Fast 5 Travel Tips: Pack like a mom

I travel light. I've even taken my family to Hawaii for 8 days without ever checking a bag. And you'll never find me on a suitcase shaming site trying to shove an oversized bag into the overhead bin.

While I don't know everything, and I'll never claim to,  I can sure help the travel newbie.

5 things to pack for EVERY trip:

1. Basic family first aid kit. Make sure to bring any medication you need. Make sure everything is in its original packaging and properly labeled.

2. Snacks. Even if you are travelling to an all inclusive resort, I always make sure to pack granola bars, almonds and trail mix for the flight, the airport delays and the 'hunger crankies' that plague kids on the sometimes exhausting travel days.  The M & M's are for me.  I could never pay $3 at the airport kiosk for my fix!  Snacks can take up very little room. This is one Ziploc sandwich bag.

3.  Distractions.  Batteries die and even kids get bored with their video games. So I always pack a deck of cards (think Go Fish or War) and a tactile puzzle. (See the little wire puzzle.) You can pick up one of these mind bender puzzles at any toy store for about $9. They are deceptively simple and sometimes frustrating, both are awesome qualities and challenge you and the kids in ways you will enjoy. Road trips or airport lounges, these wire puzzles get passed around and around. Everyone loves them and asks me where to get them or even if they can buy it from me. Hours of old school fun!

4. Pack something that makes you feel fashionable and fun. It's YOUR vacation too. And don't forget the hat and sunscreen. You need to model good sun habits for your kids. 

5. Pack a camera. Any camera! And have it with you at all times. Some of the impromptu experiences and sudden joys will be what makes the trip most memorable.  And please print photos when you get home. At least a few! Because we have all heard the stories of broken phones, lost cameras and stolen memories. Don't lose yours. 

I love scenes and signs. Brings back great vacation memories! 

Fast 5 Travel Tips: Mom, get in that photo!

5 Reasons to let go of your anxiety and jump in that photo.

1. Do it for your kids.  Let them have photos of their mother. They love you whether your hair is 'done' or not.

2. Stop feeling like a caretaker and more like a participant! It's your vacation too. Being included in the photo helps you feel included in the fun. Anything else is alienating.

3. Drop the excuses and be authentic. You wouldn't tell your best friend that she's too fat to get in a photo.... so why would you do this to yourself?

4. You will never be younger than you are today. (Even if you feel tired, ugly or grumpy, you will still never ever be younger!) Just smile!

5. Do it for your kids. Yes, I know this was the #1 reason, but honestly, it bears repeating. If you constantly tell your kids that they should go without you or that you don't NEED to be in the photo, or you don't want to JOIN the family, they might start automatically excluding you, or worse yet, they grow up and model the same behaviour thinking they, themselves, are not WORTHY of inclusion.

Need some sunshine? Beach?

If Winnipeg isn't hot enough for you right now, and you still have a few days off to burn, maybe you'll like these 5 star, budget- friendly trips advertised at www.redtag.ca

They are Westjet packages and prices are per 2 adults, all fees and taxes included.

Post Christmas Bliss: All inclusive beach vacations

All of these look pretty fabulous to me. Who wouldn't love 5 diamonds for Christmas?

www.selloffvacations.com has a nice selection of post-holiday destinations.

Bermuda: The Sand

All I really wanted was to walk barefoot on a beach. As a winter-beaten Canadian who hasn't felt warm inside or outdoors in months, I really NEEDED it. I needed to be able to walk outside without hunching over and bracing for the cold. I needed to go outside without having four layers of clothes, plus a parka.

In Bermuda, I got exactly what I needed. As I was travelling alone, I also needed to feel safe. The hotel's secure, private beach was where I thought I might dip my toes in the ocean. However, what I learned was that just beyond the gate was incredible beauty and incredible safety as well.

You know how locals hassle tourists, in other countries, to buy this, rent that or get your hair braided? Not in Bermuda. It's not their style. Not once did I encounter anyone wanting something from me. Honestly, all I got was smiles and "good mornings" from passers by.

I had read that Horseshoe Bay was THE best thing to visit in Southampton Parish, by the people of Trip Advisor. (And is a 2013 Travellers' Choice Award Winner.)  The Travel Channel also listed it as a must-see destination and great example of a pink sand beach.

The two mornings I spent on Horseshoe Bay, I encountered about 50 people in total. A few were joggers, there was one young family, but the rest were adults and seniors just out for a walk on the beach. I chatted with a few tourists and exchanged photo-taking services. And from a distance, I saw two artists perched on a hilltop, painting the beach scene.

Horseshoe Bay must be a "public park" or similar to what we have in Canada in the sense that there were State workers and vehicles there grooming the beach area, painting, trimming trees and maintaining the facilities. There were very clean and modern washrooms. There was also a cafe which would be open in the spring and summertime.

There was a surprising variety of vegetation, flora and changes in rock in just a few miles of walking. There was lots to look at and admire. I especially liked some of the rock and sandstone formations.

I didn't go swimming, but the water was quite comfortable to dip my toes in. I LOVED the warm breeze, the feel of the sunshine and the roar of the ocean. The ocean was quite different between my two days. I saw it calm on Wednesday, and it had risen about two feet and was mildly raging on Friday. I LOVED the difference and the power of the ocean in action. I could honestly sit and watch it for hours. And, on Horseshoe Bay, a person could do exactly that in total comfort.

Put this on the wish list!

I was in the Turks n Caicos in July of 2012. The beaches are the most incredible I've ever seen. I would love to go back someday. I keep an eye on the developments of the Turks n Caicos, and much of the Caribbean by drooling over Islands magazine each month.

A special offer for the Turks n Caicos caught my eye and it led me to this new resort, Blue Haven. Wow! It is stunning! If you need a diversion from your life at a desk, I suggest you click this link and start dreaming.

I took these photos on my vacation. None are retouched or enhanced in any way. We stayed at the Ocean Club Resort, which I would also recommend highly.

5 Reasons I Love a Beach

1. Victoria Secret linen beach pants.  I have them in 4 colours.

2. Floppy hats

3. Hammocks. My happy place is in a hammock under  palm tree. Preferably with adult beverage service nearby.

4. Nothing to pack but bikinis and flip flops.

5. I love the ocean. The sounds, the colours, the buoyancy, the endless horizon.