Cozi Blog

Preparing Kids for a Trip: Read! Read! Read!

It’s easy to get wrapped up in all the behind-the-scenes details for family trips, like planning the itinerary, pre-trip shopping and packing.  However, when the time to take a trip approaches, it’s beneficial to prepare the main characters—the kids. When people ask what we do to prepare our kids before trips, my answer is always a resounding Read! Read! Read!

Reading destination related books and involving the kids in small parts of the research not only helps generate excitement, but also helps determine which activities to choose while at the destination.  Additionally, the knowledge about local sites and history provides a comfortable background for children as they explore unfamiliar areas. The historical knowledge is especially important because it provides insight about the culture.  Because our children vary in age, we need a variety of books ranging from “The Goodnight” series to more complex historical fiction. We also combine reference books and fiction to keep it interesting. Don’t worry if they don’t seem all that into it, they are still absorbing something and it will pay off when you get to the destination.

Often, it’s me that learns the most!  As I read to my children, it provides a refresher on my history and helpful information about the destination.

For suggestions, check out my book list on Amazon where I have posted recommendations for a handful of destinations we’ve visited lately: Italy, France, England, Ireland, Boston, San Diego, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Washington DC and Philadelphia.

Family Travel Blogger Recommendations

Fiona from TravelMuse:
Dr. Suess, Oh, the Places You’ll Go
Julia Donaldson, The Snail and the Whale

MudslideMama from TravelingMamas:
(New York City) E.L. Konigsburg, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler.

Jody from HaveKidWillTravel:
(Ireland) Eve Bunting, S is for Shamrock: An Ireland Alphabet

Elizabeth from TravelForKids:
(Italy) Alan Armstrong - Looking for Marco Polo

Debbie from DeliciousBaby:
Byron Barton, Airplanes
Judy and Ron Barrett, Pickles to Pittsburgh

Jamie from TravelSavvyMom:
(New York) George Selden, The Cricket in Times Square
(England) Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden
(England) Roald Dahl, Mathida
(Spain) Munro Leaf, The Story of Ferdinand
(China) Arlene Mosel and Blair Lent, Rikki Tikki Tembo
(Italy) Mary Pope Osborne and Sal Murdocca, Vacation Under the Volcano (Jamie’s kids love the audio version of this)

Mara from Mother of All Trips:
(Paris) Brian Selznick, The Invention of Hugo Cabret
(France) Cristina Bjork, Linnea In Monet’s Garden

Michelle from Wandermom:
(Ireland) Tomie De Paolo, Jamie O’Rourke and the Pooka

Colleen from TravelMamas:
(New York) Peter Sis, Madlenka
(Paris) Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight, Eloise in Paris

by Nancy from Ciao Bambino

Written by and for parents, Ciao Bambino inspires families to explore the world through family travel tips and insight, as well as thoroughly vetted reviews of the best accommodations with children of all ages.

17 Ways to Entertain Kids on Planes

by Nancy Solomon from Ciao Bambino

The thought of being trapped with a screaming child on an airplane is enough to keep even the most avid traveler on the ground. For others, it drives them to play Polly Pocket or to speak in an unnaturally high and sweet voice for hours on end. To spare you from this, we’ve come up with ideas that will help keep everyone sane on the plane.

Just like kids, parents come in all types of personalities—the planner and the non-planner, laid-back and uptight, etc. We’ve met them all and possibly been them all. Pick what fits your and your child’s personality the best, noting that many things on this list are geared towards younger children. Once kids hit six, they are more likely to play and read on their own. Electronics are key—don’t miss the earphone recommendations at the end of the post!

1. Presents. Young children love presents. Keep them occupied on long flights by wrapping everything in your carry-on bag. Small toys like dolls or cars, or even treats like jelly beans and candy will work. They’ll love unwrapping each item and it keeps them busy for long periods of time.
2. Eating. This is one of our main sources of entertainment. Think small, non-messy snacks that take a long time to consume. Pack them in small containers to extend consumption time. Use what you know they like, as well as new things. Ideas: Goldfish, pretzel sticks, shredded carrots, raisins, Trix (never consumed in my house, but a perfect treat to busy my toddler for an hour on this last flight.)
3. Doctor’s Kit. Pack a kid-friendly doctor’s kit with a doll for kids to explore. Load it with tons of band-aids, tape, and gauze to peel, pull and wrap for hours.
4. Fun Placemats. Print out drawings from the web and let them color their own placemats.  Bring tape so it stays stable on the tray table.
5. Photos. My kids love photographs. Before the trip, put together small albums with shots of friends or family you’re going to see while away.
6. Stretch and Wiggle Game. Derived from a book called “From Head to Toe,” see how many body parts you can turn, wiggle or stretch.
7. Books. There are a huge variety of children’s books written about almost every destination.  Before arrival, the interest level might not be as high as you’d like, but once you are there, kids get really excited to see some of the sights from their trip.
8. Talk About Planes. Look at pictures of planes the night before leaving and read stories about transportation. Not only will this get the kids excited about the experience, but you can also use this as an opportunity to discuss behavior expectations while flying.
9. Comfort Factor. Pack favorite pajamas or the most comfortable outfits to help the kids sleep during long flights. Also, don’t forget a change of clothes in case of spills or accidents.  There is nothing worse than sitting in wet clothes. I always pack a change for myself as well. Also, don’t forget to grab a few extra pacifiers, special blankets, etc., just in case one gets dirty or lost. This may sound simple, but it can be horrible when these “precious” items get lost or forgotten.
10. MapQuest. Print out a map of your destination from the web and bring highlighters to map the route over land or across the ocean. For the return flight, try to keep receipts, maps, ticket stubs, menus, etc., to create a scrapbook on the plane ride home.
11. Arts and Crafts. Of course this varies with age, but here are some toys that can span a large age range. Stickers, Wikki Stixs, pipe cleaners, and sketch books.
12. Little Characters. Pick a few toy characters that your kids love—babies, action figures, Polly Pockets, little horses, whatever! The important thing is to fill the bag with a variety of options. Forget about things that can roll away or really special items that will cause a fuss if lost.
13. Finger puppets. Small and endless entertainment. A little show is especially delightful for the 2-year-old crowd.
14. Coloring. Coloring is great, as long as it’s on paper and that’s not always easy to control; pens that don’t mark off the paper work very well like Crayola Color Wonder pads and pens. Bring other pens as well, but stick to washable pens and bring wipes to remove the out-of-bounds coloring. 
15. Emergency Tantrum Kit. This is the last resort bag. Pack your child’s favorite special sweet or treat. Lollipops (messy, which is why they are a last resort), Tic-Tacs, ring-pops, or whatever will help them settle down and avoid a full tantrum. Most of the time, this bag remains untouched. I don’t believe in rewarding bad behavior, but public humiliation will drive me to it.
16. Ready Made Travel Kits. If you’re traveling at a hectic time of year, consider a pre-made kit.  Both of these company’s offer terrific options: Custom Travel Activity Kit and Timeflies Kits.
17. Videos. This is a must, even if you limit screen time at home, embrace it on a plane!  The two key factors are comfortable earphones and age-appropriate shows. Think Baby Einstein, Little Einsteins or Dora for younger kids. Theme films with a sense of place like the Hunchback of Notre Dame for older children work well. Use a portable DVD player, laptop, or iPods.  iTunes offers many popular kids TV shows and movies.

Bonus Tips

• We’ve learned that it is essential to test earphones at home before you leave.  For young children, you might want to try a Squishy Pillow or a travel pillow with speakers.
• For long flights, pre-charge and bring back-up batteries. Also, even if the plane offers in-flight entertainment, be sure to have alternate activities. We have been on a few flights where the entertainment system was not operating.
• A note for kids ages 6 and up. Flying at this age is so much easier and preparation is a breeze.  While some of the tips above can apply, like making sure they are comfortable, older kids really just need a snack, well-charged electronics and a good book. I still throw in some art supplies in case they are inclined to draw and a game to play together like cards or TextTwist (iPhone Application).
• Involve your children in the process of packing—let them pick a few items to put in their backpacks or mini-wheeled bags.

Written by and for parents, Ciao Bambino inspires families to explore the world through family travel tips and insight, as well as thoroughly vetted reviews of the best accommodations with children of all ages.

Organize a Day-cation!

With gas prices on the rise again and American’s wanting to make better spending choices, it's hard to think about planning a vacation without anticipating the big expense. But what do you do with the kids all summer long? Try a day trip adventure!

With some pre-planning, your summer can be packed full of day hikes, park trips, farmers market adventures, play dates, sprinklers, swimming pools, afternoon movies and so much more. Who wants to think about dinner, laundry and house cleaning while on an all day adventure?

Here are some key elements to keeping it all together, while still having fun during the summertime.

Plan out the week. Take the time to plan out your week by Sunday evening or first thing Monday morning. Make sure to have all your tasks and/or destinations mapped out to save on trips. Visit multiple attractions that are close together in the same day.

Pack up the car and bags the night before. For those big day trips to the beach it’s a good idea to pack the car the night before. The next morning all you'll need to worry about is dressing the kids, breakfast and packing lunches. You could even pack lunches the night before if you are feeling ambitious.

Confirm times or rates before you go. Call to confirm when places open and if there are entry fees. There is nothing worse than arriving somewhere without enough money. Or worse yet - your destination isn't open that day. Also if you are meeting friends, it's a good idea to confirm what time you are meeting and which days... we all get mommy/daddy brain sometimes!

Have one day to catch up. No matter how packed your week is, always plan one day at home. You can catch up on laundry and housecleaning and work on other projects. Plus, the kids can spend a day relaxing and enjoying some down time at home.

Employ helping hands! No matter where you go, it's important to give each child a task or responsibility. For my oldest, he is in charge of turning off all lights, tv's or radios before we leave the house. The little one carries the drinks and opens the garage door. Not only do they feel like they are contributing, but it makes my life easier. 

You don’t have to spend a ton of money to enjoy your summer. Many local venues offer discounts or free events. Always check your local paper for the coming attractions which often get overlooked! Before you know it, the kids will be gearing up for back to school and summer will be over.

Megan Spears is an organizing consultant and owner of Disorder2Order. Disorder2Order provides household management solutions for busy families and multi-tasking parents. We specialize in home or  office organizing solutions; as well as time and paper management systems. Helping our clients create order from all the disorder of life is what we do!

Summer Travel Tips

Create a travel file for your upcoming summer vacation. Things to include in the file might be:

1. Your itinerary
2. Plane tickets, e-tickets and board passes
3. Directions
4. Important phone numbers and addresses
5. Hotel, Cruise, Car Rental or Camping Information
6. Activity and sightseeing information
7. Copies of passports driver’s licenses or other identification
8. Check lists of what to bring and what to do before leaving

If you’re not used to traveling by air, one of the best things you can to do make your trip start and end smoothly is to be organized and prepared. Even the TSA recommends it on their posted signs. Stash some extra quart size Ziploc bags with your carry-on luggage – just in case you forget to pack your liquids in them before you leave; otherwise you could be sorry when you get to the security check and have to toss it in the garbage.

 

Laura Leist, CPO, is a speaker, productivity consultant and the best-selling author of Eliminate Chaos: The 10-Step Process to Organize Your Home & Life. She founded the Seattle-based organizing services firm Eliminate Chaos in 2000 and is the President of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers). Laura is a frequent guest on TV, radio and has been published in several national newspapers and magazines.

 

Copyright Eliminate Chaos. Reprinted with permission.

What to Do Before You Go

10 travel tips for planning a great getaway

From travel advisories and security regulations to weather conditions, here are the Websites to visit while you’re getting ready for your next vacation.

Pack Light
With some airline carriers charging $25 for a second checked bag, overpacking will lighten your wallet. Limit yourself to one carry-on bag, if possible. (onebag.com)

Fly Through Security
Get the U.S. government’s information on what you can and cannot bring onboard. (tsa.gov)

Consider Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can help you recover expenses if you get sick on your cruise, a hurricane strikes your destination or your airline goes broke. Besides protection for trip cancellation, interruption or delay, some policies cover services such as emergency medical evacuation. (insuremytrip.com)

Bring the Correct Documentation
Make sure you know what identification you’ll need for your trip. Also, you may want to photocopy your ID documents and credit cards and carry the copies somewhere other than your wallet, or leave a copy with a friend at home. (dhs.gov)

Get Updated Health Information on Your Destination
Learn about any health advisories, required vaccinations and whether the water is safe to drink. (cdc.gov)

Watch the Weather
This site will alert you to any severe weather on the horizon and help you decide what to pack. (wunderground.com)

Check Travel Advisories
If you’re traveling internationally, see if your destination is on the U.S. Department of State’s radar. ( travel.state.gov)

Pack Medications in a Carry-On
Bring more than enough of any necessary prescription medications to cover the duration of your trip, and don’t pack them in a bag that will be checked. You should also carry a copy of prescriptions (with both brand and generic names) and contact numbers for your doctor and pharmacist. If you wear glasses, ack an extra pair.

Get a Good Seat Assignment
With seat maps for hundreds of planes, including legroom and recline information, you’ll never get stuck by the bathroom again. (seatexpert.com)

Make Sure Your Home Seems Occupied
Stop newspaper and mail delivery.
Arrange to have the lawn mowed.
Set timers so the lights come on randomly.
Put a timer on a radio or television.
Don’t change your voice mail or e-mail message to say you’ll be away. Turn down the ringer on your phone so it can’t be heard outside the house.

provides tips and smart strategies to help you feel good, look good, and get more out of life.

Stressless Vacation Planning

 

How do you gear up for a family vacation without all the hassle? Preparation is important, but attitude, especially a sense of humor, is just as crucial. Things are bound to go wrong, but if you follow these simple suggestions, you can get your pre-trip tasks done — and handle any surprises — with less stress.

Expect the Unexpected
Missed flights, delayed dinners and other en-route glitches can cause anxiety levels to soar. Stay cool by stocking up on bottled water and healthy, nutritious snacks, and don't forget to pack a few extra books and small toys that the kids don’t know about. If you get delayed, you'll have a surprise activity.

Pack Smart
Keep items separated in resealable plastic bags. This will ease trips through airport security by making repacking a cinch. Also, take along items that tend to be more expensive at vacation resorts, such as sunblock.

Book a Suite
An extra-large hotel room might seem pricey, but it’s often the best deal for a big family. And you can all be together. Ask about the availability of sleeper sofas and rollaways if you need additional beds.

Pamper Yourself
Get in a vacation frame of mind. Treat yourself to something special ahead of time, such as a pre-vacation massage or sunless tan. Use a self-tanner for a risk-free, sun-kissed glow. Smooth on more when you get home to extend that summery look for weeks afterward.

provides tips and smart strategies to help you feel good, look good, and get more out of life.