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…]

5 Tips for Traveling with a Wheelchair

September 27, 2017 by Kathryn Leave a Comment

Traveling has plenty of perks, but it also requires a lot of preparation. And that’s all the more true if you are in a wheelchair. The unexpected can happen during trips, and some events you may not be prepared for. For wheelchair users, the challenge is even greater, so you always need to think ahead and anticipate.

You deserve to have a great time on your vacation! So, to make the trip more enjoyable for yourself and everyone else that’s coming along on your trip, check out some of the tips for traveling with a wheelchair.

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Don’t Miss These 3 Must-Experience Family Attractions in Toronto, Ontario

March 4, 2016 by Kathryn 29 Comments

Canada has many popular cities when it comes to family vacations, but Toronto is easily one of the top choices for travel…and with good reason! From museums and art galleries to theatres and shopping malls, the city has something to please everyone.

But there are some Toronto experiences that absolutely cannot be missed, especially for families visiting the city for the first time. If you have a trip to Toronto in your future, these are three attractions that you’ll want to make sure you fit into your schedule!

The CN Tower

The tower that helped make the Toronto skyline (and the city itself) stand out among other world capitals is a place that everyone should visit when in the city. While it may seem like the CN Tower doesn’t have a whole lot to impress children, the speedy ride in the elevator is something kids of all ages will love, and the glass floor that lets visitors look down and see just how high above the ground they are is sure to thrill…and maybe even terrify a little! [Read more…]

Easter Break Vacation and Staycation Tips from Church & Dwight

March 31, 2015 by Kathryn Leave a Comment

My boys have a week off for Easter Break shortly and I have to say that I’m a little bit torn between putting together a fun little family getaway or just staying close to home. But no matter which choice I make, planning is key. That’s why when I’m deciding between a vacation and a staycation, these tips from Church & Dwight are going to come in very handy!

Vacation

Getting out of town, sitting on a sandy beach or strolling through city streets is exhilarating. Make sure you look and feel your best, and take lots of pictures to capture the memories.
Tip: For a huge time-saver during your action-packed vacation, try Batiste™ Dry Shampoo in Tropical to tackle oily hair. The light and clean scent will refresh your locks, giving you more time to check out the sights.
The choices are endless. A cruise to the Bahamas? Seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris? A change of scenery and broadening your horizons is good for the soul.
Tip: Read fellow travellers reviews online. This will give you some great insight and ideas for what to see and do on your vacation.
If you’re going somewhere warm, this is your chance to escape the end of winter’s wrath. Don’t forget to pack all the essentials.
Tip: Get rid of unwanted hair with Nair™ Moroccan Argan Oil Ultimate Roll-On Body Wax. You’ll be left with smooth, soft and hair-free skin for up to four weeks.

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The 4 Toronto Restaurants Everyone Should Experience

November 21, 2014 by Kathryn 43 Comments

Toronto is a city that really has a bit of everything, and that’s especially true when it comes to food. Virtually any culinary creation imaginable is available in the city, from exotic cuisine to locally sourced delicacies. Needless to say, deciding which restaurant to visit when evening rolls around is no easy task! But these four highly acclaimed choices are sure to satisfy your craving for great food when you’re touring the T-Dot.

Best Thai Restaurant – Golden Thai

The popular Golden Thai restaurant is conveniently located in downtown Toronto and has been a top destination for food-lovers for more than twenty years. There are a variety of Thai specialties to choose from and literally something for everyone considering the menu has over sixty different categories! While the Phad Thai is a favourite for its enticing blend of flavours, the Golden Thai Classics are a great choice for couples or families that want to try a bit of everything. [Read more…]

Get Ready for Summer Road Trips with Tips and Travel Essentials from P&G-Giveaway #PGMom

June 20, 2014 by Kathryn 155 Comments

As a travel junkie, pretty much any time of year is a good one for a vacation in my mind. But summer is especially good of course, since the kids are out of school, most parents have more free time and planning a road trip is a breeze! For the ultimate fun-filled travel experience, knowledge and preparaiton are key, though! That’s why P&G has put together some handy travel tips to help you ensure that your family vacation is one to remember forever.

Take time to prep

Dedicate time well before departure to plan your pack—yes plan. Check the weather forecast, ensure flight times are accurate, check construction and closures and find alternative routes to make a realistic travel route to get you there on time. If flying, remember to double check what you can bring in your carry-on to avoid anything being thrown out.
Avoid the morning of mad dash to gather all necessary toiletries and invest in a travel set of essentials. Do you need a full size shampoo and conditioner for the family to share, or can you use the adorable mini travel-sized items, like the super cute and convenient mini Scope Outlast to maintain fresh breath on the go? If you have essentials you just can’t duplicate, like an electronic toothbrush, add them to your last minute pack list.

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Hit the Road! The Best Travel Safety Products from Master Lock #LSSS

May 5, 2014 by Kathryn 66 Comments

With spring finally here, it’s time to start making plans for the warm weather and in this house, that always means doing a little travelling. My boys and I love to travel and whether we’re planning a long vacation somewhere exotic or just taking off for a few days to visit family, we always have fun wherever we go.

And thanks to Master Lock, we travel safely as well! The company has so many convenient products perfect for travelling and recently I received a few favourites to review. If you’re planning any spring travels, these safety devices will help you do so with confidence.

4688D Luggage Lock

This handy little luggage lock comes in four different colours and is TSA approved for travel. I’ve wanted a luggage lock for some time now and this one was the perfect solution. It uses a flexible cable to help minimize damage from baggage handling equipment, and is easy to set and reset. It gives me so much peace of mind knowing that my belongings are safe, but also that the TSA can still inspect my bags if necessary. [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.

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