Today I'm excited to bring a special guest post to y'all.
We are in the middle of Summer, which means vacations!!
We are in the middle of Summer, which means vacations!!
Our favorite vacation destination is the BEACH!! It doesn't like look we'll swing it this year (I mean, we ARE expecting twins in a couple months) but it's definitely one of our favorite places to be.
Pictures from our trip to Panama City Beach, FL last year.
Traveling isn't always easy, especially when you have kids in-tow. Kendra reached out to me about sharing some great travel tips with you guys and I thought the timing was perfect, with a lot of us embarking on travels with our young'uns over the next month or two. And if you don't have kids yet, you can keep these tips in mind for the future. :)
I hope you enjoy what she has to share. I'll see you guys back here tomorrow.
Kendra Thornton: Travel advocate, TV spokesperson, PR businesswoman, proud wife and mama of 3.
I am a long time travel expert who has been packing my bags and traveling the world since I was 3 months old! I've found my utmost desire in life is right here in my own home. I have taken my excitement for travel and brought it to you with some of my favorite travel tips and tricks. Enjoy!
How to be a Super Cool Mom on Vacation: 5 Tips on Being Prepared in Style
Vacations in my family are times of great adventure. I love watching my kids discover new places and enjoy seeing all of my plans come together. For me, half the adventure is figuring out ways to infuse my style into everything so I feel an extra jolt of satisfaction.
That is why I’ve included 5 tips to help you stay stylishly prepared for your next trip.
1. Start Planning Early
The prices for many accommodations vary throughout the year. The closer the departure date, the higher the cost of plane tickets. Hotel and resort rates differ based on the time of year as well, so timing is key for these reservations. Book wisely and you could find yourself in semi-exclusive luxury hotel for off-season prices. Visit websites, read reviews and talk to other traveling families to help determine the best way to pack, since a room with a kitchenette requires different planning than a room with just a microwave. Use sites like Gogobot to get the inside scoop from other parents who have gone before you. They have a great list of Orlando hotels right outside of Walt Disney World that can help you find the best choice for your family in any price range.
2. Keep Your Adventure Structured
Maintaining routines helps traveling go more smoothly. Remember to eat, sleep, give your kids time to play and yourself time to relax. Try to plan some driving stretches during nap times, then set up comfy sleeping arrangements in the backseat using pillows, blankets and their favorite bedtime stuffed animals. Don’t forget naps throughout your vacation either – having a well-rested family will make everyone much more amiable.
3. Keeping Essentials Close
When traveling it is best to keep your essentials available. Packing a bag that allows easy access to entertainment, diapers, snacks, or other needs is key to keeping your entire family happy during travel. For me, an airport is much easier with a backpack that frees up my hands for kid wrangling. Polyvore has a variety of styles and sizes in a variety of price ranges.
4.Remember the Small Details
Keep in mind that traveling requires organization and most people do this electronically. Whether checking your itinerary, the weather, or keeping your children entertained, you probably need your phone or ipad nearby. Don’t forget a charger so your device will be there when you need it. If you’re road tripping, don’t forget your car adaptor!
5. Stylize Memories
A great way to help kids explore their new environment is through travel journals. Designer Cynthia Rowley gives her daughters travel journals for each new trip so they can collect and document their adventures. Nothing encourages a child to explore a new place like collecting treasures. From ostrich feathers to pressed flowers and of course an abundance of pictures, these tangible scrapbooks are great souvenirs. By adding them to their journals, they can relive their happy memories from home.
Use these tips to get started on your vacation and be the coolest mom around. Have fun!
Such great tips! And I do love the beach!!
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