4 Tips for Safe Flying During a Pandemic

October 13, 2020 by Kathryn 1 Comment

As a family that loves to travel, the coronavirus outbreak caused a lot of changes to our plans. In fact, we had to cancel both a couple’s trip to the United States and a family trip to Edmonton because of the outbreak.

But as flights gradually reopened, we started once again to make some tentative travel plans. And the first was a trip to visit our extended family in Ontario in mid-August.

With some of our favourite travel gear from https://expertvagabond.com/best-travel-gifts/ and our masks in hand, heading to the airport was not the fun and lighthearted experience it usually is. But, we safely made it to our destination, and had a great time visiting with our loved ones!

Our experience helped me to feel more confident about planning future trips as well. With a little care, families can still enjoy a safe flight to their destination. These are my 4 tips for flying safely during a pandemic: [Read more…]

Eleven Amazing Things To Do in San Diego with Kids

October 27, 2019 by Kathryn 11 Comments

Southern California is full of activities for families, and no city is quite as full of things to do with kids as San Diego and its surrounding area! From beaches to amusement parks and everything in between, it’s easy to spend an entire vacation in the city and not run out of things to do.

After two days exploring Buena Park, California on our family’s recent California vacation, we made our way to the San Diego area for a few days, and we packed a lot into our time there. If you’re looking for the best things to do in San Diego with kids, these eleven attractions in three different areas are ones you’ll want to check out!

Southern San Diego

1) Splashing It Up at Aquatica

On the outskirts of Southern San Diego is the fun-filled Aquatica Water Park, featuring waterslides, a wave pool, a lazy river and plenty of other great wet and wild entertainment. With the slides having minimum height requirements of 42” to 48”, it’s best suited to school-age and older kids, but there’s still fun to be had for all ages! [Read more…]

Tips for Traveling with 2 Under 2

February 23, 2018 by Kathryn 2 Comments

Traveling with kids is a challenge, and that’s especially true with two kids. When both are also under two years old…well, let’s just say challenging probably isn’t a strong enough word! Today Katelynn from Hampers and Hiccups is sharing her tips and tricks for making traveling with 2 under 2 just a little bit easier!

When I was pregnant with our second baby, my husband and I were considering taking a trip over to Wales, UK to see my aunt and her family before Sweet Girl turns 2. This would put us in the air with 2 under 2 for, oh, about a million hours. It’s a long trip from our home in Saskatchewan to their doorstep in Wrexham.

While we were still chewing this over, my father-in-law brought up the idea of taking the entire family down to Maricopa, Arizona. The timeline was the same as our dream trip! All these conversations were taking place before we even had a second baby, but I was sure we’d be able to do some traveling with a rambunctious toddler and a 6-month-old. So, we agreed to the Arizona trip and decided to save Wales for another year. When we head off, Sweet Girl will be 23 months old, and Pip 6 months old.

Now that Pip is born, and Christmas is over with, I’ve started focusing on our April trip to Maricopa. I was half-planning the whole time, but just in my head. Now I’m actually making lists. And holy moly is there lots to consider!

This will be our first real trip with kids. No more carry-on luggage only. We’ll be waiting at the baggage carousal with the rest of heavy packers. [Read more…]

Tips for Fun and Safe Travel with Your Family this Spring Break #LSSS

April 1, 2014 by Kathryn 23 Comments

I have a few great passions in life and one of them has always been travel. Whether it’s a quick weekend trip to see family or a month-long vacation overseas, being out in the world exploring is something that I live to experience. And while I might occasionally wish for a vacation on my own just to recharge a bit, for the most part I absolutely love having my boys with me on my adventures.

But travelling with kids can be hard, especially when they sometimes don’t understand the simple safety tips that adults follow automatically. Benjamin is notorious for leaving his luggage unattended while he looks at some interesting thing he’s found in an airport. And Zackary often tries to rush ahead in crowded places simply not understanding that there are so many people that he might not be able to find me. Still, travelling with kids can be a great experience with a little preparation! That why this month as part of the Master Lock Live Secure Safety Squad, I’m sharing my top tips for travelling safely with your family:

In the Car

Make sure to check all car seats and ensure that the sizing is correct and that they are installed properly before heading out on a long trip. Car seats do have expiry dates so a road trip is the perfect time to make sure that the ones you’re using are still safe and valid.
Give your car a quick tune-up before leaving by checking the oil, antifreeze, washer fluid and tire pressure. Consider purchasing auto travel insurance for additional peace of mind while on a long road trip.

[Read more…]

Easy Tips to Help You Get Through Airport Security Faster This Winter

November 7, 2013 by Kathryn 9 Comments

Winter is one of the best times of the year to travel with your family. Whether you’re visiting loved ones over the holidays or heading somewhere tropical to escape the snow, there are all kinds of reasons to take to the skies and head off on an adventure. But your adventure will be even better if you are prepared for going through the airport security line. Remember these useful tips for airport security when you travel!

Travelling for Christmas?

During the holidays, thousands take to the skies to celebrate with friends and family. It’s the time of year to give gifts to our loved ones. That being said, there are some restrictions on what can be brought on board a plane. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has a few simple tips to get through security hassle-free.

Avoid wrapping presents: officers may have to unwrap them for control purposes. Wait until you arrive at your destination, or take advantage of some airports’ gift-wrapping services located past security.

Avoid bringing presents that contain liquid, aerosols or gels in your carry-on luggage: This includes: alcohol, wine, beer, snow globes, canned soup, maple syrup, perfume and lotions. Put them in your checked baggage or send them separately. [Read more…]