We are just back from a family reunion in Palm Coast, Florida and we survived our first flight with two kids! I’ll add the disclaimer that we were flying with my parents and siblings, so with eight adults to two kids ratio, really… how hard could it be? All you moms I see flying alone with kids in tow, I applaud you. Even with all the help, traveling with kids involves lugging around so much crap, chasing our restless toddler, and endlessly catering to our sweet 9-month-old. Overall, we had a smooth flight and the boys did awesome. However, we did make some mistakes that we’ll be sure to correct next time. Here are the five mistakes we made flying with kids… 1. Bringing our own car seats. Car seats are so bulky and are the most challenging item to lug around the airport until you can check them. Most car rental companies offer a range of child safety seats that are suitable for babies and children. Be sure to ask when booking. The only logistical issue is getting your children from the parking lot at the airport, but if possible have one person drop you and the kids off at the airport first, or you can just strap your kids in for the short shuttle ride to your airline ...
How to Spend Three Days as a Solo Traveler in Prague
It’s not often you are awarded the opportunity to look back at the culture and familial roots that have defined the course of your life. Both my father and mother’s family lineage are largely from the Central Europe region formerly known as Czechoslovakia, known as independent countries Slovakia and the Czech Republic since 1993. The city of Prague in the Czech Republic is known for its historic baroque architecture, picturesque location on the Vltava River, compelling thousand-year history, and world-famous Czech lagers. In fact, did you know that the Czech Republic consumes more beer per capita than any other country in the world? While traveling for business to Switzerland, I decided to arrive the weekend prior to spend a few days exploring the breathtaking city of Prague on my own. Read on about my three-day adventure in this exceptional European city. DAY ONE // FREE WALKING TOUR AND THE OPERA HOUSE I arrived in a rainy Prague after an eight-hour flight from Newark with a transfer in Vienna. I took a car service to my residence for the weekend, the Grandior Hotel. The hotel is perfectly situated in the center of the Old City of Prague within walking distance to all ...
What to Wear: Female Apparel for a Fall Hike
The weather has been so unpredictable this Fall, right? I have loved the extra unseasonably warm days to be outside with the family. One of our favorite weekend rituals is strapping the boys into hiking backpacks and hitting one of the nearby trails. We all know the key to dressing for fall – layers! I thought I’d share my favorite hiking outfit for women for 2019. Here we go… J Crew Factory Flannel - $34.95 I love J Crew flannel shirts because they’re extra soft and come is fun, vibrant colors. Perfect for wearing over a t-shirt and easy to tie around the waist if it gets too warm. Patagonia Women’s Classic Synchilla Fleece Vest in Nickel - $79 My mom got me this vest for Christmas last year and I pretty much live in it during the Fall. It’s the perfect added layer and I love the pockets (especially to have tissues on hand for those little runny noses). Patagonia Women’s Nano Puff Jacket in Black - $199 This jacket was a splurge but due to the high quality, I know I will get my money’s worth. It’s lightweight and water repellent (I just wish it had a hood). Great for transitioning from hiking to leaf raking to apple picking with the ...
Discover the Best Street Art in the U.S. at Wynwood Walls in Miami
Miami is a city that does not lack character. This vibrant mecca of coastal culture is known internationally as one of the most sensational places for unique experiences. Other than the beautiful beaches, Miami is most known for its Art Deco architecture and lively arts scene. Wynwood Walls is a “must-see” for art enthusiasts and anyone looking to experience the best street art in the U.S. Wynwood Walls is a collection of murals and paintings displayed outdoors in an open courtyard. Located north of Downtown Miami, it almost feels like it was accidentally dropped in place where it currently rests among abandoned warehouses and concrete structures. The area is free to the public and I would recommend spending a minimum of two hours in the area. Read on for tips for your visit… EVERCHANGING ART It is almost always a new experience at Wynwood. The art is changed out every couple of months, so every time you visit there is something different to see. WYNWOOD TOURS There are several guided tours available that can provide more information on the murals and their artists. There is even a Wynwood Art Walk Block Party that is a big party of people wandering the ...
How to Spend the Day at Lehigh Valley Zoo
Tucked deep in the woods of the Trexler Nature Preserve in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, Lehigh Valley Zoo is home to more than 325 animals representing over 125 species. This zoo has the best of everything: interactive animal experiences, wildlife conservation education, seasonal programs, and fun to be had for all ages. We decided to visit during their “Ottertoberfest” weekend which is an annual event that includes live German music throughout the day. There was also a selection of gourmet food, craft, and gift vendors stationed throughout the zoo, DIY crafts and activities for children, and the Ottertoberfest Beer Tent with seasonal hard beverages and craft beers. We talked about making this an annual trip after our visit because the boys absolutely loved the live band and all of the additional festivities. The fall foliage on the drive through the preserve also makes this season a great time to visit. ARRIVAL & TICKETING We arrived right at opening at 10 a.m. and had no issues with crowds the entire day. We spent 4.5 hours in the park and could have stayed longer but both boys were spent by then. Zoo hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and I would ...
Helpful Packing List for a Beach Vacation with Kids
I have always prided myself on being an efficient packer. My job often required me to hop on a flight last minute and I’ve spent months at a time on business in different countries, so somewhere along the way, I mastered the art of filling that suitcase. Then, babies came along and any form of an organized travel system was out the window. We’re just back from a 10-day beach vacation, and although we had many scrambled moments looking for various items (like leaving the baby's swaddle at the hotel on the drive down!), I thought it would be helpful to share our packing list for anyone else looking to hit the beach before summer ends. We were lucky to be staying at a house right on the water, so you might need to modify this list based on how you transport to the beach daily. //FOR THE BEACH Baby Beach tent: When Gavin was born we bought a small pop-up tent for the beach that we never used because it was impossible to fold it back up. My cousin was using the Fisher Price On The Go Baby Dome Playard for her adorable baby boy and he loved it. It’s easy to assemble and offers great sun protection, perfect for beach naps. Beach hats: I love this Baby Sun Bucket Hat by ...