Even on the way to Grandma’s…

No matter how short the trip to Grandma’s house, as long as it’s not next door or down the block, you can probably find several different ways to get to Grandma’s house. Turn down a street you’ve never driven down before or drive down a scenic highway or find another adventure just around the bend.

Entertaining the Kids While Traveling

When traveling long distances, the question is always “How will we entertain the kids?” Thankfully, in today’s technology world, we have many options.

Many devices are multifunctional meaning you can do multiple things on one device like listen to a CD and, later, watching your favorite DVD. Or how about playing a video games and later looking at the news around the globe. You get the general idea. There are plenty of devices for any age group.

Think about the activities that the kids like to do. Pack a bag with their favorite things to ease any anxiety about travel. Include a favorite blanket or special stuffed animal, music, videos and pocket-sized board games and maybe even old fashioned pen and paper to help pass the time.
Make the trip educational by bringing a map or stopping at a visitor’s center. Pick up brochures and post cards, too. And don’t forget to ask the employees about special packets for kids which may include local information and facts.

If your child likes to read, take plenty of books or find unique books during your travels that can be taken home as a great reminder of a cool trip.

A Perfect Day for a Daydream

Today was the perfect day for a daydream. It was a bit slower at work, the weather couldn't decide if it wanted to be stormy or sunny, and life was generally good.

So where do you see yourself traveling in your daydream?

My daydreams tend to be somewhere near the ocean with clear water, colorful fish, and me relaxing under the shade of a palm tree or other native plant, sipping on something that's colorful with a little umbrella stuck in it. A soft summer breeze blows and exotic birds are chirping in the background. A tray of my favorite fruits and seafood is within arm's length. The scent of native flowers provide the perfect, relaxing aromatherapy for relaxation. Lazily, I let my hand dangle and brush across the sand underneath my lounge chair and I drift in and out of sleep and contentment. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

What is your favorite vacation daydream?

Traveling With the Kids

The whole family usually goes on trips together (with the occasional Mommy and Daddy trip--hint, hint; wink, wink).

Why not get everyone's input? My kids have come up with some really cool vacation ideas.

So, how do you get them involved? Give them a piece of paper and have them write their ideas down or just ask them. You might be surprised with what they come up with for ideas.

For example, I asked my sons (aged 15 and 18) what ideas they had for a family vacation. They came up with two ideas:

• San Tour: Visiting all the cities in the United States with "San" in their name (i.e., San Francisco, San Antonio, etc.)
• Around the U. S. Tour (Kansas City to Miami, take I-95 to Montreal, train ride through Canadian Rockies, trip down Pacific Coast Highway to San Diego and then back to Kansas City)

Now, obviously, we may not be able to do all of that in one trip...or can we? Stay tuned to find out.

Welcome!

You've come to the right place for fun posts of traveling with the family...especially the kids. Kids can make any trip unpredictable. Lost a favorite toy? What food will the kids choose? Method of travel influenced by the kids (train, plane, automobile)? What will you do with the kids once you get to your destination? Sick kid? Kid won't sleep or eat?

You name it. You'll find it here. Come back often as we get ready for our next adventure. Who knows? You might even find some great travel tips, too.