Fast 5 Travel Tips: Your kid belongs in the club seats

There was a time that I chose my season tickets to our local WHL hockey team with only one thing in mind....the distance to the men's washroom.  So it should come as no surprise that I'm selective about where I sit with my kids in any arena or stadium.

If you're the mom or dad of young boys, I know I don't need to explain. For those non-parents of boys, I'll simply explain by saying, there is no such thing as advance warning. It's an emergency pretty much every single time.

Now, to get back to the topic at hand. Why on earth would anyone spend extra dough to have an 8 year old sit in one of the most expensive seats in the stadium/rink?

1) You minimize the disruption to other fans. There are more aisle seats, is more leg room, better sight lines and usually waitress service at the seats. No need to jump up and 'excuse me' every time your child wants popcorn, a coke, or a pretzel. You might actually see more of the game!

2) Security. There is no access to club level without a ticket. And with ushers at every entrance and less than 20% of total audience on club level, the risk of your child wandering off or getting lost in a huge crowd is minimized.

3) Washroom access. This alone is worth the extra $20. Club level has more washrooms, and they are better washrooms. And for me, the mom of a boy, I know that the longer he is out of my sight and waiting in a line, the more I stress.  And vice versa. He is more likely to panic if he is alone, waiting outside the ladies' room for more than 3 minutes. This really isn't a huge issue if you are travelling as a family, or with a same-sex child, BUT it is absolutely a HUGE issue when you are taking a youngster who is too old or is resistant to a family washroom. And no boy wants to be traumatized by his mother racing him into the ladies' room begging to cut in line because it's an 'emergency.'

4) Autographs and opportunities. At the recent Denver Broncos game that we attended, there were alumni players and current cheerleaders shaking hands and offering autographs.  There is always something extra taking place on the club level. You also have a very relaxed and comfortable area, with lots of seating where you can wait out a rain delay, or watch the other league games on TV. In Denver, my son wanted to sit by the fireplace and eat an ice cream sundae during half time. Not only was it possible, it's probably one of the things etched in his memory from the event.

5) Better food. At both the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos stadiums, I had a carved roast beef sandwich. Actual attendant, actually carving, actual roast beef. Not a hot dog off a roller! The roast beef sandwich and chips in Denver cost $10.  There was also a chef's corner with a menu inspired by the day's visiting team. $14 a plate. For dessert there were gourmet cupcakes for sale. I bought a mini-pack for $6. How could you not?

Before you condemn me for spoiling my son, know that he has had, and will have many more opportunities to sit on freezing metal benches, eating taco-in-a-bag from the canteen, in a community rink watching his brother play hockey, than anything else. But on the very rare occasion we get to see a professional league game, I want it to be a memorable and positive experience for both of us. The cost of 'A seat' versus the cost of 'a CLUB seat' is less than you think. I rationalize it by skipping the souvenir booth and taking photos instead.

• At Coors Field, we paid $40 per club ticket, rather than $29 for a regular first baseline ticket. 
• In Anaheim at the Ducks game, we paid $75 per club ticket, rather than $180 for rink side seats or $39 nosebleed seats. 
• In Denver (pre-season) we paid $100 for club seats, rather than $300 for sideline seats, or $69 for balcony level seats. 

Stubhub.com offers tickets to any game, and can offer savings over Ticketmaster. It all depends on how popular the game is, and when you buy the tickets. The price of the ticket is only one factor in your total event cost. When you look at the big picture and consider concessions, parking, travel, souvenirs and convenience, you might see things my way. And if, over a lifetime, you only get the chance to attend maybe 6 professional events with your child, isn't it truly a good time to splurge and really make the most of your time together?

C'mon kids... we're sitting in the club seats tonight!

Live well. Travel often. Share the journey.

If that moment should come, and your life flashes before your eyes.... make sure it's worth watching!

Do you live well?  That is not to say richly, but instead, authentically. Are you present in the moment? Are your eyes wide open to witness the miracles that surround you?

Travel often. To travel the same path over and over, is to lose sight of all perspective. To travel and push beyond your boundaries will show you your place in this world, and make you appreciate all that you have. Every journey you take leads to a broader wisdom and deeper understanding.

Open your eyes. To see the mountains yourself is lovely. To show the mountains to your children, is to leave a legacy.

To confidently go forth and show your children how to respectfully explore and navigate and surf the ocean is far better than to allow them to hide away in their bedroom and explore and navigate and surf the Internet. To let them isolate themselves and be disillusioned into thinking they can see the world by clicking a button or tapping a screen is ridiculous! Take them to navigate a city, explore a museum and click with human beings. And if they think you're a pretty great parent in the process, well then so be it. And if you've shared a laugh and enjoyed the ride, then it is indeed a life well lived.

Whistler, site of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games

Invited into the cockpit

Canadian Parliament

Colorado

Red Rock, Colorado Springs

NASA, Houston Texas

A real space shuttle

The brave men & women of the space program

Crossing provinces on the railway

Deciding to tackle the roller coaster. Disneyland, California

His first NFL game 

Sitting sideline at the Houston Texan's game. 

Hawaii

Arcade in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Meeting Merlot, the hotel's resident parrot.

Delayed by a storm

Yes! You can do it! 

Kayaking for the first time

C'mon Mom! We'll do this together

Exploring the green grotto caves of Jamaica 

The sandy shores of Jamaica

Cruisin!

Navigating a new city

Always learning. Always exploring. Living is learning. 

Blushing with pride.

So I sit down next to my son, as he is talking to a friend between games at their hockey tournament, and I overhear my son saying, "my mom plans the best trips. We went to Florida and didn't even go to Disney World and it was still the best time. She knows how to find all the coolest hotels (Hyatt Grand Cypress Orlando) and usually pretty cheap."

Turns out he was offering my services and singing my praises!

Wow! That was a pretty neat feeling to hear my son giving me such a good reference. It has been and continues to be, one of my life's ambitions to design exciting life experiences for my family, through travel.

Later, I pressed my 9 year old son for a little bit more information. He says that we do a lot of great things together that other people (that he knows) just don't seem to do. (Like touching a space shuttle at the NASA museum in Houston.) And he thought his friend might like to do something similar, and we moms should talk.

I knows he sees me at the computer and hastily writing things into a notebook. (Yes, I use good old fashioned pencil and paper when hunting for a deal. I make myself a list of searches & prices in a notebook.) And I know he understands it's a process, but he was recognizing my efforts and that made me feel like a gold medalist.

One of my favourite things to do is to travel separately with my kids. It gives me the chance to see them as individuals and focus on their interests and their pace rather than trying to negotiate between 2 or more strong willed travellers. For example, the Disney Cruise to the Caribbean was more enjoyable for my younger son because he didn't have his older sibling teasing him and criticizing his choice of activities. The younger son got to fully enjoy his Disney experience, and therefore I was more relaxed and more satisfied with the outcome and value of the vacation.

Whereas the next trip, with the older boy, was a planes and trains adventure where we raced across the country with just our backpacks. Since he is very capable at leading, I let him take the reins. He really showed me what a logical thinker and a mature person he is becoming. Two totally different vacations, but perfectly suited to each and enjoyable.

I look forward to the day when perhaps, one of the boys will invite me on a vacation that they've researched and designed.  Until then, I will continue on researching and reading and planning adventures, knowing that I am leaving a lasting impression, and making some pretty cool memories with my kids.

Mini Amazing Race for Your Kids

With summer upon us, you might be looking for inspiration and some fresh entertainment for your kids. What if you made them their own, personal, "Amazing Race"?

Here's how I see this going....

1) Next Tuesday night, watch Canada's Amazing Race on CTV. Talk about how much fun that would be. The next day, reveal your surprise!

2) Get each of your children to invite a friend to "race" with. Pick your day to hold the race. (The sooner the better!)

3) Prepare 3 sets of checkpoint envelopes with instructions for each team. Plan 3 events and pick a location, like a community park.

4) Activity number one might be to solve a riddle or puzzle which would lead them to a new location at the park. Perhaps learn a fact from the park/point of interest plaque and recite it to the judge.

Another activity might be an egg race, or a three-legged race or a 50 times ball catch event. (Make certain it includes both partners working together.)   Your third event could be another physical challenge suitable to the park or it could be a gathering challenge where they find items.

5) Of course there should be a little prize for each team. Perhaps something like a trip to the ice cream store for a treat or a dollar store loot bag.

This activity is sure to provide an afternoon of laughs and fun. It can be no-budget or with a few dollars, you could pick up beach balls or bubble blowers or similar props at the dollar store to use in your events.

If you want to extend the challenge to a weekly event or make a bigger race out of it, get plain t-shirts from the craft store and have each team decorate their shirts/pick a team name etc. You could really make an amazing summer memory and have a lot of healthy fun together doing it!

Disney Cruise: Part 1... The Sights

Disney Wonder

There are four Disney Cruise ships. The original two ships were the "Magic" and the "Wonder". They are both very similar in size and passenger capacity. (10 Decks/ 2400 passengers) The Magic was recently in dry dock and underwent numerous renovations. She's shining like a pretty penny! Photo Gallery of the new "Magic"

The two newest ships are the "Dream" and the "Fantasy." They are similar in size and are about 40% larger than the Magic and Wonder. The new ships have 16 decks and can carry about 4000 passengers plus crew.

All four ships have Disney characters, Disney decor, and outstanding Disney service. The ships' stacks are some of the most recognizable at sea, with their bright red colour and Mickey Mouse Ears. The ships's whistle is the same chords used to start the old Disney Sunday night television movie. (I remember those family dinners with much fondness!) "When you wish upon a star"

I have been on the Wonder and found it to be the perfect size for this Canadian girl. Anything bigger would have overwhelmed me. Though, I must say, that the Disney scheduling of 2 dinner times/2 show times it never really felt crowded onboard. Genius, really!

At holiday times, the ships are decorated and have an extra layer of magic, in my opinion. The Christmas tree and decorations (in November 2013) were magnificent. Characters are in holiday clothes too. It sure makes for great family photos.

Whether it's the deck chairs or the ice cream sundaes you will find all those Disney touches that make your cruise extra magical.  There is something to see at every corner. Adults and kids alike wander the ship wide-eyed! I know I did!

Port of Galveston in the background.

Outdoor movies by the pool

 

5 Things you must take when travelling with kids

I've been halfway around the world and back, a few times with my boys. Whether I'm planning a road trip or jetting to Hawaii, I would never leave home without these 5 things for my kids.


1. The Gadget  It used to be a dvd player for the car, and now it's more likely an iPad on your list but you need to have something kid friendly that can distract them for hours. You never know when you'll spend the whole day in an airport. Of course, bring all your cords and adapters.

2. The Pacifier This is a personal item that brings your child comfort and makes them feel "at home." It might be a favourite stuffed animal, or a blanket, or even a cozy sweatshirt. In times of chaos or tantrums, I turn to the 'pacifier' to try to calm the child and get them re-centered.

3. The Bribe If you're having one of those moments where immediate compliance is necessary (airport security line or the like) you might need the 'bribe'.  Honey, if you calm down and just let us finish this activity I have a $15 iTunes card for you. When we get back to the hotel (free wifi zone) I will help you choose some new games or a movie. The bribe can be anything... letting them pick the next restaurant, a new book or anything. Only you will know what will work for your child.

4. Snacks Everyone gets a little growly when they are hungry. And picky eaters in foreign countries can present a challenge. That's why I always travel with a few granola bars and 100% fruit bars. They barely take up any room in your purse and the reserve supplies fit compactly in your suitcase.  We had one long flight with turbulence and the airline was unable to provide drinks or snacks. For my son, that was a bit of an emergency. Luckily, I had my supply right at my seat. It saved the day for us. The granola bar stash has also been an asset in theme parks, hotels, cars and airports. So valuable!

5. Emergency Supplies  Children's Tylenol, Gravol, and any inhalers or medication they might need should be in your possession. My emergency kit also includes bandaids, wet wipes, an empty plastic bag and hand sanitizer. There are also 100 reasons your child might need a change of clothes, so that's in the kit too.

Travelling with kids requires a little more planning, patience and suitcase space, but the lessons you learn on the road are more than worth it. The times I have spent travelling with my kids are some of my most treasured memories.