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! 

When your child isn't a 'child' anymore

"Kids Stay & Play FREE!"  Isn't that a slogan than catches your eye nearly every time you're planning a trip? Yes indeed.... you think there will be a deal at the end of the next link, but sadly there's often disappointment.

Take for example, I've been trying to book an interesting beach vacation package for a family of 4.  9 times out of 10, I pursue a trip and an advertised "Kids FREE" deal and there are catches. Something that sours the deal completely. Like when the fine print reveals just the "first kid free" with 2 paying adults. Or one adult, with one child and that child has to pay "adult" rates because there is otherwise NOT double occupancy.

Take this example here. This is taken from an Air Canada Vacations last minute deal. In this case, only the adult fares are discounted. Look at the way it adds up. It's actually no deal. Even if all 4 passengers were given the adult discounted price, it would only be about $4800.

In other cases, such as Disney, children play the adult ticket price after 10 years of age.  So, you pay full adult rate from 10 and up. 

Other resorts I found wouldn't accept a booking of 2 parents, a 12 year old and a 9 year old. Because the 12 year old is considered an "adult" and you couldn't have 3 adults or more in a room.  What the heck is the point or solution to that? Book two rooms or adjoining rooms? No thank you. 

About the only place I found success with this type of booking was at resorts in Mexico or Jamaica, or at certain hotels in Grand Cayman. 

Here's an example, from Westjet, in Montego Bay Jamaica, where they still consider a 12 year old a child, AND they let 2 paying adults, have a discounted rated for 2 children. And since this resort is all inclusive they offer a scaled rated based on the child's age. 

Lastly, the other way to avoid this frustrating situation is to book your hotel and flights separately. In this case, you will pay equally for your flights as there is no 'child discount'. A seat, is a seat, is a seat, and should be charged accordingly. (Unless they are an infant in an adult lap.) And then you will pay your hotel rate, based on their occupancy polices. Most hotels still consider a 'child' to be anyone 17 or under that is accompanying adults and using existing bedding. Again, this is no guarantee of a deal but you should at least avoid paying extra for a child as in the example from the top of the page. 

I can only imagine the difficulty of trying to plan a trip for a family of 5 or more. 

Fast Five Travel Tips: Great gifts for travellers

Christmas is around the corner. Are you still looking for ideas on how to treat your favourite traveller? Here are a few suggestions sure to please.

1. Gift card to have photos printed. And/or the offer of your time to help organize travel photos and put together an album.

2. Bamboo socks. They are a little pricey ($10-15 a pair) and would be a great treat to the frugal traveller. Bamboo is comfortable, breathable, naturally antimicrobial, quick to dry and made from a renewable resource.

3. "Plane pack" a little gift bag with all the necessities... hand sanitizer, gum, kleenex, ear buds, peanuts/crackers/dried fruit.

4. Phone charger. Who couldn't use a spare?

5. Gift card for a popular hotel chain, or Air Canada. You can pick these up at the post office, or at www.aeroplan.ca  You can even use your own Aeroplan miles to pay for them.  (The other Canadian airline does not offer gift cards.)

Tips worth repeating

I'm often asked how I find the travel bargains, or how I can afford to travel with my kids in hockey. Well, it's like anything, you have to plan, save and be on the lookout (constantly) for the deals.

My top tips for travelling on any budget, are worth repeating.

1. Travel when others aren't. Travel after long weekends and major holidays and you'll pay 40% less than those travelling ON the long weekend.

2. Know the average price of what you want so you can RECOGNIZE the bargain when it appears. Then act quickly. Bargains disappear as quickly as they appear. You can miss the boat (literally) by waiting a day. Travel is a commodity dramatically affected by supply and demand.

3. Collect points. Whether you choose Air Miles, Aeroplan, Sky Miles or others, get their credit card and start accumulating your points at the grocery store, gas station etc. This is a great way to SUBSIDIZE your travel. Even your hockey expenses can contribute to future family vacations.

4. Read reviews. It's no bargain if the hotel is a dump or the airline constantly strands passengers. Read Trip Advisor for recent reviews every time you consider something new.

5, Be FLEXIBLE! This is my absolutely most important tip. If you can be flexible in choosing your destination (I know I want a Caribbean beach, but am open to try any of 5 islands) then you will have greater chances for bargains rather than ONLY looking for bargains in The Bahamas. And, be flexible on your dates. Check a grid (like on tripcentral.ca) because sometimes the difference in dates can be $500 or more, even when choosing the EXACT same airline and/or hotel.

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.

5 Things to know before you travel (Anywhere)

Before you ever set foot on a plane or cruise off on your dream trip you need to know:

1. Are there any travel advisories from our government?  (weather, politics, disease)

2. What are other travellers saying about the destination right now? Tripadvisor.ca  Current reviews from real travellers are invaluable! Their tips and follies can save you money and potential mistakes.

3. What will the weather be like? (This will help you pack appropriately)

4. What are your emergency strategies? What is the Plan B if something goes wrong and your airline strands you? How will you survive if your wallet is stolen?

5. What are your potential health needs and what does your insurance cover? Do you have the 1-800 numbers handy for your credit cards/insurance providers/Government of Canada?

The better you prepare ahead of time, the safer you will be. All good trips are safe trips!

It's an off week

Today I was looking at flight prices for my typical quickie trips (Phoenix, Vegas, Orlando) and the ones I dream about, like California and The Bahamas. Brutal. All the prices have gone up. Last week you could have bagged a round trip (tax in) to Phoenix for under $300. Same date, time, etc is now $582.

The Grand Forks to Santa Ana that I had flagged went up from $329 to $824 in the period of 10 days. Denver which was at $200 is now up at $239, so that's not a big jump... however an equal number of dates are sitting in the $400 range. (Pays to fly on a Wednesday or Sunday if you want the bargain.)

Its just the typical ebb and flow of flight sales. There will be sales and there will be regular prices that are much higher. Holiday dates and Fridays will always be more expensive.

Flight prices typically change on the Monday night or Tuesday of a week. Sometimes there are discount codes to apply, sometimes the sale comes up for everybody with no special codes. The Canadian Airlines are much more likely to offer "codes" than the US ones.

Really, it's about supply and demand. But, if you can spy a bargain and pounce when you see it, that's success! If you don't see a price you like, wait a few days or a week, see if it changes. HOWEVER, if you are within a month of your desired flight... anticipate that the prices will only rise as you get closer to the date. (Supply & demand)  The best prices statistically are 6-8 weeks out when the airlines strategically maneuver prices to fill their planes.

Flying within Canada? I can't remember any return flights less than $350 to anywhere. I generally consider anything under $500 to be a decent price within Canada. (All taxes and fees in.)