Are We There Yet? How to Break the Boredom of Travel!
September 2, 2009
For the past week or so, my family and I have been on vacation all over the country (at least it feels that way!). We’ve done a TON of driving as well as flying, which results in a lot of down time. We’re constantly trying to figure out new and exciting things to keep my little boy (as well as ourselves entertained!).
We recently had an opportunity to check out a set of travel games from Rand McNally’s new line called The Boredom Breakers. Here is a little more information from the site:
Rand McNally developed the five games based on extensive parent research. Moms across the country were clear about what they like – creative activities that make kids laugh and allow family members to learn more about one another – and what they don’t like – games with a lot of little pieces. The products are designed to bring families together, encouraging conversation, laughter and fun making the miles fly by for moms and kids on the go.
In the past, we’ve used DVD’s, books, and new toys to entertain. My family grew up playing games so it’s something I love to do to pass time. Games are also highly interactive and it’s a great way to encourage people to communicate. When I was a child, my parents bought me travel games with a ton of pieces that ended up getting lost. What’s great about The Boredom Breakers is that there are no pieces to lose. We received Travel Card Games, which features 3 question/answer type games to initiate conversation. The cards come in a slim box that stows nicely in the back seat. My husband and I played this in the car since my son (of course) is too young right now. We actually learned some things about each other playing the “Tough Choice” game, which asks you to choose between 2 difficult circumstances. For example, my husband would rather be in a tornado while I’d rather be in an earthquake (ironic since he’s from the South and I’m from the West). I Saw It First is great for kids. It keeps them occupied as they try to earn points for spotting various roadside landmarks. 30 Second Interview is another game that encourages communication. Again, you’ll be surprised at what you don’t know about a family member when asked questions like What Talent Would You Most Like To Possess?
Hygienic Airline Travel
July 19, 2009
Before this baby makes it’s appearance, we have a couple of trips planned this summer. Our biggest trip involves traveling to Minnesota for a General Mills event and then heading down to the southeast to spend some time with hubby’s family. In other words, we’ll be traveling by plane a lot! Our son is now at an age where he needs his own seat, and thanks to CARES, he can travel safely without lugging his car seat onto the plane.
As a nurse, I’m super careful about germs. I carry antibacterial hand wash with me at all times and avoid instances where we as a family could be exposed. If you’ve ever been on a long flight, then you’re familiar with the pillow and blanket airlines provide to a limited number of passengers (in other words, get on the plane quickly before they’re all gone). I think it’s very convenient not to have to carry with pillows on an airplane, but with an item as personal as this, I’m a little wary of who’s used it before me.
Travel With Me is a new company dedicated to offering products specifically designed for the health conscious traveler (that’s me!). Thanks to Parent Reviewers, we received a few Jetheads Airplane Travel Pillowcases to review. I haven’t done the research, but according to the site, airlines rarely change pillowcases in between flights. And since some airlines have little turnaround time in between flights, I believe it.
For $5.95, you can purchase a pack of two disposable pillowcases and rest assured that you and your family are germ-free. The pillowcases are made of a soft, non-woven fabric but they’re still disposable and not as comfy as your own pillowcase. Nonetheless, I like the fact that they’re compactly packaged and I don’t have to keep up with a pillowcase (I can just toss it after the flight).
Profuse thanks to Parent Reviewers for this review opportunity!
Traveling With Kids…Don’t Forget CARES!
January 5, 2009
Before my son was born, my husband and I were avid travelers. In 8 months we managed to visit over 15 countries. Earlier this year we decided to take on a new adventure…traveling with a child. At the time, my son was only ten months old and I honestly dreaded the process of getting to and from our destination. Entertaining a fussy baby on a five hour flight and lugging car seats, strollers, toys and “stuff” made me want to rethink those visits to nana and papa’s house.
I knew that around the holidays we would be venturing back to the south to visit my husband’s family. I did a ton of research on how to make traveling with children as painless as possible. And I came across a fabulous product that you’re absolutely going to love. More than that, it will change your perception on air travel with children.
The very first time we lugged my son’s car seat all over LAX, I vowed to get online and figure out a way to bypass that entire process (safely of course). We paid for my son to have his own seat (he was technically at an age where he would not have had to pay) and at the end of the trip I regretted it since he barely stayed in his car seat.
In my opinion and experience, CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) is the only safe, convenient solution to flying with a child. This harness is the first and only Aviation Child Safety Device certified by the FAA as an alternative to a car seat. Once your child is old enough to sit in his/her own seat (around 1 and weighs at least 22 pounds), he/she can use this in place of a car seat on an airplane without compromising safety. Apart from the fact that is is ultra convenient, it provides an additional level of safety for children who can sit in their own seat but may be too small to withstand the jolts and turbulence inherent in-flight.
CARES is super easy to use. I always worry about “installing” anything that has to do with the safety of my son. I practiced at home a couple of times and had no problem installing it on the plane. The website has an excellent instruction video along with written information that will guide you step by step through the installation process. It could not have been easier!
I know I should say that safety is the number one reason to use this system, but in all honesty, I would choose CARES for it’s convenience. The entire harness weighs one pound and comes in a small carrying bag that can be stuffed in a purse, diaper bag, or other carry-on.
CARES retails for $74.95 and is available for purchase on the site. For more information, please visit the site.
