Packing Archives - Globetrotting Mommy

The Ultimate Holiday Gift …

November 2, 2022 By Globetrotting Mommy

Tis the season to be shopping and if you’ve got tweens and teens on your list you probably need some help. Check out the Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Tweens and Teens…

Gifts for the Glam Girls…

Personalized Cosmetic Bag – Perfect for home or away, these personalized watercolor bags will keep her makeup and brushes clean and organized. These are also handy for hair accessories, brushes, hand sanitizers and facemasks.

Hot Iron Holster – Keep hands and countertops safe from burns with this silicone holder for her hair styling tools. It easily re-attaches making it great for trips and sleepovers.

Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel – This year has been extra hard without regular pedicures so pamper her tootsies with this easy home foot peel. The results will definitely make her say “wow.”

Velvet Knot Headbands with Faux Pearls – This trendy and super affordable headband trio will add a touch of glam to any outfit. Choose from pink, beige and black or gray, brown and beige.

Comfy Cosmetic Headband – Girls will love this super cute headband to keep their hair back when they wash their faces or while they relax with a face mask. I especially love the Minnie Mouse style bow.

Gifts for the Globetrotters…

Infinity Scarf with Hidden Pocket – This scarf’s hidden pocket is perfect for hiding cash, keys, cell phones and other small items. Perfect for travel, school or even a walk around the block.

Wild Essentials Infinity Fleece Sleep Mask – This is my absolute favorite sleep mask and I never leave home without it. The deep eye pockets ensure a comfy fit and complete darkness. Available in nine colors so kids can coordinate with their pajamas.

Carry-On Suitcase – Someday we’ll be traveling again so a new carry-on suitcase is sure to please – colorful luggage is easy to spot. If your tween is into American Girl Dolls, throw in a doll-sized luggage set or cute doll travel accessories.

Travel Jewelry Box – She’ll keep her baubles and trinkets safe in this cute travel jewelry box. If she’s always losing her earrings, this is a perfect gift.

Hanging Toiletry Bag – Teens are experts at making a mess in the bathroom so keeping their stuff organized in zippered compartments is sure to help. Kids can hang these from the bathroom mirror or towel rack so they’re not in everyone’s way.

Gifts for kids who love anything colorful…

Tie-Dye Kit – Teens and tweens love to show off their creative sides so a tie-dye kit is perfect for them to create colorful hoodies, masks, socks, and other items.

Magnetic Dry Erase Board – Perfect for fridges or lockers, teens and tweens will love jotting down their ideas on this dry erase board with six colorful markers.

Candy Color iPhone Case – Teens and tweens will never drop their phones again with these colorful phone cases featuring adjustable cross body cords. Available in six gorgeous colors or basic black, these are especially great for traveling.

GUND Kai Rainbow Plush Teddy Bear – You’re never too old for a new teddy bear and this super soft rainbow bear from GUND is sure to become a new favorite.

Crayola Inspiration Art Case – With 140 pieces, this easy to carry art kit will be a hit with any creative teen or tween. The set includes crayons, markers, colored pencils and paper.

For the game players…

Exploding Kittens – This quirky card game keeps players on the edge of their seats as they try not to “explode” and lose. Super fun, super easy and perfect for any get together since up to ten players can play.

Unsolved Case Files – Teens (and mature tweens) will love channeling their inner detectives as they try to solve a murder mystery. This is one of those games that might take a few hours or days as everyone works together to sort thru clues and documents. It can be played individually or in groups of any size making it the perfect party game.

Relative Insanity See What I Mean – This funny game uses photo cards and dice to come up with some very interesting scenarios that the “judge” reviews before choosing a winner. Great for four to 12 players.

Camera Roll – For tweens and teens who can’t put down their phones, this is the perfect game. Players race to find the perfect photo or video from their phones to match prompts from the playing cards. For three or more players.

Big Boggle – With 25 letter cubes, this family favorite is bigger and better. Tweens and teens can now come up with even more words and more lengthy responses. For two or more players.

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? Hopefully this Holiday Gift Guide for Tweens and Teens sparked some ideas.

Note: This post contains some affiliate links.

Top 10 Must-Have Items for …

June 9, 2020 By admin

Welcome back from the 2020 Corona virus hiatus! Now that summer travel is becoming more of a reality, I think we are all looking forward to some close to home family trips. While you dip your toes back into summer travel, be sure to check out these must-have items for summer travel.

1 – Waterproof Footwear – Summer footwear is important since slippery pavement and hot sand are never fun. For water parks, pools, lakes and beaches you’ll want to pack comfy, waterproof footwear for the whole family. For water parks, swim socks and rubber-soled beach shoes are great because kids can wear them all day. For rocky beaches and lakes, be sure to get a waterproof shoe with anti-slip sole, or Crocs. For strolling around town, Salt Water Sandals, Birkenstocks and Tevas will provide more support than flip flops.

2 – Waterproof Phone Case or Dry Bag – Water and cell phones are never a good combination so invest in a waterproof phone case, wearable pouch or dry bag. If you want really great underwater shots and movies, bring a GoPro.

Top 10 Must-Have Items for Summer Travel: Master Lock SafeSpace portable safe is perfect to store small valuables.

3 – Portable Safe – I’m a paranoid New Yorker who hates leaving anything valuable out of sight so I travel with a Master Lock SafeSpace® Portable Personal Safe. With this portable safe, I can safely lock up my keys and money, secure it to a lounge chair or table, throw a towel on top and jump in the pool.

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

Top 10 Must-Have Items for Summer Travel. Don’t forget to label your water bottles.

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 Camelbak, Contigo, and Nalgene.

6 – Skin Protection – Don’t forget 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.

Top 10 Must-Have Items for Summer Travel. 2020 summer travel. Globetrotting Mommy.

Water Parks 101: Bring quick dry towels.

7 – Quick Dry Towels – Some water parks and pools provide towels so be sure to find out before you go. If you need to bring your own, try a lightweight microfiber towel.

Top 10 Must-Have Items for Summer Travel. Don’t forget the cover-ups.

8 – Sun Protection Clothing – For summer travel, you’ll want to bring rash guards, sun hats or visors and a cover-up for each member of the family. Be sure to label your clothing with waterproof labels like Mabel’s Labels.

Top 10 Must-Have Items for Summer Travel. 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.

Pin for later…

Top 10 Must-Have Items for Summer Travel - Summer 2020 Travel. Globetrotting Mommy

Happy travels…

Great Gifts for Travelers

December 16, 2019 By admin

If you’re looking for gift ideas for the globetrotter in your life, you’ll love this post. My holiday gift guide is full of great gifts for travelers to enjoy at home and away…

TRAVEL MUST-HAVES:

Digital Luggage Scale – My number one travel accessory is this easy-to-use luggage scale. Stop guessing if your bag is under 50 pounds and say goodbye to extra baggage charges.

Packing Cubes – I am a huge fan of packing cubes, especially for families since each person can choose their color. Just group items or outfits in cubes and packing will be a breeze.

Hanging Toiletry Bag – I keep my toiletry bag packed so I can just grab and go. Zippered compartments are perfect for travel accessories and the hanging design keeps bathroom clutter to a minimum.

Travel Jewelry Organizer – Keep your jewels safe and never lose an earring again with these colorful jewelry boxes. The small size and compartments make this a great option for quick trips. And remember, never ever check your jewels in luggage!

Reusable Shopping Bags – These are so useful for shopping at home and away. They also double as road-trip snack bags, beach totes and laundry bags. Choose from solids, prints and metallic options – an easy gift for travelers.

Travel Adaptor – A must for every globetrotter. Keep your favorite electronics charged wherever you go. Pick a different color for everyone in your family.

Travel Sized Laundry Bag – For the traveler who has everything, this world map laundry bag is a fun gift. I love that it folds into a tiny travel pouch with a carabineer.

TRAVEL INSPIRED GIFTS FOR TRAVELERS:

Gifts for Travelers - Travel Inspired Gifts

Show Tickets and Personalized Shirt – For the Broadway fan on your list, a pair of tickets to an upcoming show and a personalized shirt to wear make a great gift. I used my Cricut Explore Air™ 2 machine to personalize a “So Fetch” shirt for a Mean Girls lover in sparkly pink.

Scratch Your Travels USA Map – Travelers will love highlighting their US adventures as they scratch off each state they visit. Add a frame and you’ve got a great family gift.

Travel Scarf – A travel scarf is always a good idea and this infinity version with a secret hidden zipper pocket is a great gift for travelers all ages. Choose from solids and patterns.

50 States, 5,000 Ideas – This comprehensive National Geographic book is full of sightseeing ideas in every state. A great gift option for families.

FOR TRAVEL LOVING FOODIES:

Bokksu – For the adventurous eater on your list, a Bokksu box filled with Japanese snacks and teas is sure to please. A great option for travel-loving families who like to try new foods. Choose from monthly subscriptions in two different sizes.

Custom Etched Map Glassware – For the coffee or hot cocoa drinker, wine aficionado and spirits lover on your list, I love Well Told Designs glassware etched with a favorite city, college town, airport, island, marathon route and more. Choose from pints, rocks, wine, mugs, mason jars, champagne flutes, etc. and you’ve got a great gift for everyone on your list.

Sitka Salmon Shares – For seafood lovers, gift a box of seasonal wild-caught seafood – straight from Southeast Alaska and the North Pacific! Sitka Salmon Shares, a community-supported fishery, supports sustainable fisheries and delivers the freshest catches from boat to doorstep. Use code SITKA25 to receive $25 off any 2020 Premium Sitka Seafood Share.

Trader Joe’s Chocolate Passport – Every holiday season Trader Joe’s brings out their cult favorites and their Chocolate Passport is a great option for every traveler on your list. Perfect for stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, etc.

BEST FAMILY ACTIVITIES FOR TRAVELING:

Tenzi – I’m a huge fan of easy-to-pack family games and Tenzi is one of my favorites. This multi-dice game is easy to learn and fast to play. There are several variations which help keep boredom at bay. Add in the 77 Ways to Play The Add-on Card Set and you’re guaranteed hours of good fun.

Playing Cards – An oldie but goodie, playing cards are easy to bring along on any trip making them great gifts for travelers. From Go Fish and War to Canasta and Rummy, everyone on the trip will find something to play. Other options include Solitare and building card houses.

Match-O-Rama – From the makers of Telestrations, Match-O-Rama is a great game choice for multi-generational family trips. The better you know the players, the easier you can predict how others will answer. Or maybe not? Easy to learn, fast to play and sure to keep the whole family entertained.

Kodak Premium Puzzles – Puzzles are a great activity to bring along on a vacation. Choose from easy to hard (depending on the ages and patience levels) and the whole family can enjoy. Kodak has a lot of travel-themed options (Boston, Italy, Greece, US National Parks and more) perfect for travel-loving families.

Need more gifts for travelers and everyone else on your list? Check out my 2020 Tween and Teen Gift Guide and Great Gifts for Teens and Tweens from 2019 .

I received some of these items for review purposes but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting …

April 18, 2019 By admin

Furry Sesame Street characters, musical shows, water park rides and amusement park fun await junior travelers at Sesame Place in Langhorne, PA. My daughter first visited Sesame Place when she was three and enjoyed it even more as an adventurous six-year old.

Sesame Place is a great choice for toddlers and big kids as it can be done in one day or spread over a few days. If you’re looking for a quick amusement park getaway before school starts or this fall, here are my Top 10 Tips for Visiting Sesame Place, PA.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Sesame Place, PA

TOP 10 TIPS FOR VISITING SESAME PLACE, PENNSYLVANIA

1 – Go Early

This is my usual advice when visiting any amusement park. The temperatures are milder, the lines are shorter and the parking spots are closer so definitely try to get there as early to opening as you can. You’ll also be able to claim lounge chairs in busy areas which fill up quickly.

Meeting the Sesame Street Characters is a must at Sesame Place.

2 – Meet the Characters

The Sesame Street characters can be found throughout the property (with minimal wait times) and in the 1-2-3 Smile With Me! area. The photographers are great at getting little kids to smile and some will also take photos with your camera which is nice. My favorite character backdrop is the hopscotch area in Sesame Neighborhood where you’ll find Bert and Ernie.

Get ready to get wet at The Count’s Splash Castle

3 – Start dry and get wet

The park features a mix of traditional amusement park rides and water park attractions. Unless its a super hot day, I recommend starting with the dry rides (on the right hand side) and finishing with the water park. There is one “big” rollercoaster (Vapor Trail) near the entrance and the rest of the dry rides are pretty tame – except for the Honker Dinger Derby which my daughter made me ride twice…For the water rides, most are very little-kid friendly with a few more adventurous water slides near back of the park. Aside from water rides, there are some great areas to splash around – The Count’s Splash Castle has lots of waterslides and a gigantic bucket that spills over (as The Count counts backwards), Ernie’s Waterworks is an interactive water area great for younger kids and the Teeny Tiny Tidal Wave Pool is fun for all ages.

Top tips for visiting Sesame Place. Don’t miss Sesame Place’s Neighborhood Street Party Parade

4 – Stake your spot for the parade

The Neighborhood Street Party Parade is a must see so be sure to get there early to claim your spot. Kids will really love seeing their favorite Sesame Street characters singing and dancing while they watch all the colorful floats go by. The best viewing spot is in the middle of the route and you can lay down towels for kids to sit on in advance. There is usually an afternoon and early evening show but check the daily schedule or website for exact times.

Water shoes like Crocs are a must-have for visiting Sesame Place in the summer.

5 – Wear or bring water shoes

The pavement in some areas of the water park area is very hot and bumpy. Be sure to protect little feet with slip on water shoes or swim socks kids can wear on the rides. Crocs, Keens, flip flops and any other water proof shoes are good options and you can leave them in cubbies at the ride entrance/exit areas.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Sesame Place – The green tube line is much shorter than the blue tube line.

6 – Go team green on Big Bird’s Rambling River

There are two entrances to Big Bird’s Rambling River – a lazy river ride perfect for families – one with blue tubes and other with green tubes. The green tube entrance is a bit hidden away so the lines are much, much shorter over there. Life jackets and kid sized tubes are available.

7 – Do bring a stroller for young kids

If your kids still nap, you’ll definitely want to bring a reclining stroller with a sun shade. An umbrella stroller also comes in handy for older kids since you can use it to cart around the towels, water bottles, sunscreen and change of clothes as you travel around the park.

Be sure to take in a show at Sesame Place.

8 – Take in a Show

There are three Sesame Street shows and they are all entertaining for young travelers. Only one (Elmo The Musical Live!) is air conditioned so be sure to see that one when you need a break from the heat. For kids who like to interact with the characters, try to find seating as close to the stage as possible. And for the Let’s Play Together show in Abby’s Paradise Theater, try to sit around the sectioned off areas around the stage or in the first few rows.

This Master Lock SafeSpace portable mini safe is a great way to store your valuables at Sesame Place.

9 – Store your valuables

There are lockers are in several areas so that is definitely an option. A more affordable solution is to bring your own Portable Personal Safe or just store your items in the stroller while you are in the water park and hope for the best.

10 – Designate a meeting spot

If you’re splitting up (which you will likely do if you kids range in age) agree on a time and place to meet. Be sure your kids can identify the uniformed staff members and if they are too small to know an emergency phone number by heart, have them wear this info on a personalized safety bracelet.

Read my Top 10 Must Have Items for a Water Park Trip for more helpful tips.

Have you visited Sesame Place? What was your favorite memory?

This post is not sponsored but does contains some affiliate links. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Must Have Travel Items for …

November 19, 2018 By admin

Tis’ the season for family vacations! Planning a trip everyone will enjoy is never easy but you’ll be ahead of the game if you bring along these must-have travel items for family vacations.

Must Have Travel Items For Family Vacations

Emergency Bag – Load up on band-aids and ointment, bug spray, sunscreen and extras like tide sticks, ziplocs, bags for motion-sickness (these are life-changing for motion sick kids), wipes (regular and flushable), and other items depending on your destination like a beach tent and baby powder for summer vacations.

Medicine – Be sure to bring all prescription medicine (including a few extra days) along with a digital thermometer and fever-reducing medicine. Note: Always bring these items in your carry on bag.

Tote Bags – A few lightweight bags are great to have on hand for extra purchases, carrying coats, etc. These Sesame Street Envirosax bags are a favorite for families with young kids.

Packing Cubes are a Must Have Travel Items for Family Vacations.

Packing List – Give everyone their own packing list so they can check off items as they pack. I’m a big fan of using packing cubes to keep everything organized.

Identification Labels – Label everyone’s favorite items before you go. It is much easier to locate lost items when they’re labeled. Order a set of Mabel’s Labels for every kid and you’re ready to go.

Backpack/Travel Bag for Each Person – Have each person carry their own bag filled with snacks, water, journal and personal entertainment items and chargers.

Headphones – Kids and adults will be happiest with comfortable headphones.

Chargers and Surge Protectors are Must Have Travel Items for Family Vacations.

Chargers – I always travel with a portable charger (and cords) for every device and a travel surge protector to use in hotels.

Personal Safes – A portable personal safe is a must for water park visits.

Must Have Travel Items For Young Kids

Stroller Accessories – Heading to a warm climate? A clip on stroller fan is a must.

Lightweight Blankets – Muslin swaddles are great for swaddling babies, blocking sun on a stroller, sleeping and airplane blankets.

Lightweight Booster Seats – Babies and toddlers will need their usual car seats on vacation but bigger kids can use the space saving mifold and bubble bum backless booster seats.

Baby and Toddler Necessities – Never deal with another lost pacifier again with BooginHead Paciclip. For toddlers who drop everything, the BooginHead Sippigrip is a must have for car seats, high chairs and strollers. Keep a stash in your diaper bag and you’re good to go.

Family Entertainment – Be sure to stock up on audiobooks, movies, and travel games before you go.

I hope this helps you get ready for your next family getaway. Bon voyage!

Pin this for your next trip:

This post contains affiliate links. 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!

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!

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.

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.

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.
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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!

Back-to-School Must Haves for …

August 19, 2015 By admin

Depending on where you live, kids go back-to-school sometime between now and early September. I love stocking up on back-to-school supplies and I especially love when my daughter can use these items on our travels.

Here are my favorite Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away…

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Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – Mabel’s Labels

Personalized Labels – If you didn’t already order these for summer camp, now is the time to stock up. I pretty much label everything my daughter takes to school (and on trips) like food and drink containers, school supplies, shoes, coats, hats, etc. Mabel’s Labels are the only ones that survive my super hot dishwasher so they’re my top pick. The Stylish Scholars Combo in the quatrefoil pattern was my opportunity to update some of our old kiddie styles with a more sophisticated look for first grade.

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Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – Portable Snacks

Easy to Serve Snacks – For lunch boxes and road trips, easy to serve snacks are a must have. Depending on the ages and taste preferences of your kids, I recommend squeezy fruit pouches like GoGo Squeez, individually wrapped multi-grain snacks from Ella’s Kitchen and dried fruit like Crispy Fruit from Crispy Green for exotic palates and Earth’s Best freeze dried fruit snacks for toddlers. I also keep snack bars, fruit leathers and nuts on hand at home and away.

Colored Pencils, eeBoo, Travel, Kids, Coloring, Activities, Back to School

Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – Colored Pencils

Non-Messy School Supplies – I love stocking up on school supplies knowing that the non-messy items will be great to also use on car or plane trips. This year my daughter is really into writing and coloring and I found the most gorgeous colored pencil sets from eeBoo featuring metallic, watercolor and fluorescent pencils. These are so nicely packaged (and affordable) you’ll want to get a set for everyone you know. Just add the Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book for older kids (and adults!) and you’ve got a great gift idea.

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Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – Activity Books

Educational Activity Books – As an after school surprise, I like to leave an activity book out with scissors, markers and glue. When we travel, I like to just bring along activity books that include stickers like the new Lonely Planet Kids series that includes Adventures in Famous Places, Adventures in Noisy Places, Adventures in Smelly Places and other fun titles. These are a great way to teach elementary age school kids about history and geography while holding their interest with funny facts.

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Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – backpack

Sturdy and Stylish Backpack – Backpacks are a must for school and traveling. Last year my daughter got a Backpack Jr. from Garnet Hill Kids and this year she has a more fashion forward Kayla backpack from Matilda Jane Clothing. I’ve previously written about the coolest backpacks for back to school if you need more inspiration. Be sure kids can open and close buckles and zippers on their own before school starts.

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Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – tablets

Kid Friendly Tablets – Older kids bring their tablets to school but kids of all ages use them when traveling. My daughter loves the LeapPad3 when we travel by car and I love that she can use it without needing help so I can focus on driving. For plane rides and long trips, I’ll bring out our latest addition, the Amazon Fire HD 6 kids edition which comes in its own kid-proof case and is great for watching movies and shows, taking photos and videos and playing apps.

What are your favorite back-to-school must haves?

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

Gifts for the Glam Girls…

Gifts for the Globetrotters…

Gifts for kids who love anything colorful…

For the game players…

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TRAVEL MUST-HAVES:

TRAVEL INSPIRED GIFTS FOR TRAVELERS:

FOR TRAVEL LOVING FOODIES:

BEST FAMILY ACTIVITIES FOR TRAVELING:

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TOP 10 TIPS FOR VISITING SESAME PLACE, PENNSYLVANIA

1 – Go Early

2 – Meet the Characters

3 – Start dry and get wet

4 – Stake your spot for the parade

5 – Wear or bring water shoes

6 – Go team green on Big Bird’s Rambling River

7 – Do bring a stroller for young kids

8 – Take in a Show

9 – Store your valuables

10 – Designate a meeting spot

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Must Have Travel Items For Family Vacations

Must Have Travel Items For Young Kids

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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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PHOTOGRAPHY HELPERS

SNACK AND DRINK CONTAINERS

CHARGERS

PORTABLE POWER STATION

SEASONAL GADGETS

LUGGAGE LOCKS

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Top 10 Must-Have Items for Water Parks

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