, sleeping bags, food, cook-stoves, cook pots, utensils & bowls, etc., but because the hike was less than 1.5 miles each way, we also carried a box of wine, our knitting (well, my mom and I) and enough food for more than the one night we stayed there.

The kids (4 and 7 years old) each had their own "packing list" and had to carry their spare clothes, toothbrush, hat, gloves, flashlight, book & one activity of their choice.

We enjoyed reading the journal entries of past visitors in the cabin, as well as eating our "cabin made" tasty pesto, roasted red pepper, artichoke, black olive, parmesan cheese pasta! For dessert? Starbucks via decaf and biscotti from Trader Joe's! Oh yes, we were 'roughing' it!

It was a beautifully, clear night and we had fun with the Star Charts and studying the constellations. Dylan, our 7-year old was particularly into this!

The next morning we warmed up with Old Fashioned Oatmeal, and a loop hike to the summit of Black Mountain and a beautiful view of Mt Washington - the northeast's highest (and a little snowy!) peak at 6288' above sea level.
We knew the trip was a success as on the way down, our 4-year old said "my favorite thing to do outside is to hike, and to stay at THAT cabin".
Want more info about these Forest Service Cabins? At only $20 per night up to 8 people, they are a bargain! And, dogs allowed!!

Fun for all, nothing plugged in, and time for knitting and cribbage playing (by gas latern, of course)

Custom Activity Kits make 'gifting' Easy

We love telling about our travel adventures (near and far) and we like to think that these journeys have helped us learn how to make the trip more fun and interesting for kids.

Do you have a child or grandchild going on a trip? A niece? Nephew? Friend's family? With the holidays coming up (and inevitably holiday travel, whether it's on a plane or off to grandma's), gift giving can get overwhelming.

Not sure what to get? We'd like to think that we have the answer to this dilemma!

We have designed our exclusive Custom Travel Activity Kits - in our own cinch sack which start at $49. All you have to do as the purchaser is answer a few questions to give us some ideas on what to pack, including: gender, age, type of travel, categories to include (or NOT to include), any items you definitely want included, and a couple other questions. It just takes a moment and then we do the rest of the work. (and, if you are NOT sure how to answer the questions, let the child do so buy purchasing a KTH Gift Certificate!)

These kits always ship no later than the next business day as we make them from in-stock items. An added bonus is for kits $99 and up they ship FREE (U.S. addresses), and for kits $149 and up you receive a FREE KTH Essentials Kit (more INFO HERE on that)Don't want to spend a minimum of $49? Well, we also have 'mini' kits that start at $9.99. We can pack this category of custom kits with a fun, economical set of 'classic' toys & games for the budding 'globe trotter' - these also make a great alternative to traditional "Party Favor" bags. (photo is a sample of $9.99 contents)

We've all been in the situation where we hear "I'm bored", "When are we going to get there" etc... These kits are sure to keep these statements to a minimum and will be something to play with LONG after the trip is over. Remember, when "kids travel happy" adults can too!! :-)_

Trunkis Turn Heads during Airport Travel

We purchased Trunkis originally for our boys for a train trip one Summer, and with our recent trip to New York City so I could attend the Toy Fair, there was a renewed interest in their 'ride-on' luggage.

Little did we know the attention they would draw! Currently, the two that we have (above) are NOT available (as they are being improved with additional features from the original versions), but we do have Harley the LADYBUG, and TIPU the Tiger on order and expected to arrive the week of February 22nd. Look for Terrance (BLUE - as pictured with one of our sons above) and Trixie (PINK) as well as a BUMBLEBEE to arrive later this Spring.

Features as listed by the Manufacturer
• Carry handle - quick to grab for a departure gate dash
• Locking catches - stop toys falling into the wrong hands
• Key - fixed to strap so it never gets lost
• Teddybear seatbelts - strap in the toys and stop them tumbling out
• Internal pouch - for keeping little things tucked away and easy to find
• Horn grips - take control, grab the horns and steer your Trunki
• Stabilizers - prevent over-excited tots from toppling off
• Integrated wheels - extra wide wheel base for superb cornering
• Comfortable saddle - rest tired legs in queues
• ID tag - just in case your Trunki or tot get lost
• Towing handle - keep the kids in tow whilse carrying your own hand luggage
• Strong hooks - tow several tots at a time!
• Strap - throw over shoulder if you’re in a rush

Our boys (3 and 6) had a great time waiting for our checked luggage, as they cruised around on their Trunkis while we waited. We were thankful they had that distraction, not to mention that they then became in charge of their own inflight activities that kept them "traveling happy. We also could pull them along and keep them close when the airport 'traffic' was more congested, which was also comforting.

Contact us if you'd like one reserved! They retail for $49.99(solid colors) and $59.99 (animals), and are eligible toward our $99 and up FREE shipping offer. Also look for some fun new accessories for these (arriving soon!).

You'll FLIP over these, so to speak

We LOVE these games from Melissa & Doug, as they have NO loose pieces and are self-contained (well, there is a 'loose' dry erase pen for the Hangman....)

WHY? you may ask....
First of all, in reference to all games generally

• all are easy to take on any trip (who says you must learn about states and capitals WHILE driving ONLY?)
• wooden, quality toys
• educational
  

More Specifically...

• Flip to Win HANGMAN: Classic word game with a twist! Think of a word and try to stump your opponent. Includes one game board with erasable whiteboard, self-storing dry-erase marker and eraser. No loose pieces (except for the dry erase pen & eraser lid)
  

• Flip to Win Memory Match: Choose from among fourteen fun themes, slide a card into the gameboard and start looking for matches. This handy memory game includes one game board, seven double-sided game cards and a two-player scoreboard. There are no loose pieces and everything conveniently stores in the board

• Flip to Win License Plate Game: Add excitement to travel with this sturdy, reusable classic travel game from Melissa & Doug. Learn the name and location of all fifty states, identify states by their license plate design or simply plot your trip by flipping the states along your route...this is truly fun on the go! No loose pieces to leave a trail! Can be played by one or more players. Backside of license plate has state capitals (cool!).

TRY one out on your next trip (or rainy day!) and you'll be 'flipping' before you know it!

And the WINNER IS.....

Thanks to Random.org - #7 AMWEEKS.

Congratulations, and thanks to all of you for your comments and tweets! Much appreciated. Join us again for October's giveaway later this month, and for another BLOG entry this week!

MAP themed Giveaway

On the theme of MAPS (see blog post below), we're going to give some away (check out links for even more info).

• Perfect road trip item from Rand McNally USA Road Map for Kids
  
• Start the 'navigation process' with a Play Compass
• Inflatable Globe from Toysmith - learn about the world, pack a ball for the beach!
  
• WORLD MAP Reusable Vinyl Sticker Play Scene Set. Dream about where your next adventure will be
• a $25 value, and we'll even ship it for FREE to any U.S.A. address

It's Easy to WIN, first choose one of the preferred (but NOT mandatory) methods (or BOTH) of entry (worth one each)

1. become a follower of the BLOG (on the right-hand column) OR follow KidsTravelHappy on Twitter OR both for 2 entries (if you already follow, just comment below to get credit)
   

ADDITIONAL Entries (feel free to participate in any or all of these!)

1. Tweet about this contest by copying this " I just entered to win a 'Set of Maps for Kids' from @KidsTravelHappy http://tinyurl.com/c6ptco "
2. Become a Facebook Fan
3. go to our home page and join our newsletter (sign up is lower LEFT of screen, you may have to scroll down)
4. Visit the USA & World section of our site and let us know what other Map related item you like
   
5. leave a comment about where you would go if budgeting wasn't an issue
   
6. BLOG about this giveaway - this is worth FIVE entries

REMEMBER: make sure that you comment ONCE for any of the above that you do, and FIVE times for Blogging about the giveaway. Good Luck!

Entry for Giveaway ends 11:59PM on September 30th, 2009.

Enjoying the Preparation as much as the Trip?!

I've just sent my oldest off to 1st grade this week, and with Labor Day on the horizon, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by the thought of a 2-night camping trip we have planned with friends. Not that camping is too big of a deal, but when we add the element of 'island' and canoeing to that island, it gets a bit more complicated.

My first reaction is that it's a LOT of work for a couple of days, 3 other families, kids, meal planning, bugs (yes, our screwed up climate has brought Maine the seemingly longest bug season ever), gear, gear, gear. Don't get me wrong, I am an outdoors person, and in fact, LOVE that my husband and I have collected over the years, piles of fine gear. I am excited to use it. But, with the start of school, moving across town to a new home, my business, etc. it seems like another thing to add to the list.

So, I pause. Deep breath. (another few deep breaths...)

Now, preparation aside, it's going to be great. Unplugged, beach play, paddling, good conversation, great food (we always eat well, and thankfully, I've been fortunate to have equally skilled cooks as friends!), and for all the reasons in a previous paragraph, the PERFECT time to get away from it all. It's like anything else, make a bunch of excuses, don't go, regret it vs. commit to it, enjoy the planning and anticipation, NO regrets.

One thing I have realized is that when packing for these sort of 'trips', even though we are only driving a couple of hours, then paddling a canoe 1/2-mile or so, with everything else going on, I have NO time to really think about what I need to pack. Thankfully (yes, I'm anal this way), I have an excel workbook full of packing lists, and each sheet is a different type of trip, which I faithfully update post-trip with all those things I should have brought. These lists are a little work, but in the end, prevent re-writing, and remembering everything, every time.

As a revel in my overwhelming list from the last camping trip, I have added a 'menu' section, so as not to overpack food for less than 48 total hours. This has become especially helpful for pre-trip grocery shopping, condiment packing, etc.

As a group, we have picked 2 themes, one for Saturday's dinner (Caribbean) and one for Sunday's dinner (Asian), so, we are bringing a pot of properly themed 'stew', and Sushi for Sunday.

Anyone want to join us? Next post will be a follow up to what we did, how we entertained the kids, what we discovered, learned, and won't do again!!

Separated from a Child during Travels

As you look around for your child, you think of all the plans you SHOULD have made before you became separated. It is SO easy for this to happen, even in familiar places. We thought we'd come up with a list of a few simple things to remedy this situation should your family be unfortunate to get into it.

As parents, when we travel, we try to make note of what our boys are wearing.

• Put your child/ren in bright colored shirt or jacket
• Have the child wear a hat
• This sounds silly, but have your family dress the same when you travel (or, go to any other crowded public place, shopping malls etc.) - it's easy to say to someone when describing a missing child that they are "dressed just like me... only smaller". No need to remember what they have on.
• Don't dress a child with something with his/her name easily seen on it
• Write a note with your phone # (cell), my Mommy's (or Daddy's) name is _____, maybe something that says "I am lost, please help me" for children too young to know exactly how to help themselves be found, and stick it in a pocket or other safe spot on their body.

If you are at an airport, amusement park etc.

• Make a plan to meet at an easily seen from most anywhere spot (a tall ride, a certain flag, etc.)
• Teach your child to find a Police Officer or Security Guard to help locate you, and teach them the many different ways this type of person may be dressed
  
• Bring walkie-talkies (hand-held radios) or cell phones to keep communication with older children
• Teach your child (if old enough) NOT to give out too much information, especially if talking with a stranger
• It's best if the child knows NOT to wander further once they realize they are separated, it will make them easier to find
  

Other useful hints

• Keep current photos of your children on your cell phone, iTouch, iPod etc. to show in case of a lost child while traveling
• As soon as you realize your child is lost, report it, especially if you are somewhere where it can be announced over an intercom
• If you have many kids of various ages, have each child have a 'buddy' - an older child helping out with keeping track of a younger child
  
• If you want to protect your kids in the highest of tech ways, there are wrist-worn satellite tracking devices that can be put on a child

A few other good 'safety advice' links to check out for even more info

• Safer Summer Fun - advice from Ntl Ctr of Missing & Exploited Children
• Travel & Leisure Magazine Article on becoming Separated from Child
• Getting Separated in Public & Stranger Safety
  

The best bit of advice, of course, is to teach children not to stray away, and to keep your eyes on your children, especially in crowded places. We live in a rural, generally VERY safe town, so our children have NOT grown up with any fear of the chance of 'bad' things happening, which becomes difficult when we travel away from home.

Please comment with YOUR experiences or ADD other hints and ideas! Surely we've missed some.

Documents & Regulations for Travel

With my Passport renewal due in October, and setting our sites on visiting Costa Rica with the kids in 2010, I have started to look into renewal costs, how much it will cost for the kids etc.

In a nutshell, a U.S. Adult Passport (ages 16 and Up) costs $100
If you already have a U.S. Passport and meet certain requirements, you can renew through the mail and save $25.

WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) - regulations.
These just changed the 1st of June. Do you know what these changes are?
Generally, (and I'm quoting) "The goal of WHTI is to facilitate entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors, while strengthening U.S. border security. Standard documents will enable the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler."
MORE INFO HERE.

Wondering what (if any) type of ID your Kids need these days? Here's some general info, and then see our 'link-list' below for more detailed information.

• TSA Adult ID requirements
• Generally speaking, minors Domestic U.S. travel requirements for identification are NONE, however, it is highly recommended that for safety issues children have some form of I.D. (on their body somewhere) whenever they travel
• Check with your airline for their specific requirements which may vary
• There are additional requirements for children traveling SOLO, this link is a great resource for required documentation for that type of travel
  

What's a Passport Card?
A Passport Card has the same validity as a Passport (see above), but is only valid to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. It cannot be used for International AIR travel (even to any of the previously mentioned bordering countries). The advantage of a Passport Card is that it is wallet sized, and cheaper, $45 for an adult, $35 for those 16 and under, and only $20 to renew.

So, you've determined that you need a Passport, NOT the Passport Card, now what?
For those applying for the first time, it will cost you $100 for a 10 year Passport if you are 16 and over, and $85 for first time applicants under 16. Minor Passports must be renewed every 5 years. First time applicants MUST go and apply in person .

Other links, costs and important travel document information.

• U.S. Passport resources, lead times, costs
• International Travel Information by country
• Center of Disease Control - traveler's health
• Kids & Air Travel without an Adult

The bottom line? All these things need proper planning, Passports can take a while (READ "4-8 WEEKS!"), unless you are willing to pay many times worth their value. If you are planning an international trip in the near future, file your application. Kids need Passports for international travel, and check with your airline for domestic travel.

When you plan ahead you can make sure everyone 'travels happy'!

Eating Vegetarian away from Home

In relation to eating vegetarian I feel compelled to tell a story of traveling in California a few years back (at the time our now 6 year old was only 3 months old). Now, this is NOT a story to try to convert anyone to any sort of eating style, as it is my husband and my choice to raise our children vegetarian (and, we use that term loosely, as we are technically lacto-ovo meaning we eat dairy and egg products, as well as wild caught fish). I will also point out that if our children WANT to try red meat (or chicken, pork, hot dogs... is that a meat?), we are totally OK with it, they just won't get it at home. This story can be related also to any family with a member (or members) with any type of special dietary need.

Back to my original story, we're in CA, late at night, with 8 of us and our RV outside of Yosemite looking for dinner for both carnivores and omnivores. The result (sigh) Denny's. Starving, we all pile into our 'round' seating arrangement, scour the menu, and 4 of us opt for the 'veggie' burger. It comes out, I bite into it first, and MY first thought... NOT veggie burger. We bring this immediately to the attention of our waitron, she goes back to the cook and asks. We are then assured that the burgers are in fact 'Boca' Burgers, and skeptically, the other 3 take bites of their burgers. The consensus... animal MEAT. So, at this point (and it's approx 11PM, mind you), we get the attention of the waitron again, she goes back, is shown the box, and Boca Burger it is (as far as we know). Well, we all ate the burgers (with some hesitation, but we were hungry!), and no one was ill in the AM (I hadn't had red meat for 15 years), so I now question what was added to the burger to make it taste so 'meaty' (the same grill as the meat burgers?)

Result of this experience.. NOTE TO SELF, have a better idea of late night (or any time of day) veggie protein options wherever I travel.

I've searched the web in the past and here are some of the resources I've used since, starting with my favorite.

1. The Happy Cow - a Compassionate Eating Guide: a vegetarian restaurant guide and directory of health food stores, has a global directory, reviews, search options and more
2. Vegetarian USA - the Vegetarian Travel Guide, FREE city and state guides (USA): excellent resource for vegetarians, from lodging, to health food stores & restaurants
   
3. VegDining.com - 'your online guide to vegetarian dining around the world': good resource, but requires membership to enjoy the best benefits, worth a look, however
4. We also suggest (in the US) at Chamber of Commerce sites, which usually have good local directories

A few other thoughts when choosing a Restaurant while traveling

1. Sitting in a hotel somewhere? Pick the consierge's brain, thumb throught the yellow pages, ask locals
2. pick up a local paper and browse the ads, take note while sight-seeing or drving around somewhere, and see what looks popular
   
3. always carry some non-perishable snacks for yourself and your kids while on the quest for a dinner location, they will tie you over so you don't have to settle for choosing among a couple of veggie options on a menu at a non-vegetarian restaurant. If you are a vegetarian (or, have a desire for sea food, kosher food, or other special dietary need) it's worth finding a place where the entire menu is an option.
4. our last bit of advice (and thus the 'snack' tip above) is to start looking for a place to eat before you NEED to eat (and, more importantly, before the KIDS need to eat). It will save you from settling for anywhere, and avoid a child glucose crash meltdown

And, as a website specializing in making sure "kids Travel Happy" - it's always good to have things to do! Check out our Family Time Dinner Games