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Tricks and Tools Every Mom Can …

August 2, 2018 By admin

Disclosure: I received compensation from Bayer Consumer Health, makers of MiraLAX® to write this post. MiraLAX® is a laxative used to treat occasional constipation. All opinions are entirely my own. #ReLAXOnTheGo #CollectiveBias

Busy moms like me need to know what tricks and tools they can use to be their best selves at home and when they travel. Moms spend so much time to be sure kids have every article of clothing, snack, beverage and entertainment option at all times, we sometimes forget about our own needs.

Tricks and Tools Every Mom Can Use at Home and Away

So read on busy moms because today I’m sharing my favorite tips and tricks for feeling your best when traveling…

Tip 1 – Comfort is Key

Try on all your clothing before a trip to be sure everything fits comfortably, and try to choose outfits in the same color scheme so you can mix and match with ease. I always travel with a large pashmina scarf which I use as a blanket or pillow on the plane and for layering depending on the climate of my destination.

Photo Caption: Comfortable sandals or sneakers are a must for visiting amusement parks.

Tip 2 – Pack Shoes That Can Go the Extra Mile

A vacation is definitely not the time to break-in a new pair of shoes so don’t wait till the last minute to think about footwear. If you’re planning a trip with tons of walking (like Disney or NYC) pack a supportive sandal in a neutral shade or sneakers if that’s more your style. For winter trips, thick soled walking shoes and waterproof boots are a must.

Photo Caption: Target is a great spot to stock up on travel sized toiletries.

Tip 3 – Keep Toiletries to a Minimum

This may not work for every mom but I love to use all those travel-sized make-up and toiletry samples when I travel. It’s a fun way to try new products and it leaves room in my suitcase for souvenirs. If you’re loyal to a certain brand, try to buy the smallest sized item or transfer it to a small travel-sized container.

Tip 4 – Keep Your Stomach in Sync

For most moms, travel means eating and drinking much differently than we do at home. At home, I’m careful to eat a variety of fruits and veggies and drink plenty of water but when I’m traveling, this isn’t always the case. Whether you’re indulging in extra servings of pasta, oversized steaks or dessert with every meal (no judgement here!) your stomach is bound to react to the changes. It can be hard enough to find a clean bathroom when you need to go so the last thing I want worry about on a trip is problems pooping. To find relief from occasional constipation, I head to Target and stock up on MiraLAX® Mix-In Pax before I travel. Find your nearest Target here.

The single-dose packets are so easy to throw in my purse and the unflavored powder easily mixes with any beverage, hot or cold (always use as directed).

MiraLAX® acts differently from stimulant laxatives — it works with the water in my body to hydrate, soften and unblock my system naturally versus stimulant laxative pills that stimulate the nerves in your colon. MiraLAX® doesn’t cause harsh side effects so I can keep up with my travels and foodie adventures without a worry. A true must-have for every trip.

Tip 5 – Safeguard Your Documents

When I travel, I always bring photo copies of our passports as well as our flight schedules and a list of important phone numbers. Just think how helpless you’d feel if you lost your phone and make sure to have all this information with you on every trip. Be sure to email these documents to yourself at an email you can access on the road (think gmail not work email).

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Father’s Day Gift Guide …

June 4, 2018 By admin

Need a Father’s Day Gift for a dad who travels to eat? Shopping for a father who likes to travel near and far? Getting a present for a couch potato daddy who travels to the nearest mall? Don’t worry, I’ve got you all covered with my Father’s Day Gift Guide.

Father’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Dads

For the Dad Who Wants to See the World:

Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel: Our List of the 500 Best Places to See is a chic hardcover travel tome perfect for dad to peruse in his free time.

Father’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Dads. This book will get every dad dreaming about his next trip.

For the Dad Who Loves to Swim on Vacation:

Dads will love anti-chafe swimwear from NoNetz. These trunks have a soft, anit-bactererial liner instead of a mesh or net brief so dads can stay rash-free and comfy on the beach.

For the Beer Loving Dad:

How super cute is this Choose Your State Beer Cap Trap made to display the caps of dad’s favorite local brews? An eye-catching, American-made gift for craft beer lovers and anyone who likes to “drink local.” Available in the shape of each U.S. state!

For the Foodie Dad:

Mac N’ Cheese is the ultimate comfort food for dads (and kids) so this Americana-Mac-N-Cheese gift set from Thoughtfully is sure to be a hit. It comes with an adorable cast-iron skillet shaped like the U.S, pasta, and two spice blends.

For the Dad who Loves Road Trips:

If you have a dad who love to get behind the wheel (a solo trip, one with the family or a guys getaway), a JUCY RV rental is sure to please. These tricked-out minivans have some cool features of a larger RV without the worries of a big vehicle and crazy gas bills.

For the Older Dad:

For the dad who can take a joke, I love this Old. t-shirt in comfy, garment dyed cotton.

For the Dad With a Big Office:

This Scratch-Off World Map Poster is a great way to track dad’s adventures and plan future getaways.

Which gift is your favorite? Tell me below in the comments.

PS – Trips are always a great Father’s Day gift. If you’re on the East Coast, a trip to Wildwood, New Jersey is a great option the whole family will enjoy.

Note: this post contains some affiliate links. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Top 5 Picks From Big City Moms …

June 15, 2017 By admin

The Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower is one of the best events for new and expecting parents to get the scoop on the newest baby products, services, and parenting trends. At the recent NYC baby shower event, I got to check out the latest and greatest baby products and today I’m sharing my favorites.

Top 5 Picks for Globetrotting Moms From Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower

1) NYC streets are hard on baby strollers and if you ever have a stroller emergency, you’ll be happy to hear about Tot Squad. Whether your stroller was injured by airplane employees, or by being bumped down a zillion subway steps, Tot Squad will pick it up and fix it quickly as they stock most of the of popular stroller parts. They also offer non-toxic cleaning services.

Life Ice is a healthy frozen treat for kids of all ages.

2) For parents looking for a healthy alternative to ice cream cones, Life Ice is a frozen source for healthy living. Packaged in plastic cubettes, these icy treats (in fruits, greens and chocolate flavors) are easy to bring along on a vacation or playdate. Just pop in the freezer and your treats are ready to serve. I love that they’re all-natural and just the perfect size for teething babies.

Stylish yet practical, HAPP diaper bags are stain and water resistant making them perfect for travel.

3) Lightweight diaper bags are a must for globetrotting moms and when they have lots of compartments, hidden storage sections and a memory foam changing pad, all the better. The new line of HAPP diaper bags are stylish, affordable and easy to clean making them a great choice for any new mom. I love the tote, backpack and hobo styling and neutral colors.

The Inglesina Zippy Light stroller stands when folded making it easy to store in NYC apartments.

4) Folding strollers are a must for city moms and the Inglesina Zippy Light stroller can go from newborns to toddler and beyond (up to 55 pounds!). The Zippy Light stroller has a fully reclining backrest, adjustable footrest, extending shade and comes in an assortment of classic colors. I love that it easily folds with one hand and stands when folded. If you’ve ever tried to search for your metro card while holding a baby and stroller you’ll love this feature.

Nuna’s SENA aire’s playard is great for travel.

5) If you’re in the market for a travel play yard and bassinet that looks good and is super easy to use, Nuna’s SENA aire is a great choice. The all mesh design makes for a light design that easily folds with one hand. I love that it comes with an organic sheet and travel case so you’ll be ready to go. Available in regular or mini.

Have you tried any of these items from the Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower? Tell me your favorite in the comments below.

I was invited to the Biggest Baby Shower Event as a media guest but all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Where to Go for Medical …

May 24, 2017 By admin

Medical emergencies at home can be scary but things can seem much worse when you’re on the go. Most new moms have first-aid kits in their strollers and thermometers at home but it isn’t so easy to know where to turn when you’re faced with more than a scraped knee or low-grade fever, especially on a weekend or during a vacation.

Where to Go for Medical Emergencies at Home and Away

For the easy stuff, a call or visit to a pediatrician is enough but for more severe medical emergencies, urgent care centers and emergency room visits are unavoidable when you’re dealing with kids. Do you and your caregivers know when to visit an urgent care center or head to the ER for a medical emergency?

Lucky for you, today I’m sharing some pointers I picked up from Neal Shipley, Regional Medical Director, Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care. GoHealth Urgent Care operates urgent care centers in the New York, Portland/Vancouver metropolitan areas, the San Francisco Bay Area and now Hartford, Connecticut.

GoHealth Urgent Care operates urgent care centers in the New York, Portland/Vancouver metropolitan areas, the San Francisco Bay Area and now Hartford, Connecticut.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES: HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS

Hospital Emergency Room (or Emergency Department) visits are scary, expensive and time-consuming but when you gotta go, you gotta go. If the situation is life-threatening – such as severe bleeding, head trauma, seizures, meningitis, breathing difficulties, dehydration, and serious bacterial infections – head directly to an Emergency Room or call an ambulance.

TOP REASONS TO CALL AN AMBULANCE OR GO RIGHT TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT:

If your child has difficulty breathing or shortness of breath or is turning blue or where the child is wheezing too much to count to ten (or a baby is wheezing too much to drink or nurse)
Is having a seizure
Your baby is less than 3 months old and has a fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius)
Has had a change in mental status, such as suddenly becoming unusually sleepy or difficult to wake, disoriented, or confused
If your child has a stiff neck along with a fever and a rash
A large cut to the head, chest, or abdomen or where bleeding won’t stop after 5 minutes of direct pressure or especially in younger children who need sedation or behavioral support while the laceration is being repaired
Has an electric shock from an outlet or a chewed wire
Significant burns, as judged any blister greater than the size of the child’s palm. Any burn with smoke, gas or heated air inhalation needs the ER
A child accidentally ingests a poisonous substance or too much medication or a button battery or a magnet; if your teenager seems to be taking illegal drugs and is acutely intoxicated
Has had head trauma and was unconscious or is acting confused
Severe abdominal pain with fever and is vomiting over and over again
Call 911 for an ambulance in severe situations when you need the help of trained medical personnel on the way to the hospital. For example, your child has been in a car accident, has a head or neck injury, has ingested too much medication and is now hard to rouse, or is not breathing or is turning blue. In these cases, dial 911 for an ambulance.

Where to Go for Medical Emergencies at Home and Away. All GoHealth Urgent Care Centers feature onsite x-rays.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES: URGENT CARE VISITS

An urgent care center can be a good option for non-emergencies at night, on weekends and when you area away from home. At these centers, you can typically get X-rays, stitches, and care for minor injuries that aren’t life threatening yet require medical attention on the same day.

TOP REASONS TO GO TO URGENT CARE

Upper Respiratory Infections: Viral upper respiratory infections (involving the throat, nose or trachea)
Fever: Fevers are one of the most common reasons for pediatric urgent care
Ear Pain: Not all cases of ear pain turn out to be an ear infection, so a doctor’s evaluation can help decide if antibiotics are needed
Superficial Injuries: Wound care and prompt treatment can prevent complications like infections or scarring
Sprains and Strains: These become more and more common as kids get older and more active. Sprains are more serious than strains, and they indicate a potential injury to a ligament

Hopefully, you’ll never deal with any of these situations but it is always good to be in the know. Also, remember to take your insurance cards, medications, prescriptions and immunization records along when you travel. In addition, bring contact details for your children’s doctors and specialists.

Lastly, if you’re in the metro NYC area, Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care in Manhattan and Brooklyn are offering walk-in camp physicals for just $50.

What was your scariest medical emergency at home or away? Tell me below in the comments.

Thank you to Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Top 11 Tips for Visiting …

May 16, 2017 By admin

One of the best parts of a Disney Cruise is a day at Disney’s famed 3-mile long private island. If you’re lucky to be sailing away Disney style, here are my Top 10 Tips for Visiting Disney Castaway Cay…

Top 11 Tips for Visiting Disney Castaway Cay

1) Getting around Castaway Cay

Disney keeps things easy and fun so getting onto Castaway Cay is simple. No taking tender boats and no long walks to the action, simple scan your Key to the World card at security and you’re there. You’ll be greeted by some favorite Disney characters and staffers will direct you to you the trams and nearby beaches. Tip: If you don’t need to take the tram, the walk isn’t too far and has some awesome photo-ops along the way.

Taking the tram around Castaway Cay is a great option for tired kids.

2) What to bring to Disney Castaway Cay

Aside from your key card, sunglasses and sunscreen, you won’t need too much to enjoy your day on the beach. Lounge chairs, towels and lunch are all provided. The island is very casual so wear swimsuits, cover-ups and beachy footwear. Tip: If you’ve got little ones, bring along sand toys and age appropriate floats like a puddle jumper if your kids don’t like wearing life vests. Binoculars are always fun for older kids.

So many awesome lookout points on Disney’s Castaway Cay.

3) Eating on Castaway Cay

Just like on your cruise, lunch and non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary. Specialty drinks in souvenir cups and adult beverages are plentiful and can be charged to your cabin. The lunch menu is a BBQ with ribs, chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, fish, salads, corn on the cob, chips, plenty of fresh fruit and soft-serve ice cream. Tip: If you have a picky child or want a fancier meal, you can always go back on board for lunch.

Kids will love the fresh fruit buffet on Castaway Cay.

4) Avoiding crowds on Disney Castaway Cay

Most guests seem to settle at first area of the family beach so be prepared to walk a little to avoid crowds. Tip: If you’ve got kids, pick a spot by Pelican Plunge for big kids or by Spring-a-Leak water play area for little kids. If you’re kid-free, head to adults-only Serenity Cay.

Miles of white sand beach await at Disney’s Castaway Cay.

5) Things to do on Castaway Cay

Activities abound on Disney Cay. Families can rent paddleboats, kayaks, bikes, floats, and tubes. There are also organized activities like snorkeling, parasailing, fishing, swimming, jet-skiing, stingray feeding and more. There is no pressure to partake in these activities and most families simply stay on the beach but active families will have plenty of options. Tip: Sign up for popular activities in advance (up to 120 days prior to your ship’s departure).

6) Disney Castaway Cay fun for kids

From playing in the sand, riding waves and floating in the ocean to splashing around at Spring-a-Leak water play area and exploring the slides, water canons and tipping water buckets at Pelican Plunge, kids are guaranteed a fun time at Castaway Cay. Tip: If your kids prefer organized activities, check them into the Scuttle’s Cove kids program which is supervised by Disney counselors from the ship.

Pelican Plunge is a favorite spot for kids on Disney’s Castaway Cay.

7) Shopping on Castaway Cay

There are two main shops on the island, She Sells Sea Shells…and Everything Else and Buy the Sea Shore, so be sure to check them out as your travel around. Tip: The island is the only place to buy Castaway Cay merchandise so if you love something, be sure to buy it.

8) Only on Disney Castaway Cay…

One unique offering on Castaway Cay is a working post office so send a postcard home featuring a special Castaway Cay postmark. Tip: The post office only accepts cash but you can also buy stamps in advance on the ship.

9) The Disney Castaway Cay 5k

If you’re looking for an active way to explore Castaway Cay, consider running or walking in the island’s 5K. This free event takes place in the early morning and is open to guests 10 and older. Tip: All participants receive award certificates and medals so pack your sneakers if interested.

10) Spotting the Disney Characters on Castaway Cay

There are several character photo ops all around the island so be sure to stop and take photos when you see them. If your kids like to dance, check out the character dance party. Tip: If a certain character line is long, skip ahead to then next one and then go back.

Don’t miss the Disney characters on Castaway Cay.

11) Snorkeling at Disney Castaway Cay

There are organized snorkel trips or you can bring your own snorkel and mask. Guests can snorkel right from the family beach lagoon. Tip: In addition to fish, be on the lookout for some underwater Disney characters.

Adventure awaits on Disney’s Castaway Cay.

Have you been to Castaway Cay before? Be sure to check out 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise before you go.

My most recent Disney Cruise took place as part of the 2017 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration #DisneySMMC. As always, all opinions are my own. This post contains some affiliate links. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Stay Safe On The Go with …

March 15, 2017 By admin

When traveling with children, bringing along a scooter is a great idea for kids who are too big for strollers but too young to walk for miles without complaining. I’ve written about scooters before but today I’m talking about helmets and protective gear.

NYC kids start riding scooters as toddlers and quickly get accustomed to wearing helmets without complaining. At the ripe age of seven, my daughter has gone through a handful of helmets which she has outgrown literally and figuratively. You see, if another kid in my daughter’s school wears something my daughter owns, she no longer wants to wear it. While I appreciate her need for originality, this has become an issue. When I heard about Wipeout Dry Erase Protective Gear – customizable helmets and pads – I knew it would be a great fit for her (no pun intended).

Get crafty and stay safe with Wipeout Dry Erase Protective Gear.

The helmets come in an assortment of solid colors and dry erase markers and stencils are included so kids can start being creative right out of the box! My daughter had a friend over when the items arrived and they couldn’t wait to start decorating the helmet and pads…

Customizing the Wipeout Dry Erase Protective Gear with markers and stencils

The dry erase markers and stencils were easy to use and best of all, any mistakes could quickly be wiped off. If you’ve got a kid whose interests change frequently, this is a great item as they can doodle hearts and butterflies one day and draw skulls the next. The Wipeout Website features some easy-to-follow design tutorials or kids can run wild with their own ideas.

The helmets are made of ABS hard-shell construction with EPS liners for durability and they are certified for safety protection for biking, skateboarding, roller-skating and scooter riding. There are three sizes available which fit kids ages 3-14. A snow version is also available with ear flaps and a goggle clip for sledding and snow sports.

The Wipeout Dry Erase Protective 3-Pack includes kneepads, wrist guards, elbow pads and two dry erase markers. Pads come in black, teal, neon pink or zest.

We took to the park for a test drive and my daughter commented on how comfortable everything felt and loved that she could take the knee pads on and off by herself. I loved that too!

Stay Safe On The Go with Wipeout Dry Erase Protective Gear.

If you’re in the market for new safety gear, I highly recommend these. They would also be a great birthday or holiday gift for any kid on your list.

For more information, watch this video or check out the Wipeout links below:

Follow Wipeout online via these Social Links:

Wipeout Website: http://iwipeout.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/iwipeout

Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/iwipeout/

Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/IwipeOut

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_fPeHJ5EocBnE3N_QyXXMg/videos

What designs would your kids draw on a helmet? Tell me below in the comments.

This post is part of a sponsored campaign for Wipeout Dry Erase Productive Gear. I received compensation for my participation, but my review and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

20 Things to Know Before …

March 2, 2017 By admin

If you’re looking for a magical Disney vacation that won’t leave you exhausted from walking around all day, taking a Disney Cruise is sure to please. After cruising with a variety of family members on multiple Disney ships (most recently aboard the reimagined Disney Wonder), I highly recommend a sailing getaway if you’re traveling with grandparents and extended family (think: few decisions, little walking, and activities for all!). If you’re considering a cruise or if you’ve already got one planned (lucky duck!), here are 20 things to know before taking a Disney Cruise.

20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise

1 – Advance prep is a lifesaver. Be sure to fill out all the pre-registration materials online before your trip. Advance reservations can be made between 120-75 days before your trip depending on status. Register children for the youth clubs, select your dining time (the early seating books up quickly!), book excursions, adult dinner reservations, spa appointments and request any special services in advance. If you’re traveling with princess lovers, be sure to pre-book meet and greets and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique salon appointments ahead of time. You can also book these reservations once you are onboard but availability may be limited.

2 – Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app before you leave home. The app works on the ship’s guest WiFi so you can view maps, menus, activities like movies and showtimes and send text messages to other people using the app.

A small Disney themed roller board makes a great day bag while your luggage arrives. 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise.

A small Disney themed roller board like these from American Tourister makes a great day bag while your luggage arrives. 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise.

3 – What to pack? Be sure to check the weather before you pack and remember that public areas are highly air conditioned and evening temps can get quite chilly. Swimwear, cover-ups, shorts and t-shirts are great for day. For evening, attire ranges from sundresses to dressy dresses depending on the cruise length and dinner schedule. If your luggage is being delivered directly to your stateroom, be sure to pack a day bag with swimwear, sunscreen and an outfit or two. It takes a few hours for bags to arrive and they don’t all come at once so plan ahead. If you’re worried about motion sickness, bring a patch, wristband or medication.

4 – Disney Cruises are very baby (6 months+) and toddler friendly. Staff will provide any necessities and babysitting is available (at a charge). Note that children must be toilet trained to use the pools and consider bringing a baby carrier as elevators can be crowded. FYI, there is a storage space for strollers if you choose to not keep them in your stateroom.

5 – All Disney Cruises have a mandatory security drill before setting sail. This is a relatively quick and painless event (you don’t have to wear safety jackets) but all family members must be present.

A Verandah Stateroom is a great option for families. 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise.

6 – Room selection is key so pick the best option given your family size, special needs (like naps, cribs, accessibility) and budget. Staterooms range in size but there is plenty of closet and drawer storage as well as room for toiletries in the bathroom. Children will love the beds that fold out of the wall and some cabins have a sliding curtain to make a separate kids “room.” Remember, your suitcases will stay in your room so collapsable or nesting options are best.

7 – Get ready to eat. On a cruise you can order as many items as you can eat. Want three appetizers and two desserts every night? Go right ahead. In addition to the signature restaurants (like Animator’s Palate, Lumiere’s, Tritan’s and Tiana’s Place) and adult only options like Remy and Palo (on certain ships) there are plenty of buffet options as well as snacks and desserts around the clock. Don’t miss the ice cream machines, Mickey ice cream bars, Mickey waffles and complimentary room service available 24-hours a day which is a great perk when traveling with kids. The chefs and waitstaff will prepare special meals for guests with allergies so be sure to let your servers know if you have special dietary needs.

Pelican Plunge on Castaway Cay is a popular spot for kids. 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise.

8 – Get off the ship and explore at ports and Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. You can book day excursions or just kick back and relax on your own. Castaway Cay has wonderful recreational options for adults and children (and its own kids club!) so be sure to get out and play. Note: kids can only disembark with their parents unless you make other arrangements onboard.

Kids and adults will love watching Disney movies out on the pool deck. 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise.

9 – Plan to see a Disney movie or two. Current and classic films are shown throughout the day in signature movie theaters or alfresco by the pool. In addition, you can watch hundreds of Disney and Pixar movies in your stateroom.

Don’t miss the red carpet arrivals before The Golden Mickeys. 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise.

10 – Expect some great evening entertainment. Disney Cruises are known for their amazing entertainment and some of the onboard evening shows are as mesmerizing as a Broadway musical. The entire family will love signature shows like The Golden Mickeys and Disney Dreams as well as new productions like Frozen, a Musical Spectacular (just saw this and it was spectacular) and the upcoming Beauty and the Beast (November, 2017). Shows vary by ship so check online before booking.

Toy Story toys and a slinky slide are favorites at Disney’s Oceaneer Club.

11 – Kids will love Disney’s youth clubs. With separate clubs for all ages (babies 6 months + to 17), parents can relax while kids play and make new friends. The clubs are complimentary and reservations do not need to be made in advance. There are an array of scheduled activities as well as character events, games and parties. Enrolled kids wear a waterproof ID wristband that allows staff to locate them quickly via GPS.

12 – Expect to stay up late. Depending on the ship’s itinerary, there will be at least one late night deck party. Our last cruise featured a 10 pm Pirate Party complete with characters, dancing, movies and fireworks. This was a tough one since my daughter crashes early but if you have night owls, this will be a big hit.

13 – Bring some costumes! Everyone dresses up for the aforementioned Pirate Party (think pirates, princesses, mermaids, etc.) and little girls are frequently seen in princess gowns. In addition, the ships feature seasonal holiday parties and Disney themed events (think Frozen, Marvel and Star Wars. Don’t worry, you can buy costumes as well as ears, clothing, autograph books in the ship’s gift shops.

Prepare to have a splashing good time on a Disney Cruise. 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise.

14 – Pack your swimwear. The main pools vary in size depending on the ship but you will also find adult only pools as well as kid’s pools and splash areas for tots. If you love water slides, be sure to seek out the famed Aqua Duck on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy and AquaDunk on the Disney Magic.

The stateroom doors are metal so guests love to decorate them. 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise

15 – Don’t forget the door bling. The cabin doors are metal and the latest trend aboard Disney Cruises is personalized door magnets. This is a fun way to commemorate your trip and it definitely makes finding your room a lot easier. I ordered mine from Etsy but you can certainly DIY if you’re feeling crafty.

Be sure to take character photos. 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise.

16 – Photo-ops are everywhere so bring your camera! From characters and princesses, oversized portholes, Instagram worthy desserts, gorgeous beaches and scenic lookout points, you will want to capture it all. If you want formal family photos, there are professional photographers aboard every ship.

Kids will love finding nightly towel animals at turndown. 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise

17 – Expect some surprises! I don’t want to spill all the beans but you will be in for some magical moments like surprise towel animals and magic tricks.

Fish Extender participants leave surprise gifts in personalized hangers outside the stateroom. 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise.

18 – If you want extra surprises and don’t mind a little pre-trip prep work, you may want to participate in a Fish Extender program which allows guests to swap treats and gifts during their cruise. You can read more about this here, here and here.

19 – If you’re using the ship’s departure luggage program (available for certain airlines) your luggage will be picked up at 10 pm the night before you depart. Be sure to leave out travel clothing and toiletries as well as anything you need during your flight. This is a great perk as you leave the ship unencumbered and don’t have to worry about your luggage until you land at your final destination.

20 – You can book a future cruise at a discounted rate before your cruise ends. Be sure to ask about this during your trip as you will likely want to sail again.

Have you taken a Disney Cruise? Tell me your favorite memory below.

My most recent Disney Cruise took place as part of the 2017 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration #DisneySMMC. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Vacation Tips For Staying Safe …

December 23, 2016 By admin

Accidents are no fun but they’re even worse when they happen on a weekend or during a vacation. In my little family alone, we’ve made urgent care visits aboard cruise ships, on tropical vacations, at Disney World and here at home in New York City for ear infections, stomach bugs and broken bones so I speak from experience when I say urgent care centers have become a true necessity for parents.

VACATION TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

I recently met with Neal Shipley, Regional Medical Director, Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care to talk about holiday safety tips and how to know when to head over to an urgent care center and today I’m sharing some of these tips. With 30+ urgent care locations in the metropolitan NYC area, Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care facilities are a great resource for families visiting family or friends in the NYC area this holiday season.

Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care centers allow patients to check-in online or just walk in 365 days a year.

VACATION TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

BEFORE LEAVING FOR HOLIDAY TRAVELS

– Check the weather at your travel destination and pack accordingly

– Schedule activities in advance if possible to avoid unnecessary stress

– Locate specialty gear like snowsuits for sledding and helmets for ice skating

– Look up the nearest pediatric ER and Urgent Care facilities

HOLIDAY TRAVEL PACKING TIPS

No matter how you’ll be traveling this holiday season be sure to bring along the following items:

– Ziploc bags for motion sickness

– Prescription medicines and epipens

– Thermometer and childrens ibuprofen

– Basic first aid kit and ice packs

– Pediatrician contact information

– Safety ID bracelets listing allergies

– Special blankets or stuffed animals

– Entertainment for kids and adults (books, games, etc.)

– Snacks and drinks

– Car seats if you’re renting a car

– Travel documents

– Cell phone chargers

HOLIDAY TRAVEL ROAD TRIPS

If you are driving this vacation season be sure to follow these guidelines – never drink and drive, wear seat belts at all times and be aware of your surroundings, including changes in weather or traffic patterns. Children under age 12 should always sit in the back seat in and and size appropriate safety restraints.

– For long car trips make sure you pack these emergency items:

– First-aid supplies

– Blankets, gloves hats

– Flashlight with spare batteries

– Flares, road-side reflective device

– A shovel and ice-scrapper

– Sand, salt or cat litter for traction

– Tire changing equipment

HOLIDAY TRAVEL BY PLANE

If you’re flying this holiday season be sure to book seats well in advance so you can sit together. Airports are especially crowded around the holidays so leave plenty of time to get to the airport and go through security. Be sure to wear easy to remove shoes (unless you have PRECheck) and be sure to put all medicine and jewelry in your carry-on-baggage. If you’re traveling with young kids, bring a change of clothes and some lightweight blankets.

SAFETY AT YOUR DESTINATION

If you’re traveling with young kids, be sure to ask the hotel staff to baby-proof your room before you arrive. If you’ll be staying with family or at an air bb, make sure tree is in a safe place (away from fireplace, etc), cover all electrical outlets, and make sure all cleaning supplies and medicines are out of reach. Seek immediate medical attention for burns or ingestion of poisons.

DECORATING DO’S

Decorations are gorgeous but be sure to keep kids away from sharp decorations, ornaments and candles when traveling. If you plan to decorate your hotel room or Airbnb, make sure you use a proper ladder or step stool and only use “fire resistant” materials. Lastly, keep kids (and pets) away from holiday plants like Mistletoe and Holly which can cause harm when ingested. Seek immediate medical attention for sprains or fractures, head injuries and uncontrollable bleeding.

HOLIDAY TOY HAZARDS

Toys play a big role in the holiday season but they resulted in 185,000 emergency room visits last year so be sure to match your gift to children’s ages and abilities. Avoid anything with small parts for babies and toddlers and be sure to give helmets if you’re buying a child a bike or scooter. Seek immediate medical attention for bad bike or scooter accidents and accidental toy ingestion.

Just one trip on a cobblestone path can lead to a broken elbow, one of the most common childhood injuries.

STAYING SAFE ON VACATION

Visiting the Metro NYC area means a lot of walking so be sure to bring comfortable shoes for kids and adults. A stroller is a must if you’re visiting with children under 5 and be sure to carry hand sanitizer as subways and doors are full of germs.

Everyone in New York City wears gloves, scarfs and hats in winter and you should too. Be careful walking around as it is easy to trip while you admire the sights and there are a lot of uneven sidewalks and cobblestoned areas. Hold onto handrails going up and down subway steps and always sit or hold on to the subway poles when riding the subway. In addition, NYC can streets get very slippery when it snows so be sure your shoes have some traction.

New York City has some amazing ice rinks so be sure to bring extra gloves, warm clothes and helmets if you’ll be skating.

Playing outside in the snow and sledding are a favorite winter activity in the metro NYC area but be sure to check children’s shoes, socks and gloves to be sure they are dry to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Always carry extra socks and gloves and come inside if kids complain of any freezing-burning or tingling sensations.

If you or your child has a food allergy, always carry an epipen and make sure to verify multiple times that restaurant orders are safe to eat.

TIPS TO REDUCE HOLIDAY STRESS

Traveling during the holidays can cause a lot of stress for kids and adults. To manage, try not to over commit to too many activities, make sure everyone gets enough sleep, build in some time for exercise and relaxation and get help if you feel you need it.

It may seem like a lot of prep work but if emergency strikes, you’ll be happy to be prepared. Happy holidays!

Thank you to Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are my own.If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Holiday Gift Guide – …

November 29, 2016 By admin

Holiday shopping is in full force! If you’ve got some globetrotting kids on your shopping list, check out my favorite affordable gifts for kids who travel. Everything is under $30 so you’ll have money left to plan your next vacation.

2016 Holiday Gift Guide – Affordable Gifts for Kids Who Travel

UNDER $10 Gifts

2016 Holiday Gift Guide – Affordable Gifts for Kids who Travel – Under $10

Rubik’s Junior Bear – For little ones, this kiddie version of the classic game will happily entertain on car trips or plane rides.

Mabel’s Labels Stocking Stuffer Combo – At just $5 each, these sturdy label combos make great stocking stuffers and personalized add-ons to other gifts. Choose from festive holiday or classic designs and label all their favorite luggage and travel accessories.

Reactorz 4″ Light-Up Gripz Ball – This tiny, easy-to-grip ball lights up with every touch, tap, throw or kick making it great for outdoor games at home and away.

Whiffer Sniffers Scented Backpack Clips – Kids love to personalize their backpacks for trips near and far and these deliciously scented plush characters are perfect for girls and boys to collect.

Under $15 Gifts

2016 Holiday Gift Guide – Affordable Gifts for Kids who Travel – Under $15

My first Bananagrams – Little kids can now get in on the family friendly Bananagram craze with lowercase letters and combo letter tiles to help early readers create words. This is a favorite in our house and the easy to take along zippered banana pouch makes it perfect for young travelers.

HEXBUG Aquabot Wahoo – If you’ve got a little swimmer on your shopping list, the HEXBUG AquaBot Wahoo is perfect for your next tropical vacation. Simply twist the bottom to start the high speed propeller and watch as it comes to life, swimming, diving and changing directions to explore its environment.

Tak-Tak – If you’ve got young checkers or chess lovers on your list, this new board game is sure to please. As players move across the board, they can attack and steal pieces keeping everyone in suspense. This is a great strategy game for kids to play with parents and grandparents on a family vacation.

Paper Punk Build Your Own Paper Toy – Looking for a quiet, non-messy activity to keep kids busy on a plane? Paper Punk’s kits make adorable folded patterned animals like Ape, Snake, Unicorn, Cat, Puppy and everything is included in the box!

Under $20 Gifts

2016 Holiday Gift Guide – Affordable Gifts for Kids who Travel – Under $20

Pearhead Holiday Photo Props – Kids will be happy to pose for family photos this holiday season with these adorable photo props. A great way to get everyone in the picture on your holiday vacations.

Pac-Man Mini Arcade Game – If you’ve got a Pac-Man fan on your list, this adorable mini arcade game will be a big hit. This battery operated toy features a joy stick and plays just like the real Pac-Man. A perfect choice for kids of all ages and adults too.

Dinkee Linkee For Kids-Trivia Game – Kids love trivia games and this one is easy to learn and simple for the whole family to play. Kids answer four questions and then try to determine what “links” the answer. This is a great game to play on a family vacation or at home too.

Madame Alexander Travel Friend Dolls – For the globetrotting girls on your list, this collection of international dolls is a perfect choice. These 7-inch dolls feature authentic costumes and gorgeous details from countries including China, France, Kenya, Ireland, India, Germany, Italy, and more.

UNDER $30 Gifts

2016 Holiday Gift Guide – Affordable Gifts for Kids who Travel – Under $30

Props in a Bag – For imaginative play fans, I love these easy to carry Props in a Bag kits that include everything kids need to put on a show (think costumes, accessories, props, and big backdrop). My daughter loves to put on shows with the magician kit and there is also an app to make movies.

Trolls Hair-ific Headphones – Headphones are a must for globetrotting kids and these adorable Trolls headphones are just perfect for little music lovers. If you’ve got an accessory loving girl like I do, these will be a huge hit. I love the pink hair and volume protection for little ears.

Blue Cabi Children’s Binoculars – My daughter is getting these sturdy binoculars for the holidays along with two kids astronomy books – Night Sky Watcher and Astronomy Lab for Kids: 52 Family-Friendly Activities. Binoculars are handy for kids at shows, parades and sightseeing so I know she’ll use them a lot.

Science Expeditions Subscription Box from Little Passports – Monthly subscription boxes are a great choice for a families because everyone can work on the activities together. New from the great team behind Little Passports, the Science Expeditions boxes include experiments, comic books, badges and more. The first box comes with a storage tote making it perfect to bring along on family vacations.

Need more ideas? Check out the Tween and Teen Holiday Gift Guide. What are your favorites on this list? Tell me below in the comments.

I received some of these items for review purposes but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Road Trips With Kids – 6 …

November 18, 2016 By admin

‘Tis the season for holiday road trips so today I’m sharing some of my favorite must haves for road trips with kids.

Road Trips With Kids – 6 Must Haves

I’m hungry…

No matter how long or short the ride, you know kids will want a drink or snack within 30 minutes of leaving home. Be sure to pack everything in spill-proof containers like Drink in the Box and Snack in the Box or prepare to spend some time with your trusty dustbuster. For snacks, squeezy pouches and individually wrapped snack bars are great options along with fresh fruit and non-crumbly snacks like nuts and cheese sticks.

Road tripping with kids - be sure to bring entertainment for the whole gang. Family Travel. Globetrotting Mommy

Road trips with kids – be sure to bring entertainment for the whole gang.

I’m bored…

Do you hate hearing this as much as I do? Prepare for trips by bringing along age appropriate entertainment for kids (and grown ups too). For tiny tots, audible CDs like Curious George and soft toys are great. For small kids, hand held toys like this adorable Rubik’s Junior Bear are great options. For school age children, I recommend Mad Libs, Highlights Magazines or other activity books, large print books, tablets like the Amazon Fire Kids Edition Tablet which comes in its own kid-proof case and gaming devices like the Nintendo 3DS which will keep kids quietly entertained for hours! It is always fun to play family friendly games along the way so bring along some cards and travel friendly games to play in the back seat like Hangman and Twizmo! Words.

I made a mess…

Wipes and ziplocs are a parent’s best friends so bring lots and lots. Be sure to pack some extra outfits and if your kids get carsick, be sure they have a few bags or a sturdy container nearby.

Roadtripping with kids. The mifold Grab and Go will easily let you fit three kids along in the backseat.

Road trips with kids. The mifold Grab and Go will easily let you fit three kids along in the backseat.

I want my friends to come…

Road tripping with friends? I just tested out the new mifold Grab and Go Booster Seat and I was amazed how easy it was to use. Simply place it on the seat, adjust the sides according to the child’s size (age 4 to 12), slide the seatbelt strap thru the base and over the lap and secure the shoulder strap at the child’s shoulder. Sounds involved but it takes less than a minute. Best of all, it folds in half making it super easy to throw in a tote for taxi rides, carpools or traveling.

I have to go to the bathroom…

Even though my daughter has been potty trained for years, I still keep a 2-in-1 Potette Plus portable potty in my car (along with the insert bags and the aforementioned wipes). You never know how long it can be to the next rest stop so better safe than sorry.

Road trips with Kids – Be sure to bring along some favorite tunes.

I don’t like that song…

I’m not sure what’s more tolerable, listening to kids’ whining or kids’ music. I know my daughter is definitely happy when her favorite tunes are playing in the car so I highly recommend bringing along some kid-friendly music. For tots, this means Elmo (sorry!) and Laurie Berkner types. For older kids, you can’t go wrong with some Kidz Bop (33 albums can’t be wrong), Space Pop Girls or soundtracks to their favorite movies or shows.

I received some of these items for review purposes but all opinions are my own. This post contains some affiliate links. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

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Tip 3 – Keep Toiletries to a Minimum

Tip 4 – Keep Your Stomach in Sync

Tip 5 – Safeguard Your Documents

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Father’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Dads

For the Dad Who Wants to See the World:

For the Dad Who Loves to Swim on Vacation:

For the Beer Loving Dad:

For the Foodie Dad:

For the Dad who Loves Road Trips:

For the Older Dad:

For the Dad With a Big Office:

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MEDICAL EMERGENCIES: HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS

TOP REASONS TO CALL AN AMBULANCE OR GO RIGHT TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT:

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES: URGENT CARE VISITS

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Top 11 Tips for Visiting Disney Castaway Cay

1) Getting around Castaway Cay

2) What to bring to Disney Castaway Cay

3) Eating on Castaway Cay

4) Avoiding crowds on Disney Castaway Cay

5) Things to do on Castaway Cay

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7) Shopping on Castaway Cay

8) Only on Disney Castaway Cay…

9) The Disney Castaway Cay 5k

10) Spotting the Disney Characters on Castaway Cay

11) Snorkeling at Disney Castaway Cay

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VACATION TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

BEFORE LEAVING FOR HOLIDAY TRAVELS

HOLIDAY TRAVEL PACKING TIPS

HOLIDAY TRAVEL ROAD TRIPS

HOLIDAY TRAVEL BY PLANE

SAFETY AT YOUR DESTINATION

DECORATING DO’S

HOLIDAY TOY HAZARDS

STAYING SAFE ON VACATION

TIPS TO REDUCE HOLIDAY STRESS

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UNDER $10 Gifts

Under $15 Gifts

Under $20 Gifts

UNDER $30 Gifts

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I’m hungry…

I’m bored…

I made a mess…

I want my friends to come…

I have to go to the bathroom…

I don’t like that song…

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