Don't travel without Archives - Page 3 of 8

Must-Have Travel Gadgets for …

October 25, 2016 By admin

If you’re like me, you love any gadget that makes traveling a little easier. If you’ve got a trip coming up, be sure to check out these handy Must-Have Travel Gadgets for globetrotting families…

Must-Have Travel Gadgets – Globetrotting Mommy

PHOTOGRAPHY HELPERS

Family trips call for family photos and sometimes you just need a selfie stick to get everyone in the photo. The best selfie sticks are Bluetooth activated and hold a long lasting charge. Another great option is a GorillaPod which can be used as a tripod or wrapped around something sturdy.

Must-Have Travel Gadgets – Snack and Drink Containers

SNACK AND DRINK CONTAINERS

Eating on the go requires some advance planning so I always like to pack healthy snacks and drinks in sturdy containers like Drink in the Box and Snack in the Box. The rectangular shapes take up less space in my bag and they are so easy for little hands to handle.

CHARGERS

Chargers, chargers, chargers! If you lose juice in the middle of a trip, you’ll be sorry so be sure to bring along a reliable charger for every device. Lipstick-sized phone chargers are handy but test them at home to see how long they will power up your devices on the go. And, if you’re spending a day at Disney World, you will definitely want to bring along a heavy duty brick style cell phone charger.

Must-Have Travel Gadgets – Accell Home or Away Power Station.

PORTABLE POWER STATION

Accell Home or Away Power Station – Hotels are notorious for not having easy to reach outlets so I’ve started traveling with this handy three outlet surge protector. I love that it features three power outlets plus two USB ports so I can charge my phone, laptop and camera at the same time. Just fold down the prongs and throw it in your bag.

SEASONAL GADGETS

After the great purse flood of 2016, I’m paranoid about any and all water damage – like keep my car key fob in a ziploc paranoid. Because I’m often using my iPhone to take photos, I love using a waterproof phone case when I’m at a water park or pool. If you’re heading on a snow vacation, this handy snowball maker will keep kids entertained for hours.

Must-Have Travel Gadgets – TSA Approved Luggage Locks

LUGGAGE LOCKS

TSA approved luggage locks. Checking luggage definitely causes anxiety but when you’re traveling with kids on a big journey, you won’t have much of a choice. With these handy locks, TSA can get in if necessary but others can’t. Such a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Do you have any must-bring travel gadgets to add?

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

Fin Fun Mermaid Tails for …

October 5, 2016 By admin

Does your daughter love to swim? Does she love to dress up? Does she dream of being a mermaid? If you answered yes to any or all of those questions, you’ll love today’s topic…Fin Fun Mermaid Tails.

Does your daughter dream of being a mermaid?

My daughter’s mermaid obsession started years ago with a well worn Ariel costume and a Caribbean themed birthday party. On our Kalahari trip last year, the obsession continued with a mermaid swim lesson so when I met the Fin Fun Mermaid team this summer, I knew my daughter would love her very own mermaid tail.

Fin Fun Mermaid Tails for Globetrotting Girls.

With a wide range of colors, patterns and textures (glitter, rainbow and ombre oh my), there is a Fin Fun Mermaid tail sure to please everyone. Girls (and women) can choose from four limited edition designs (Clownfish and Blue Tang which remind me of Nemo and Dory and Maui Splash and Bail Breeze featuring colorful ombre designs) and the Mermaidens® collection which is available in a rainbow of ten colors and glittery Sparkle Costume Mermaid Tails.

Fin Fun Mermaid Tails for Globetrotting Girls

Select your mermaid tail, add the company’s patented Fin Fun Monofin flipper and voila, your little mermaid comes to life. There are few better places to test-drive a mermaid tail then the Caribbean so we brought Fin Fun’s Waverlee’s Malibu Pink Mermaid Tail along on our recent trip to Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

Fin Fun Mermaid Tails for Globetrotting Girls (Photo credit: Caribephoto)

It is little tricky getting into the tail and Monofin so little ones will definitely need some assistance. Secure feet inside the Monofin slots, pull the tail up and you’ve got a mermaid. I highly recommend putting this on poolside because once the Monofin is on, there will be no walking. FYI, if you need to walk, the Monofin can easily be removed since the tail bottom features an open end.

The resort had a zero entry pool which made it perfect for my daughter to slide right in. Once she was comfortable kicking her tail around in a sitting position, we ventured deeper into the lazy river and my daughter excitedly swam around. It was so cute to see all the girls asking their parents if she was a real mermaid.

Fin Fun Mermaid Tails for Globetrotting Girls

Mermaid tails are only recommended for children who are strong swimmers and young mermaids should definitely be supervised at all times. I loved having the mermaid tail as a prop for the adorable photo shoot we did with Caribephoto. How great are these photos they took?

Fin Fun Mermaid Tails for Globetrotting Girls (Photo credit: Caribephoto)

Fin Fun Mermaid Tails for Globetrotting Girls (Photo credit: Caribephoto)

If you’re looking for a unique gift for a girl (or mom) who likes to swim, a Fin Fun Mermaid tail is sure to please.

Big thanks to Fin Fun Mermaid for providing me with a mermaid tail to review and to Caribephoto for capturing these awesome photos. All opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

10 Ways Planning a Disney …

September 14, 2016 By admin

I used to think planning a wedding was stressful and then I had a baby! As a mom who recently took her first family trip to Disney World, I suddenly found myself having flashbacks to my pregnancy days. What do planning a Disney World trip and pregnancy have in common? For your sheer enjoyment, today I’m sharing some similarities I noticed along the way…

10 Ways Planning a Disney World Trip is Like Having a Baby

1) Planning, planning, planning! Just like you need to start planning for motherhood the minute you get pregnant, you need to start planning for Disney World months (if not years) in advance! It may take nine months to make a baby but if you want to get your first-choice character meals and fast passes for Disney World, you’ll need to start your booking at least 180 days in advance. If you’re looking for the best baby nurse in town, start asking around before you’re even pregnant. Remember knowledge is power so stock up on those parenting and travel books.

2) Your birth plan or touring plan may not go according to schedule. Just because you always envisioned a complication-free natural birth with your favorite music playing doesn’t mean it will go down that way and it is the same for a Disney trip. You may map out the most efficient touring schedule but weather, unexpected character greetings and kiddie tantrums can all affect the day’s outcome. Just remember to go with the flow…there is no “perfect” childbirth or “perfect” Disney trip so try not to obsess.

Your birth plan or touring plan may not go according to schedule so remember to stay flexible.

3) You will have a lot of last minute questions and concerns! You will find yourself calling, texting and emailing your OB and travel agent at all hours (Thanks Mary Daly at My Mickey Vacation Travel). They will understand, especially if this is your first pregnancy or Disney trip.

Matchy matchy outfits are a hit at Disney World and after childbirth.

4) You will spend hours obsessing over outfits… For childbirth you’ll need cozy and comfy outfits for mom and baby and for Disney, you’ll need to coordinate Mickey (or Star Wars, Princess, etc.) gear for the whole family. Buy some things before you go to the hospital or Disney but remember you’ll get lots of baby clothes as gifts and you’ll definitely want to buy some Disney souvenirs at the parks. If you’re the type who cares about taking a zillion color coordinated photos (new baby or Disney!), you’ll want to scour Pinterest months in advance for outfit ideas.

5) You will quickly realize everyone you know is an expert in pregnancy and Disney so be prepared for tons of unsolicited advice! Ohhhh how people love to give advice on what to expect during pregnancy…the same is true for planning a Disney trip. Be ready to hear about everyone’s favorite rides, restaurants, snack options and other Disney must-do’s. You can trust the advice of professionals and people who have similarly aged children but feel free to ignore everyone else…

6) When you ask for advice, you will get different answers. From parenting tips to Disney trips, opinions will vary.

10 Ways Planning a Disney World Trip is Like Having a Baby

Flight delays and other setbacks can happen so prepare for the unexpected.

7) Prepare for the unexpected! Some of the most sophisticated sonograms can predict the wrong sex in the same way some of the most experienced Disney crowd planners can be way off. If you find yourself surprised in either situation, take a deep breath. You can send a friend to exchange the baby clothes and you can always leave a crowded park for a little pool break. Flight delays, bad weather and birth complications can happen.

8) Expect a few meltdowns from grown ups and kids. Moms, dads, big kids and babies all have a boiling point. Be warned.

Few moments can rival the thrill of entering Magic Kingdom.

9) You’ll experience a natural high and then the whole experience will thoroughly exhaust you. The thrill of meeting your baby for the first time will rival the thrill of watching your kids enter the Magic Kingdom gates but after a few days, exhaustion will kick in and you will want uninterrupted sleep for a good week!

10) In the end, all the pain of childbirth and agony of planning a Disney trip will fade and all you will recall are the happy joyful memories. Until the next trip or baby…just keep looking at those thousands of photos and don’t say I didn’t warn you…

In the end, Disney World and parenthood are worth all the planning.

There you have it. And remember, re-entrance is not easy. Mommyhood is whole new world and returning from Disney can feel like the biggest hangover ever. But in the end, those chubby cheeks and fun Disney memories are all worth it!

Be sure to check out the 11 Best Things to Do at Disney World before you go.

Do you have anything to add to this list? Tell me below in the comments.

Special thanks to Walt Disney World for providing two one-day park-hopper tickets for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

My Favorite Back-to-School …

August 2, 2016 By admin

Tis the season for back-to-school shopping so I’m here to share some of my favorite picks. These items are perfect for back-to-school supplies but can also be used on while vacationing (win, win) so be sure to stock up.

My Favorite Back-to-School Supplies for Globetrotting Kids

DIY Patch Designs – Kids love to personalize their items and when I saw these colorful stick-on-patches from Easy Peasy Patches, I knew my daughter would love them. Kids can use them on clothes, hats, backpacks, school supplies, water bottles, lockers and really anything they want to customize since they are dishwasher and washing machine safe. They come in various shapes and designs and you can even go old school and use them to cover ripped knees.

Keep Valuables Safe at School – As kids start to bring more valuable items to school like phones and tablets, its always a good idea to keep them safe while unattended. Master Lock has some easy-to-use and affordable options for kids of all ages. Younger kids will love these colorful combination locks for backpacks while older kids can use a portable laptop safe on travels or in their dorms. These items are also handy when traveling or visiting water parks.

My Favorite Back-to-School Supplies for Globetrotting Kids – Back-to-School Snack Ideas

Tasty Snacks – For weekday lunch boxes or a road trip snack stash, tasty snacks are a must-have. I hate sticky fingers so I try to serve snacks that are as mess-free as possible like pretzels, snack bars, nuts, fruit (dried or whole), etc. Individually wrapped snacks and pouches are especially great for travel and classroom snacks – try brands like Ella’s Kitchen, GoGo Squeez and Earth’s Best (their new frozen fruit cups thaw in lunch boxes!) for young kids. Some of my go-to ideas for healthy options include Good Health Snacks (think veggie straws, pretzels and chips), fruit-kebabs (made with straws not skewers), yogurt and most anything from Trader Joe’s snack aisle (especially seaweed, tortilla chips, crackers, nuts and dried fruit). For more substantial snacks (think after school or traveling), protein bars like Cliff, Luna or Luckybars (especially created for picky eaters) and New Zealand Jerky are all easy-to-pack options.

Personalized labels are great for back-to-school and traveling. Globetrotting Mommy

Personalized labels are great for back-to-school supplies and traveling.

Must Have Labels – Between classes, pick-ups, after-school activities, field trips and vacations, kids have a lot of opportunities to lose their belongings. If you don’t have any more camp labels left, now is the time to stock up for fall. I love Mabel’s Labels because they are indestructible, stylish and super easy to use. This year they’ve got some new designs like zombies and emojis plus a customizable keepsake school memory book.

Bento style lunch boxes are great for school and travel.

Bento Style Lunch Boxes – Kids are very particular about their meals and if you’ve got a picky eater, a Bento Box lunch with separated compartments is sure to please. I love the adorable Bentology Bento Lunch Kit that come with an insulated bag, large outer container, five bento box containers and a fork and spoon set. The slim exterior bag has pockets and a secret side bottle holder. Since my daughter complained last year because her water was inside her lunch box (making it hard to get out for snack time…) this will be a sure winner. A nice option for traveling or larger lunches is the Lunchbox Buddy from Nalgene featuring a soft Neoprene sleeve that folds around the hard case lunch box. An ice pack can be used to create separate sized compartments for food items and drinks making it very versatile. Best of all, the box top doubles as a plate so kids have a clean place to eat. I like that both of these options feature plastic outer containers which are easy to clean and quick to dry for every day use.

Leak Proof Water Bottles – School kids need water all the time (think school, activities, field trips, etc.) and one big requirement for me is a leak-proof bottle because there is nothing worse than cleaning out a soggy backpack or purse. Some of my favorites include Contigo’s Addison, Nalgene’s On The Fly, and the rectangular Drink in the Box.

Yoobi’s colorful back-to-school supplies are perfect for home, school and travels.

Fun School Supplies – My daughter’s school sends around a list of back-to-school supplies every student needs to bring in on the first day for the class to share throughout the year. When they don’t specify a brand, I love sending in colorful supplies like Yoobi. With every purchase, Yoobi donates school supplies to a local U.S. classroom in need, which is really a win. The playful designs and awesome accessories are so fun and I especially love Yoobi x i am OTHER journals (presented by Pharrell Williams) which are the perfect size for school or vacation.

WallPops Maps are a favporite for Back-to-School shopping.

Removable Wall Decor – Since kids love maps, I recently added this dry erase Wallpops! Kids USA Map to my daughter’s room. She loves to point out the fun places she’s visited like Charleston, Disney World, Boston, etc. and its a great way for her to learn the states (and Capitals). I also love these dry erase calendar message boards and this cute notepad calendar which are great for students of all ages, especially teens heading off to college.

Have you done your back-to-school shopping yet? I’m starting mine this week…

I received some of these items as samples from Blogger Bash, Momtrends and KidzVuz events. This post contains a few affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Water Parks 101: What to Bring …

July 19, 2016 By admin

If you follow me on Instagram, you know my family and I love to visit water parks. Indoor water parks are fantastic in winter (or extreme heat) while outdoor water parks are perfect for a sunny day. If you’re planning a water park trip, here’s a rundown on everything you’ll want to bring.

Water Parks 101: What to bring plus Kalahari Resort giveaway! Splashdown Safari is the main attraction at Kalahari Resorts in the Poconos.

And, if you’ve never been to Kalahari Waterpark, Resorts and Conventions in the Pocono Mountains, read on to see how you can win an overnight stay at this amazing family-friendly resort and water park.

Top 10 Must-Have Items for Water Parks

Water Parks 101: Be sure to pack waterproof footwear.

1 – Waterproof Footwear – For indoor and outdoor water parks, you’ll want to wear comfy, waterproof footwear. For kids, swim socks or rubber beach shoes are great because they can wear them on the rides. Crocs, Keens, Native, flip flops, shower shoes and other waterproof shoes will work outside. I am surprised how many outdoor water parks feature very hot and/or slippery pavement so you definitely don’t want to be walking around barefoot.

Water Parks 101: Take water park photos with a water-resistant phone case.

2 – Waterproof Phone Case or Dry Bag – If you’re splitting up your family or if you feel naked without your phone, invest in a waterproof phone case, wearable pouch or dry bag. You’ll be able to take photos on rides and you’ll be able to capture your kids in the splash pads and lazy river. If you want really great underwater shots and movies, you’ll want to bring a GoPro.

Water Parks 101: Master Lock SafeSpace portable safe is perfect to store small valuables.

3 – Portable Safe – I have a Master Lock SafeSpace® Portable Personal Safe and it has become one of my favorite summer accessories. I’m a paranoid New Yorker so I hate letting anything valuable out of my sight but I also hate paying $20 for a locker especially when I’m moving around from place to place. With this portable safe, I can safely lock up my valuables, secure it to a lounge chair or table, throw a towel on top and jump in the pool. If you’ve got a lot to secure or if you’ll be gone for an extended period of time, I’d suggest a locker but if you just want to take a quick trip around the lazy river, this is an easy and affordable solution.

4 – Floats – For kids who haven’t fully mastered the art of swimming, be sure to pack a float. I recommend the Stearns Kids Puddle Jumper Life Jacket Vest (one of the few coast guard approved devices) for toddlers or a backpack type floatation device like the Water Gear Back Float 4-Color Split Back Float for older kids.

Water Parks 101: Don't forget to stay hydrated.

Water Parks 101: Bring labeled water bottles so everyone stays hydrated. I love Mabel’s Labels because they look great wash after wash.

5 – Water Bottle – Bring along a labeled water bottle for each family member so everyone stays hydrated and be sure to refill them with ice water throughout the day. My favorite leak-proof bottles include Hydro Flask, Owala, Camelbak, Contigo, and Nalgene.

6 – Skin Protection – If you’re visiting an outdoor water park, you’ll need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Kids know the drill but packing some easy-to-use sunscreen sticks will make the process less painful. Don’t forget to bring sun protection lip balms as well.

7 – Quick Dry Towels – Some water parks provide towels so be sure to find out before you go. If you need to bring your own, try a lightweight microfiber travel towel or microfiber beach towel, or easy-to-pack towel tablets.

8 – Sun Protection Clothing – For an outdoor water park, you’ll want to bring rash guards, sun hats or visors, and a cover-up. Be sure to label your clothing with waterproof labels like Mabel’s Labels.

Water Parks 101: Don’t forget the goggles.

9 – Goggles – If your kids have never been to a water park, be sure to bring along some goggles. Some kids are sensitive to the splashing water so goggles help on rides and in the splash parks.

10 – Sunglasses – Last but certainly not least, be sure to bring along UV protection sunglasses for kids and adults.

Ready to win a trip to Kalahari Waterpark, Resorts and Conventions in the Pocono Mountains? Here’s your chance.

Water parks 101: Enter to win a Kalahari Resorts Giveaway

Kalahari really stands out in the sea of waterparks with its expansive waterpark (soon to be even bigger!), signature aqua lessons (FlowRider and mermaid, oh my!), spacious accommodations, fine dining, pampering spa, family-friendly activities, and kid-centric arcade and game area. Be sure to read about our Kalahari family trip for more details.

We had the best time visiting Kalahari this spring and I’m sure you and your family will too. Enter below to win a one-night stay (including two full days at the waterpark!) at Kalahari Resorts and Waterpark in the Poconos for a family of four (up to two extra guests can be added for $25 each). The prize is valid for a Sunday-Thursday night stay and expires within one year of the issue date.

To enter please leave separate comments for each:

Leave a blog comment below telling me your favorite water park memory.
Tweet about this giveaway
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Like Globetrotting Mommy on Facebook
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This giveaway ends at midnight EST on Friday, August 5th.

Thanks to Kalahari Resort for sponsoring this post. This post contains some affiliate links but all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Vacation or Staycation: The …

June 28, 2016 By admin

If there’s one thing my daughter outgrows more than anything else, it would be shoes. If your kids need some new summer shoes, here are my suggestions for the Best Summer Shoes for Kids at home and away….

Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Shoes for Kids. Keen Kids UNEEK shoes are fashionable yet sturdy.

UNEEK by Keen Kids

Looking for some stylish shoes for your mini fashionista? These open air sneakers are sure to please. UNEEK shoes feature a rubber base with a body of colorful interlocking cords so they support like a sneaker but feel like a sandal. I love that they are super lightweight, easy to clean and look as cute with dresses as they do with shorts. The adjustable side tab and easy to tighten cord closure make these a great pick for kids of all ages. Amusement parks, bike riding and long camp days? These are the perfect choice. Just throw them in the sink with soapy water to clean and they look brand new! They are available in little and big kid sizes as well as a grown up version which I’ve been sporting this summer (so comfy!).

Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Shoes for Kids. Stride Rite Phibians are great for water play.

Made2Play Phibian Sneaker Sandal by Stride Rite

If you’ve got kids who are always in the water (intentional or not) these Phibian sneaker sandals are a really great option for summer travels. Phibians feature a breathable sandal-like upper and an extra-grippy, non-slip bottom making them a sturdy option for active children. The velcro closure makes them easy for children of all ages and the stylish color pairings and super hero styles will definitely please young girls and boys. They go right in the washing machine or sink when dirty and they are quick to air dry making them a great option for camp or away. If your kids like to play in the rain, sprinkler park or mud or if your summer travels include a water park, these are a great choice.

Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Shoes for Kids. Salt Water Sandals are perfect for city or beach vacations.

Salt Water Sandals

For summer sightseeing trips or walks at home, these classic strappy sandals are a great option that can easily go from day to night. I love the bright colors and chunky sole options for younger kids and the strap and buckle closure which means little fingers can’t easily take these off. Of course, the flip side to that means you will be helping your kids get these on and off… I love that these sandals are waterproof and easy to clean making them a great option for beach vacations. They are also available in adult sizes so they whole family can coordinate. Yes, I have a pair of these too…

Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Shoes for Kids. Butler Overboots are perfect for rainy weather.

Butler Overboots

These adorable light-weight rubber boots easily slip over shoes making them a perfect choice for traveling. Nothing spoils a vacation more than getting caught in a rainstorm (hello wet shoes and socks!) so wearing these galoshes will keep everyone happy. They are easy for kids to put on and take off (think velcro closure and accordion-style opening) and families will save a lot of time not having to stop and switch back and forth from shoes to traditional rain boots. I especially love the bring colors that will definitely cheer up the most dreary day especially when kids are allowed to puddle jump. If your vacation forecast looks iffy, be sure to take these along.

What shoes do your kids love to wear when traveling? Tell me below in the comments.

Some of these shoes were gifted for review purposes. This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Fairy Tales’ Summer Hair …

May 24, 2016 By admin

Summer is around the corner (finally!) and unlike bald babies who can safely hide behind sun shields and stroller netting, the big kids will be running wild in the great outdoors. Unless you’re vacationing in a bubble this summer, here’s the scoop on some must-have hair and skin essentials from Fairy Tales.