Travel Stories & Bargains from Manitoba: plane

Monday, July 27, 2015

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!

Friday, January 23, 2015

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.