Flying with Kids Without Losing Your Sanity

Traveling with your kids can be really rewarding, but it can also be stressful, especially when stuck for hours on a plane with nowhere for them to play and having to convince them to sit still. You need to start planning for your stint on the plane before you even leave your house. You don't need to pack a ton of stuff to keep kids entertained and busy on a plane, so don't resign yourself to splurging on baggage fees already. I mean, you've already shelled out all the money to fly to your destination, so let's look at how to make it as painless as possible.

Tell Them What to ExpectKids are super-adaptable, but it does help to explain things to them. Traveling is kinda weird when you think about it. You stand in line to go through security, where people judge you and look at all your stuff, then you wait to get herded into a big metal room, where you strap yourself in and the air pressure is all funky and makes your ears hurt on occasion. It's sort of like being in the car, but with 200 other people and you can't get out because you need to stretch your legs. Crazy, right? Explain to your kids what they'll be expecting, and more than once. It's better for them to be excited that they're flying than for them to be freaked out and hate every second of your journey. Not only will you also hate it, so will everyone on the airplane.

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Pack SnacksRemember that meltdown that happened that one time when your kid was hungry and you didn't have any food in your bag? Imagine that 100 times worse, because you can't pop into 7-11 for almonds or a granola bar and all the airplane food that may or may not be available for purchase is $8. When you're bored, food can be distracting. Pack healthy things they'll eat, like cheese and crackers, fruit, nuts and cereal. Don't forget the beverages either, because having to wait for the drink cart to come around can suck, especially when you're "sooooooo thirsty!" You know how it is. Kids don't want it until they can't have it and then everything is dire. Either bring a bottle that you can fill up once you get through security or snag a few drinks before boarding. You'll be glad you did. (Don't forget the gum!)

Pack GamesThere's nothing better to distract your child(ren) than to make the time fly by. Games are a great way to do that. Pack a something they like and then a few other things that are a surprise, like some awesome card games. Depending on their age, this can be anything from Zigity and Old Maid to Fluxx and Uno. I have several travel games that I find fun, but perhaps your kid(s) loves Battleship or Guess Who, or maybe something more sophisticated like Yahtzee or Bananagrams. No matter what, bring an average of three games, so you can cycle through them. Coloring books, electronic games and even plain notebook paper are great ideas, too.

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Bring Your TabletKids are super tech-savvy now. If yous are too, then make sure you load up your tablet with games, videos and books they'll love. A long flight can fly by when they have everything they need at their fingertips. Don't forget a back-up battery to keep it charged and headphones, because as happy as everyone will be that your kids are entertaining themselves, they'll be less happy if they have to hear Dora the Explorer at full blast, because that's how your little one likes to watch it. 

Let Them Pack a Bag For Themselves

Everyone's entitled to a carry-on, and that goes for kids. Their little clothes can be packed into your carry-on, because they don't take up that much space. Allow them to bring stuff they love (within reason) on their trip in a little backpack or a fun roller bag. Even if it's just full of stuffed animals, Legos or play food, they'll feel more comfortable having that piece of home with them and they'll have something to play with on the ride if they want. In fact, here's an awesome way to pack and store Legos when you travel. (You know, so you don't have to pick up 500 of them off the airplane floor.)

Fly Really Early or Really Late

Don't fly when your kids are bound to be super cranky. You won't make any friends that way and you'll just get more stressed out. Fly really early when your kids are bright-eyed and bushy tailed. They'll be happier and excited for the day. Your other option is to fly really late when they will be asleep and can miss most of the flying time. Put them in their PJs (because this is the only time it is acceptable to wear nightclothes on a plane) and bring along a travel blanket and their pillow. 

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Stay On a Schedule

If your kids are used to doing certain things at a certain time (i.e. nap or eat), make sure you stay on that schedule, even if you have to do it in a different setting. Bring the things they have to have to do those things, like I've listed above. You'll be more likely to avoid a meltdown when they're tired or hungry and they'll feel a lot more comfortable, even though they aren't somewhere they're used to.

When you travel with your kids on the plane, how do you make it more fun for everyone involved?

Ways to Make Your Road Trip Awesome

In preparation for my road trip next month, I've been packing and coming up with ideas for what to do, what to bring and what to eat along the way to Vegas. It's 16 hours, but I'm obviously going to get out of the car to jump around and stretch at points instead of getting there super tired and hunched into a permanent sitting position. An obvious stop for me is Weed, California, because I love that little town and the quaint little mom and pop diner there. Going on a road trip of your own in the near (or not) future? Here are tips to make it awesome.

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Don't drive straight through! The number one rule of road trips is we don't talk about road trips! Wait. No. That's another post for another blog maybe. The real golden rule of road trips is that you stop along the way and stop often. Driving for 4+ hours straight is BORING. Even if you play games or sleep, people will get grumpy, your legs will get stiff and you won't be happy. Plan a route that has interesting stops - a funky diner, a cool cave, the largest ball of twine. Something. Your stops don't have to be expensive, just fun and memorable. If you want to plan a real stop, you can always look into an RV park as a way to give you and your family a break.

Find everything from gas and rest areas to museums and food on your way by downloading the free app called iExit. Find out what at every exit along the highway wherever you go.

Dress comfortably. It is so easy to dress comfortably and still look like a person nowadays with fabrics like jersey, bamboo and rayon. Just because you've been in the car for 10 hours, doesn't mean you have to look like a slob. Not only are these fabrics comfy, but they also resist wrinkles and breathe well, too. If you can't live without your trusty jeans, invest in some nice ones with stretch. I have three pair that I paid a pretty penny for, but they are some of the best ones I own for travel.

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Bring foods! Eating out frequently is really going to take a bite out of your budget and totally ruin your diet. I don't know about you, but I also don't want to come back from vacation hating chicken strips or cheeseburgers either. Sure, eating out is fun, but choose your stops wisely and bring a cooler stocked with homemade stuffs – like fried chicken, potato salad and muffins – along with fixings for sandwiches, sides, drinks and snacks to nibble on in between stops.

Bring tunes from home. Don't rely on just the radio, otherwise you'll have times were the only thing you get are Christian and deep country music, if you can pick up anything. I swear there must be radio towers built into the mountains for these stations. If you're a fan of either, you are probably okay, but I still suggest loading up your iPod with some good road tunes, podcasts or e-books. That way you have a variety of things to listen to and aren't forced to listen to Jesus Rock in between static if you don't want to. This trip I'm going to be listening to Harry Potter as read by Stephen Fry in between bouts of music. Yer a [road trip] wizard!

A paper map is a must. Yes, you have a smarty phone and your fancy GPS, but batteries die and not all roads show up on satellites. (Just ask those kids from Cabin in the Woods - "This road isn't even worthy of global positioning.") You never know what might happen, so an old-fashioned map is great for those unforeseen circumstances. If you don’t buy one before you leave home, pick one up at a gas station, convenience store or rest areas.

Coupons, coupons, coupons! Along the road you're bound to stop at a few rest stops or greasy spoons (including Denny's) and when you do, grab one of those highway magazines that is full of coupons for dining and lodging. You can.save a ton off already affordable necessities. Sometimes, you may find discounts for roadside attractions. If not, make sure to browse that rack in your hotel/motel lobby before you do anything nearby.

I think I'm ready to go. I got an oil change and have my emergency kit in my car, plus my cables in case of snow and my AAA card!

Are you headed on a road trip? What are your favorite tips?

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Dublin

Saint Patrick’s Day is bearing down on us in a few short weeks and you know what that means? Green beer and stupid hats? Maybe, but that’s really only if you’re an American and can turn any holiday, traditional or obscure, into a reason to get drunk and cause a ruckus. At least you’re fun and know how to party! In Ireland, you will likely find NO green beer, shamrock sunglasses or green felt leprechaun hats, unless it is marketed solely to tourists. In fact, in Ireland Saint Patrick’s Day is a religious holiday to commemorate the day that St. Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland (Supposedly. I 'm pretty sure there weren’t any there in the first place. Easy!)

With the holiday in Ireland becoming more secular and less celebrated came a brilliant idea from the government! Giant festivities to get people worldwide interested in traveling to Ireland to join the parties and soak up the culture! Meaning more tourism. Amazingly, the first festival to be held in Ireland didn't occur until 1996 and it was only one day. Since then, it has grown into a week-long celebration of all things Irish that draws hundreds of thousand of visitors every year who come to party, join parades, watch concerts, witness fireworks, attend sporting events, take in theater performances and, of course, to drink beer.

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Awesome Fact: Witness the shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the whole world in Dripsey, Ireland of County Cork. The parade lasts just 100 yards and travels between the village's two pubs.

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Get yourself a Dublin Pass. As always, I am recommending the city pass for those visiting Dublin. Not only is it a great deal if you plan to do a fair amount of sightseeing on the Emerald Isle, but it also it lets you skip the queues at the ticket booths. Your Dublin pass comes with an airport-city center transfer, entrance to over 30 top attractions, the Croke Park Experience (for those of you who are sports lovers), discounts on dining, shopping, etc. and even unlimited public transportation! Purchase online before you go to save 20% off. Your Dublin pass is valid for 12 months from purchase and “activates” upon your first use.

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My Goodness My Guinness! Do you love Guinness like I do? How would you like a FREE pint? If you’re in Ireland, take a walk through the Guinness Factory and see how it’s made, enjoy a free pint at the end of your tour and take in all of Dublin from the 360 degree view in the Gravity Bar on top of the factory. Before you leave, make sure to stop into the visitor centre and museum to view old adverts and pick up some souvenirs. Here’s a good tip: purchase your entry ticket(s) online to bypass long queues and get 10% off (the not-so-cheap admission price of 14 Euros) or use a Dublin Pass that includes admission.

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Do you prefer Jameson whiskey? You can take a distillery tour of their factory as well! Again, your tour ends with a good size “sample”. You can volunteer to do a taste-test, and if you are chosen it includes 3 Irish whiskeys, a Scotch whiskey and an American Whiskey and then a fancy diploma saying you took the taste test. Take a trip through the gift shop and buy a nice bottle for the rest of your trip or send some home for you, family or friends. The tour lasts about an hour and the distillery is open 7 days a week, but you can make reservations online and save 15% off the admission price of 13.5 Euros.

Both tours were highly recommended by those that took one or both of them.

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Obviously, no matter where you are, you are bound to be near some St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on March 17th. Almost every city has an Irish pub that throws a huge party where everyone gets rip-roaring drunk, pretends they're Irish, wears crazy stuff and takes a cab home (hopefully) in the wee hours of the morning to sleep it off. In Portland, that party can go on for many nights, depending what day St. Patrick’s Day falls on. Our popular restaurant called Kells takes up an entire city block with tents full of vendors and music and all things Irish and people have been known to take days off of work, just so they can start their weekend partying early. A great way to find such celebrations is your local paper’s entertainment or local section and online. What’s On When has listings for entertainment and goings on in most cities worldwide.

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And if you’d like to at least see a bit of Ireland even if you can’t visit, check out some of these movies to enjoy the rolling green countryside and Irish lilt:

Angela’s Ashes

Boy Eats Girl (kitchy rom-zom movie)

Braveheart

The Crying Game

Darby O’Gill and the Little People

Far and Away

The Informer

Laws of Attraction

Leap Day (best sightseeing in a movie, by far)

Michael Collins

P.S. I Love You (my pick for 2^nd best sightseeing movie)

The Secret of Roan Inish

Tristan & Isolde

Waking Ned Devine

This is by no means all of them, just ones that I know are probably available through Blockbuster, Netflix, Redbox or your own DVD collection. Find a more complete list HERE.

How will you be spending your St. Patrick's Day?