Full Disclosure: What My Travels are REALLY Like

I've had a few comments from friends lately about how they could never take their kids to all the places I have taken mine. They see the (carefully selected) photos on my Facebook page and think that our trips are filled with rainbows and happy children. They think back on their own trips with tired and/or crying children and feel like they have failed at traveling with kids.

While over the years I have developed some habits and systems that make traveling with kids easier, that doesn’t mean my trips are always smooth and easy. In reality, there isn’t a major airport in the US in which I haven’t been spit up on or pooped on.

So in the spirit of full disclosure, here are some of the “highlights” of our travels.

• On a 3 ½ hour flight from ATL to SLC my 11-month old screeched for literally over two hours straight. It was a happy screech, but it was a screech nonetheless. The other passengers were not kind. Not even a little.
• Once while traveling with a toddler and a baby, I put my back pack on the sink of the airport restroom. The top of the backpack was open because I had just gotten some items out of it. While I attended to the baby in the stroller, my open backpack fell into the sink, activated the automatic faucet and began filling the backpack with water. I didn’t notice until it was WAY too late.
• On another long haul domestic flight, my 4 year old threw up. All over. I mean ALL OVER. They had to clean up all three seats we were sitting in. Luckily it was an empty flight and there was an entire row open. So we packed up and moved all our stuff to a new row. Where she threw up again.
• I usually pack my own snacks when we travel. One rare occasion I actually bought a milkshake at the airport and then handed it to a child who immediately spilled it on my carry-on. Somehow, it managed to land upside down in exactly the right way to ooze straight down in in the depression and holes created by the retractable handle on the luggage. How’s that possible?
• I spent the night in the JFK airport with 3 children (and a husband) when nearly every flight was canceled and all the hotels were booked up. Notice I didn’t say that I slept in the airport. Not a lot of sleep happened that night. 
• My children have spilled all kinds of drinks on other passengers. I used to love flying on SkyWest Airlines because they had lids for their cups. I finally got wise and just started asking the flight attendant to put the drinks straight into our sippy cups. Also ask for drinks without ice.
• On a road trip, we were about 30 minutes from home when we noticed that one of our children had absolutely nothing on his feet. Mother of the year right here.
• While on a plane with an infant on my lap, we were actually served a meal. Try balancing food on one of those tray tables while holding an infant. Apparently, balancing was the least of my worries because my 1 year old picked up my salad and threw it into the row in front of us.
• At Disneyland, we only brought one pacifier for our baby. He spit it out on the Dumbo ride right into the water below. Not so much the happiest place on earth after that.
• One trip we had two long flights ahead of us, so I packed a lunch for us. For almost three hours on the first flight, my kids begged for their lunch. I promised them we would eat during our layover. The minute we landed, they wanted to eat.  I wanted to get to our next gate and get settled, so I told them to wait until we got to our gate at the other end of the airport.  As soon as we sat down at the gate, the ravenous wolves were reaching for the lunch bag. That’s when we realized it was still on the airport train. We went back and checked the next four trains for our lunch but it was gone.
• Speaking of leaving things, you name it and  I have left it on a plane, in a hotel, or at home. We’re talking socks, toothbrushes, receiving blankets, clothes, stuffed animals, cameras, cell phones, lunches and even an entire suitcase once.  Luckily, we haven’t left behind any children…yet. 

So are my trips all sunshine and daisies? No, but then neither is everyday life. And just like the sweet moments make the daily grind of child rearing worth it, the great memories of our trips block out the temper tantrums of tired kids, the nasty looks from other passengers, and the back aches from lugging around three kids' stuff. Well…almost.

101 Things to Do in Oakland

On a recent trip to San Francisco, we decided to fly into Oakland on the other side of the bay. I was happy with the choice because Oakland doesn't suffer as heavily from weather delays and I found the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit, or train) commute from the airport to Embarcadero just as convenient, but cheaper.

Here are some great ideas for activities in Oakland if you want to do some exploring before heading towards the seven hills of San Francisco. This list was compiled by Visit Oakland.

 

 

 

Pinching Pennies: 5 Great Ways to Save on Public Transportation

So, you are off to the city for a family vacation. Before you book that car rental, wait! Gas, parking and car rental fees can add up fast. Plus, parking in a city can be a real hassle with kids. Trains, subways and even buses can make getting around with kids a lot cheaper, more convenient and (for the kids) a lot more fun. Let’s face it, sometimes getting there is part of the adventure. When a kid gets in the car, it is the same old routine but a subway is exciting. Using public transportation can give them a sense of adventure and independence. My kids love scanning a subway card and finding the right stop on a map. So leave those car seats at home and take the train, tube, metro, light rail or subway.

Here are five great ways to save money when traveling around any city with kids.

 

1.       Look for a free fare zone

Many cities like to encourage people to come to their shopping and entertainment districts by offering a “free fare zone.” Although some cities, like Portland and Seattle, have recently done away with these zones, you can still find them in many mid-size cities such as Salt Lake City, Pittsburgh and Buffalo.

 

2.       Check Fare and Age requirements

Kids under two ride free on most bus and subway systems, but some cities are generous to even older children. In London, kids 10 and under are free when traveling with a paying adult. The MBTA in Boston offers free rides to kids up to age 12.

 

3.       Check for a group rate or family fare

Save money by buying a group or family ticket. In Munich, two adults and 6 kids or one adult and 8 kids can travel all day for just €11 (look for the Partner Day Ticket).  Salt Lake’s group fare is just $15 for four people.  

 

4.       Look into a day pass or week pass

Most cities offer a day pass or week pass at a significant discount, sometimes for around the same price as 2-3 single ride tickets.  Portland's day pass is a bargain at $5. In Amsterdam, children through age 11 can ride all day for €2.50. Or ride all week in Minneapolis-St. Paul for $22. 

 

Sometimes I like to opt for the day pass even if I think I might just be making a round trip or a few stops. Kids can get tired pretty easy after a long day of sightseeing. I like having the option to just jump on the train or bus to go 2-3 blocks rather than dragging a tired 4 year-old that distance. Plus, even a short ride on the train often rejuvenates little ones and gives them a little more energy to get through that last museum or landmark.

 

Be sure to check the time restrictions on these types of tickets. Some day and week passes go from midnight to midnight, while others are valid from the time you first ride.

 

5.       Ask for a discount

So, the city you are going to doesn’t have a free fare zone, doesn’t let older kids ride free and doesn’t offer a group fare or day passes. Don’t give up yet! Check and see if the transportation system offers a child discount. In Paris, kids 10 and under ride for about half the price of adults. Kids up to age 18 can travel for just $1.25 each trip in Seattle.

If you plan on using the subway or bus system, keep in mind these tips for a smooth ride. Use an umbrella stroller whenever possible. Elevators are few and far between and not always in service. Be honest about following the age and time restrictions. Be sure to research ahead of time because transportation policies can always change and don't be afraid to ask questions. And don't be afraid to let your kids swipe or scan their own tickets. Then just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!

Keukenhof for Kids

On a visit to Amsterdam, I packed up my husband and kids and sent them into the city while I took a bus out to the famous open air gardens of Keukenhof. Then I spent the next three hours wishing I had brought them with me.  Hidden around every corner was something else for kids to climb over, run through, or play on. Keukenhof is a giant playground for kids!

Here are just a few of my favorite things for kids to do at Keukenhof:

1. Explore a windmill

 

2. Dance in front of the old organ

3. Take a boat ride around the gardens
(about 45 minutes. €8 adults/€4 children/under 3 free)

 

4. Solve the hedge maze

 

5. Eat "poffertjes" at the Small Pancake Pavilion

 

6.  Play in the Miffy playground

 
 

7. Criss-cross the many bridges over the canals

 

 
 

8. Play chess on the giant chess board

9. Walk among the sheep in the petting zoo

 

10. Try on a giant wooden shoe (you know you want to!)

 



 

 

IF YOU GO:
Keukenhof is open March 20-May 18, 2014
Hours: 8:00-19:30, ticket office closes at 18:00

€15 adults/ €7.50 kids 4-11

Plan 3-4 hours, more for older children

Bring jackets, a camera, and a blanket to sit on. Have fun!

Free Museum Day

This Saturday, September 28th marks the ninth annual Museum Day Live! Over 1400 museums, botanical gardens and cultural institutions across the country will offer free admission to mark the occasion. The free museum day is sponsored by Smithsonian Magazine. Although admission is free, tickets are required and there is a limit of two free admissions per household.

Click to download free tickets or find a museum near you.

Delta Offers Smart Travel Pack for Holiday Travel

 

Delta is offering a new travel benefit to frequent fliers for the holiday season. The benefit, called the Smart Travel Pack, is an affordable way for families to acces some of Delta's enhanced travel products.

The Smart Travel Pack costs just $199 and includes one free first checked bag, priority boarding, access to preferred seats,and discounted Economy Comfort – for up to eight people in the same reservation. In addition, the member who purchased the product will receive 20% bonus miles. The travel pack can be used on an unlimited number of reservations for travel through Januaty 5, 2014. You can use the Travel Pack on existing reservations as long as the member's SkyMiles number is included on the reservation. If you have a large family, the baggage allowance alone makes the Smart Travel Pack a good deal.

"We've made it simple for customers to add the most popular travel extras that give them added comfort and convenience," said Tim Mapes, Delta's senior vice president – Marketing. "Our new Smart Travel Pack is a great way for SkyMiles members and their companions to enjoy the additional services while making the most of their budgets."

For more information or to purchase the Smart Travel Pack go to delta.com/smart.

Panama Bingo For Kids

I recently packed up the whole family for a repositioning cruise from Panama to Puerto Rico. Here is the Panama Bingo I created for them. You will see most of these things by visiting Panama City, The Miraflores Locks, and the Summit Botanical Gardens and Zoo.

Row 1: Howler Mokey, Miraflores Locks, Tree Frog, Panama Flag
Row 2: Delta Plane, Panama Hat, "Diablo Rojo" Bus, Cruise Ship
Row 3: Harpy Eagle (National Bird of Panama), LDS temple, Sloth, Palm Tree
Row 4: Toucan, Stop Sign, Holiday Inn Hotel, Panama Canal (Gaillard Cut)