Tropical Family Travel

Games to Occupy the Youngest Travelers on Holiday Travels

2009-12-22T12:10:00.016-05:00

This holiday season when packing up for grandma’s house, be sure to bring along a variety of electronic games for kids and kids at heart including Nintendo DS games, Leapster games, Pogo games, and other video games to occupy time during travels and for fun nights together. Many resorts offer a gaming area for kids now and some accommodations are even supplied with a gaming console. These games are compact and make great stocking stuffers and gifts for future car trips, long waits in airports and other transportation means. The biggest trend noticed is how companies are capitalizing on movies and creating games to keep the movie alive after returning home from the theater or when the DVD ends.

Nintendo DS Games
Gaming has evolved quite a bit since Atari’s Pac Man and Asteroids as there are many more games that have been introduced offering new ways to play, immerse and engage. Every popular character seems to have transcended into its own video game. It is not uncommon for video game launches to coincide with theatrical releases. Good news is that the Nintendo DS games offered by Electronic Arts (EA) are compact, easy to travel with and ensure hours of fun. With its wireless element, family members can compete against each other, creating another level of competition!

Below are just a few titles and descriptions to take along during holiday travels or to surprise your favorite traveler.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: Experience the thrills, action, and excitement of the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince while engaging in exciting wizard duels, mixing and brewing magical ingredients in Potions class and taking to the air to lead the Gryffindor Quidditch team to victory!

Littlest Pet Shop Friends: Offering co-operative play and delightful new graphics, Littlest Pet Shop Friends takes girls and their friends on fun quests such as delivering party invitations, serving up cake and ice cream and gathering party decorations, all in preparation for the biggest party ever!

Hasbro Family Game Night 2: Featuring OPERATION, JENGA, BOP-IT, PICTUREKA, and CONNECT 4X4, Hasbro Family Game Night 2 offers traditional and new modes to play these Hasbro favorites. MR. POTATO HEAD returns as master of ceremonies and your host in a brand-new “GameShow” mode which transports players to a live television game show studio complete with an audience and “Challenge Wheel.”

G.I. Joe The Rise of Cobra: G.I. JOE The Rise of Cobra features 16 playable characters – including four unlockable COBRA bosses – each with unique abilities and weapons. Adding to the adrenaline rush is an intense single-screen co-op mode allowing two players to easily unite as a team in a classic struggle between good and evil to defeat the powers of COBRA.

SimAnimals Africa: With its brand new art style, SimAnimals Africa takes players on an adventure across jungles, deserts, savannas, river deltas and more! All new animals, each with their own unique skill, are ready to play like never before. Kicking zebras, rock-breaking rhinos and lions that excel at hunting will assist players in keeping the environment happy and unlocking new areas, animals, and special items. New mini-games give players more ways to interact with the animals.

There are games for everyone and many are available on multiple platforms including the Wii and Sony Play Station. Below are a few other titles by Warner Brothers and stimulating creativity and taking movies to the next interactive level for kids.

Where The Wild Things Are: The award-winning children's adventure coincides with the movie release in 2009 as players assume the role of Max, “King of All Wild Things” and team-up with the fearsome but loveable creatures to solve action puzzles and overcome challenging obstacles to save the tribe before it's too late.

Scooby-Doo: First Frights: An action-adventure game for the Wii, DS and PS2 complements the DVD release, Scooby Doo: The Mystery Begins, this title features co-op play allowing two people to work together to solve mysteries, combat enemies and collect clues to unmask each episode's mysterious villain.

Scribblenauts: The award-winning pick-up-and-play game for the Nintendo DS from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment in which the character Maxwell acquires the Starite in each level by solving a series of puzzles armed with their stylus, notepad and imagination.

Astro Boy: The Video Game: The official game of the upcoming movie, a young boy robot utilizes his full arsenal of iconic weapons and abilities to battle robot enemies and colossal bosses on multiple platforms.

There are other electronic-based games that are sure to delight travelers of all ages beyond the Nintendo DS platform.

Pocket POGO Handheld: Yahtzee, Connect 4, Battleship, & Monopoly: Perfect for waiting in line and compact enough to fit into a pocket or purse, test your skills with some childhood favorites that grownups still like to play. POGO games incorporate electronic elements with the classic games and are the perfect travel accessory for backseat or in-flight fun!

Pocket POGO Touch Screen: Scrabble, Battleship, Solitaire, Casino Island & More: With eight available games, the Pocket POGO is a step up from the POGO Handheld games in terms of advanced play. Using a stylus, in the Scrabble game, users can select from the four games testing speed and word making skills!

New games have launched throughout the year to keep the library fresh and coincide with big movie premieres or DVD releases, as reported by Leapfrog. This year’s titles will build on the established library of games that offer traditional learning, such as math and spelling, and will expand on the traditional with new curriculum, such as geography and map reading in X-Men: Wolverine and music in High School Musical.

The Leapster2 system, the industry’s first educational gaming handheld for kids aged four to eight, has released eight new titles in 2009. Many of the new titles below are connected to movies, which helps the younger kids identify with the brand on multiple levels. The Leapster2 and games are perfect for traveling (just bring batteries). Below is a sampling of the new games available this holiday season and what each title emphasizes on the educational level.

• Disney/Pixar’s Up! – early number sense, addition, subtraction, shapes
• Disney’s The Princess and the Frog – early math
• The Wolverine and X-Men – geography, shapes, word sounds
• Disney Fairies: TinkerBell – early math, addition and subtraction, patterns
• Star Wars: Jedi Reading – letter identification, phonics, spelling

“Educational gaming has evolved and is now recognized for delivering competitive and exciting gaming that rivals traditional videogames,” said David Perkinson, director of game development for LeapFrog.

Christmas Toys for Travel Joys

2009-12-11T10:18:00.022-05:00

Besides decking the halls and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, families are preparing to travel over the holidays. Whether traveling to grandma’s house or creating a new holiday tradition while embarking on a winter wonderland or tropical oasis, packing some toys, books, games and other time-consuming activities will make any trip more festive.

There is no shortage in choices for kids, but below are a few recommendations of toys that are sure to delight kids on their winter road trips and vacation journeys.

Elmo’s Tickle Hands
Fisher-Price lets kids have a chance at being Elmo…well, at least part of Elmo using his silly furry red hands . These funny hands vibrate and hear familiar phrases from Elmo and allow kids’ imaginary play to soar and gets them dancing when the Dance Mode is activated and kids are guided through Elmo’s new dance, step by step. There is even a DVD that accompanies these hands to teach kids the dance.

Matchbox® Mega Rig®Pirate Ship
Ready to sail the high seas and journey into pirate hood and swash the decks? With the Matchbox® Mega Rig® Pirate Ship, kids will feel as though they have joined the pirate clan as they sail away into their next adventure. Creative play is stimulated with the large pirate ship, the giant squirting sea creature, all while defending their treasure.

Uno Moo!™
The grown up card game has been transformed into farm animals for toddlers. Educational and fun, UNO Moo! Encourages colors and animal recognition and teaches kids to shout out when they are down to one figure. Even the adults will like this version and its packaging is ideal for traveling.

Barbie® Glamour Camper™
Now this is one camper that I would consider going on an outdoor exploration. A modernized and glammed out version of the camper many moms will remember as girls in the 70s, today’s young girls are ready for a road trip! Like the Barbie dollhouses, the camper is completely decked out and provides hours of enjoyment from the pop out tent to roasting marshmallows. The compactness of this Barbie vehicle is perfect to take on the road for real!

Barbie™ and the Three Musketeers Barbie Corinne™ Doll
Girl power strikes this holiday season as Barbie Corinne and her friends recreate the legendary Three Musketeers. Hot this holiday season, these princess Barbies are like the Diamond Castle characters and transform their outfits as they take on heroine roles. Barbie continues to be a role model for young girls.

My Toon TV
Kids love having people “watch” them, now they can see themselves in performance action by inserting themselves on TV with their own personalized character. Easy to use (no software required), kids will spend hours pretending and performing and most importantly, laughing as they watch their “character” dance away. Five songs are provided, but the ability to customize with their own music is also an option.

A Family Christmas CD
For car trips, creating a festive mood for this “quality” time together, playing holiday tunes are sure to add a fun element and one that is participatory in nature. Putumayo Kids has a series of international music selections that inspire travel around the world, but “A Family Christmas” CD is one that also has an educational twist on yuletide favorites. A few childhood favorites include a new version of “Holly Jolly Christmas” by Martin Sexton and a jazzy rendition by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy singing Louis Armstrong’s hit “Is Zat You Santa Claus?”.

Blokus® Game
Nothing beats a family game night and the new Blokus game allows entire family to participate. With only four colors, it is fairly easy for kids to catch on to the pattern and learning to keep building their pattern while blocking you in the process. Don’t be surprised if the kids outwit the parents!

The Night Before Christmas: Special Edition DVD Set
No trip should be taken without a portable DVD and with many hotels providing DVD players, The Night Before Christmas: Special Edition 2-DVD collection by Scholastic Storybook Treasures™ is a holiday tradition to be packed. This collection features animated stories about Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and other holiday celebrations are narrated by Anthony Edwards and Christopher Lloyd. The second DVD included in the set is The Twelve Days of Christmas, which features a sing-along to this recognized holiday song. Other holiday stories are featured on this disc to build upon children’s excitement – and parents too!

Treasury of 50 Storybook Classics: Animal Antics
This seven-DVD set is a must to wrap up for the holidays and to take on any journeys. Scholastic Storybook Treasures™ features “Harry the Dirty Dog”, “Click, Clack, Moo…Cows That Type”, “Make Way for Ducklings” and more. The collection of animal tales will have kids mooing, barking and laughing with these entertaining and quality animated tales.

Santa’s Game Bag:
Packaged in a miniature version of Santa’s bag, Minimus.biz packs some travel-sized games and activities to make traveling time fly, just like the attached reindeer can do! Available in different age ranges, the 4-year-old product includes pocket size Ohio Art® Etch A Sketch®, pocket size Ohio Art® Doodle Sketch, travel-size CandyLand®, travel-size Memory® Game, and more.

Boggle
Hasbro’s Boggle, the original three-minute word search game, is now packaged to take on the road. The ability to twist and shake and search for words will not only stimulate a kid while on winter break, but will also provide a fun challenge. With a built in timer, a competitive angle is also provided.

Monopoly Go
Hasbro’s Monopoly Go is a compact version of the classic Monopoly game, but is now packaged as a travel-friendly entertaining game for entire family. Taking a break from holiday stresses, families can spend time together by playing games such as Monopoly Go together.

Tag Junior
Leapfrog’s Tag Junior is specifically designed for the younger toddlers to stimulate reading and fun. Like it’s senior product, the Leapfrog Tag reader, the same technology is used, but now little hands have a bigger wand to help guide them through the magical stories. Now our youngest kids can “read” words on study board books in the Tag Junior collection. And for our senior Tag users, just in time with the release of the new Disney movie, “The Princess and the Frog” for Tag is now available and is beautifully illustrated.

Leapfrog Zippity System
Even if you’re travels are taking you to cold climates this holiday season, Leapfrog’s new Zippity System gives you a way for kids to burn off that holiday sugar while learning. LeapFrog and Disney have joined forces to create the Zippity Learning System—a TV-based gaming system for preschoolers that combines full-body movement, music, education and fun. The Zippity system lets kids bring the fun of Playhouse Disney to life at their house. Kids can dance, jump and move with characters from Disney Channel’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Disney Little Einsteins, Winnie the Pooh and more. Featuring an interactive mat designed for lower-body movement, kids can run, dance, jump and march their way through the eight provided programs coupled with additional ones such as Princess and the Frog.

Never have there been more options, but sticking to the basics of spending time together with games, books, music and movies, families are sure to create new holiday memories this season.

Note: Due to the growing popularity and surge of Nintendo DS games and other electronic games that are easy to travel with, these products will be featured in a separate article.

Exploring Florida’s Treasure Coast: Vero Beach a Family Beach Destination

2009-10-22T10:27:00.008-04:00

Just as there are distinct differences between wines and within an actual type of wine—varying degrees of taste and flavors in a chardonnay—Florida beach communities offer unique opportunities for families. Each area has different family elements creating a new vacation experience. Contributing to these different vacation feelings is the resort.

We traveled over to the pristine and quiet Vero Beach area and experienced two very different resorts—each family friendly and each unique in its offerings and experience. Our first night was spent at the Vero Beach Hotel & Spa. This upscale property is owned by Kimpton Hotels and does not fail to meet the chain’s reputation as a luxury, hip, pet friendly, quaint boutique hotel. This modern boutique has contrasting elements as it sits on a relaxing beach front location, but its modern marvels makes a visitor believe they are in a trendy big city hotel.

In a property that boasts only 113 rooms and suites, there are more than 10 different room categories, fulfilling the needs of all travelers. For those staying longer, the two- or three-bedroom, ocean view suites are highly recommended as it is your home away from home. Giving you the homey feeling, you also have a temporary goldfish pet to keep you company. The suites are complete with a gourmet kitchen too, giving you more opportunities to relax over meals together or not rush in the morning before you hit the sandy shore.

Other unique kid offerings by the Vero Beach Hotel & Spa include a welcome gift for the smaller guest and their own child-size animal print robe, available for loan or purchase. The kid is a very important guest at this hotel as child comment cards are even provided.

For our next night, we journeyed up the trail eight miles to visit the Disney Vero Beach Resort. The design and layout of the property is reminiscent of the Walt Disney World Wilderness Lodge Resort, complete with a campground where kids and parents engage in camp songs and complimentary s’mores! Again, against the back drop of the Atlantic Ocean, many of the rooms offer ocean views and as you walk along the trails, you are within steps of the white sandy beach.

The pool at this Disney resort is a highlight as it is in the shape of Mickey Mouse’s head and features a three-story water slide that our toddler must have gone down 50 times! There are music and pool games throughout the day, a mini-golf course on-site, games to check out and on Saturday mornings, a Disney character breakfast to delight the little ones.

The Disney property has a very unique room offering for families—a stand-alone Beach Cottage, complete with three-bedrooms and pristine beach location!

While we did not venture far from either resort, the landscaping around Vero Beach further contributes to the overall relaxed beach feel of this town without high rises and traffic congestion as some of the other more prominent Florida beach destinations. We also felt as though we had two very distinct vacations built in one. Vero Beach will be a repeated family getaway for us to continue our beach exploration and making memories.

Photo Credits:
Compliments of Vero Beach Hotel & Spa
Disney Vero Beach Resort photos courtesy of Tropical Latitudes Travel

Summer Daze

2009-08-10T10:19:00.004-04:00

The lyrics from a popular Grease song are true to describe the last few weeks of summer. “Summer days, drifting away…” Before Labor Day approaches, often regarded as concluding summer fun, take stock in your summer memories so far. Have you taken time to check off a few summer treats such as picking berries, riding a thrill ride at an amusement park, been buried in sand, swimming to your hands are prunes, taking a boat ride, fishing for the “big” one, hiking in cool mountain trails, reading that desired novel, playing outside, riding bikes, catching a summer blockbuster, or barbequing with friends?

So much to do and so little time. A common, yet delightful, summer day for my family is spent on the Gulf of Mexico on our boat and going to North Captiva Island, which is reached via air, boat or ferry, complete with a beach picnic. Here at Red Fish Pass, we are among a handful enjoying our own private beach paradise along white sand and more shells than you can possibly pick up. Not only is this indulgence perfect for our child, but it is a destination where we can go as an entire family—dog in tow!

The now 5-month old puppy loves running on the sand and helping Kylie dig for treasures. It was quite a site to watch Kylie with her pail and shovel building her latest creation with the puppy by her side helping her dig. The puppy is also a great help at helping Kylie discover hidden beach treasures! This is while we could sit and watch an endless perfect view of sand and water in front of us. It is days like these that all you can be is grateful.

As evening started to approach, we packed the boat back up and went for a delightful boat ride with both puppy and child asleep! One warning. Do not watch the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week before heading to the ocean. While enjoying the day, my eyes were constantly scouring the waters for dark lurking shapes.

Bask in the last few weeks of summer. Do something that you normally cannot do in let’s say November! Take a mental health day and create a summer memory for you and your family.

Travel Preparation: Obtain a Passport for Child

2009-06-09T11:50:00.005-04:00

A tightening of the belt for passport requirements went into effect on June 1st, 2009for U.S. travelers. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) now requires valid passports for land and sea travel with the continued exception for “closed-loop” cruises. These are cruises that originate and terminate at the same U.S. port.

This leniency applies only to cruises and many of the cruise lines are strongly recommending to their passengers to travel with a valid passport, one that is valid for at least 6 months beyond completion of travel.

According to the U.S. State Department, travelers by air will be required to present a passport book to enter or re-enter the United States. Sea travelers may also use the passport booklet or the passport card and now the continued option of birth certificate and photo ID. Qualifying cruise passengers opting to take advantage of this leniency will be required to show proof of citizenship such as a original or certified copy of a birth certificate and a government issued photo ID i.e. driver’s license. Children under the age of 16 will also be required to show a birth certificate as proof of citizenship.

For children under the age of 16, applying for a passport booklet can only be done in person and costs $60, compared to a passport card for $10. There is also a $25 execution fee that is payable to the location where passport documents are being submitted.

In addition, both birth parents need to complete a consent form. This ensures that either the mother or father is aware that their child will be able to travel out of the United States. Visit the State Department’s Web site for specific details about passports for children.

When just one of the birth parents is traveling with the child on a cruise or when the child is traveling without his/her parents, a notarized consent letter is required for cruises as well and is always good to have on hand for the grandparents or other adults responsible for the child.

Another difference for children obtaining a passport is that they are valid for five years for children under the age of 16, compared to 10 years for those 16 and older.
Many community postal locations offer passport fairs, complete with a photographer on site to capture your little one, and they are available for multiple attempts as the photo has to meet very specific criteria. When obtaining a passport for our then one-year-old, it took three attempts to get a photo that was approved.

All air travel and cruises that begin and end in different U.S. ports or foreign ports will still require a valid passport or other recognized WHTI compliant document.

Lynn Torrent, senior VP of sales and guest services with Carnival Cruise Lines says, “We’d like to take this opportunity to remind all our guests that proof of citizenship is required in order to travel and failure to present a valid document at check in will result in denied boarding and no refund will be issued.”

Future travelers struggling with the dilemma of “do I or don’t I need a passport?” will be better served by visiting the U.S. State Department WHTI requirements Web site. This site offers explanations of terms and requirements as well as tips for living abroad and overseas Citizen’s services. Applications for passport booklets and passport cards are available for printing as well as locations to apply in person and the frequently asked questions section offers a broad spectrum of answers to possible issues.

When planning for the dreaded “what if” scenario, even travel insurance may not protect a traveler when trying to re-enter the U.S. from a foreign port if they need to return to the U.S. due to an emergency.

Bill Thomas, CEO of Tropical Latitudes Travel, explains “Since the passport card is not valid for air travel, the continued leniency policy for closed-loop cruises does present some concerns for travelers without a valid passport. Should an emergency arise and cruisers need to disembark in a foreign port and fly back to the U.S., they might face delays in admittance back to the U.S..”

The best protection for the entire family? “Have a valid passport,” Thomas states.

In 2007, 18.4 million U.S. passports were issued, according to U.S. State Department spokesperson Adriana Gallegos. From 2008 through 2009, 7.1 million have been issued. “The demand has been lower than expected,” Gallegos says. “We attribute this to a delay in the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and the current economic conditions.”

Photo Courtesy of the U.S. State Deparment

The Flying Debate: Kids Allowed?

2009-06-02T12:13:00.006-04:00

As a freelance travel writer and owner of travel pr firm FSR Ventures, I monitor media inquiries carefully, especially those dealing with family travel. So, when MSNBC travel columnist Christopher Elliott recently posed the questions, “should kids be banned from airplanes” and “should kids be allowed to fly in first class”, I felt compelled (understatement) to provide my commentary.

Elliott did respond to my response to him, which is more than many journalists do and I do appreciate that he is a parent; however, I do believe he approached this article with biasness based on the pure article topic.

You can see my comments to this journalist by reviewing the article below. I am not saying that my viewpoint is the correct one, but I do strongly believe that we cannot discriminate against our children especially considering that I’ve experienced more rude adults on flights than kids. Let’s not forget that 9-11 happened as a result of “adults”, not kids.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30745204

Based on Elliott’s personal travel experience where his child embarrassed him in first class, that episode could have occurred in coach just as easily. Is he trying to say that those who paid less or opted to not use frequent flyer miles for an upgrade should have to endure a child who is misbehaving or more so, a parent who was not prepared to keep their child occupied and entertained? I am not saying that kids do not act up. In fact, our toddler had one of those incidents, but we took control and remedied the situation.

To suggest that because a child cries on a plane should be banned from flying or should not be allowed to sit in a seat their parents purchased is insane. Can I call for the same ban on rude adults or terrorists?

What do you think? Please post your comments regardless of how you feel.

Tropical Family Travel During Hurricane Season

2009-06-01T14:06:00.007-04:00

Today, June 1, 2009 launches the official start of Hurricane Season. While the 2009 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Forecast predicts nine to 14 named storms (which is a less active season compared to 2008’s predictions), it only takes one to cause catastrophic damage. NOAA forecasts four to seven hurricanes, and one to three category 3+ hurricanes for this year’s hurricane season which goes through November 30.

“Tropical systems acquire a name – the first for 2009 will be Ana – upon reaching tropical storm strength with sustained winds of at least 39 mph,” according to the NOAA Web site. “Tropical storms become hurricanes when winds reach 74 mph, and become major hurricanes when winds increase to 111 mph. An average season has 11 named storms, including six hurricanes with two becoming major hurricanes.”

A thought of a hurricane might put off some families from traveling to hurricane prone destinations, such as Florida or the Caribbean, but there are proactive steps travelers can take to ensure smooth sailing throughout hurricane season.

Author of Smooth Landings and owner of MacNair Travel Management Michael MacNair says "Whether you are taking a cruise or visiting an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean during hurricane season, a traveler's two best defenses are to purchase travel insurance and to align with a travel partner."

There are numerous “fine print” items when a storm has been named, a hurricane is eminent or after an island or resort has been hit. Not to mention, for those living in hurricane areas, certain travel insurance items will allow for travelers to return home even if they are vacationing in a non-hurricane area.

Following are seven recommended travel strategies MacNair recommends to help prepare for the onset of hurricane season:

1. Use a travel agent.
Purchasing vacation packages through a travel agency will give travelers the peace of mind in knowing that travel professionals are their advocates and ready to help them through difficult travel scenarios. If a vacation is booked online, a vacationer may find they are on their own and it may be difficult to get through to one of their representatives.
2. Purchase travel insurance.
Be sure to read the hurricane clauses of travel insurance policies or ask the travel agent for guidance. Depending on policy purchased, a pre-planned trip can be completely altered and rescheduled with no penalties. Travel insurance can also protect the traveler who lives in a hurricane zone and needs to return to their home after a hurricane hit area.
3. Do not make assumptions.
Just because a storm or hurricane is spinning or went through the destination a consumer is traveling to, do not assume flights are cancelled or that a resort sustained damage. Always check with travel professional to check on status.
4. Be one step ahead.
Always call the airport early to check on the status of your flights. Many airlines allow online check-in up to 24-hours prior to departure. Check the weather at your destination a few days before your trip. Knowing in advance what the expected weather pattern is going to be will help a vacationer to prepare and take necessary steps prior to their trip.
5. Sailing around the storm.
If taking a cruise vacation, there is a good chance that a vacation will not be ruined by a hurricane. The cruise industry has state-of-the-art technology on all of their ships and they can alter their itineraries to avoid oncoming hurricanes. Be flexible when cruising during hurricane season and if the route is altered, look at is as a travel adventure.
6. Charged technology gadgets.
Accessing the Internet on wireless devices, gives travelers up-to-the-minute storm tracking information. Be sure to carry a fully charged cell phone and have the travel agent's number and after-hours emergency assistance number in hand in case alternate travel arrangements need to be made. Even while waiting in line at the airport, traveler should call the travel agent as they might be able to resolve the issue before reaching counter.
7. Take an extra day.
Particularly when cruising out of southern ports such as Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Miami and San Juan, consider spending a pre-night prior to cruise in the departure city. This has multiple benefits including a day to unwind and get into vacation mode and gives a cushion in case of delayed flights due to inclement weather.

Tropical Family Travel editors have traveled in the midst of several named storms and even weathered Hurricane Ivan during a cruise. The above steps are helpful to feel prepared for a weather situation that is only somewhat predictable at best. Purchasing travel insurance with a vacation package is one of the best investments families can make allowing the most flexible options if faced with making any changes. Be open to changing your itinerary if faced with a hurricane situation.

Bill Thomas, owner of Tropical Latitudes Travel, explains that for a honeymoon couple planning their dream trip at a Sandals Resort in Negril, Jamaica, they had to quickly change their getaway to Puerta Vallarta, Mexcio (far outside of the hurricane’s path that wrecked havoc on Jamaica).

“Since the couple thought ahead and purchased the travel insurance Tropical Latitudes Travel recommended, we were able to quickly change their honeymoon location as soon as the hurricane’s path was eminent,” he says. “Cruises are the other most flexible vacation packages during hurricane season as the ships often change their path to stay outside of the storm’s bans. While you may not visit one of the islands originally scheduled, be open to the adventure as you might discover something unexpected and new.”

Photo Credits: NOAA

Beach Recipe for Family Fun

2009-04-22T11:04:00.005-04:00

Two scoops of sand, one cup of shells, three cups of ocean water, one Frisbee, one kite, a handful of sand toys, rays of sunshine, sounds of waves crashing into the surf, sunscreen, children and family members. This is the perfect recipe for a tropical family day at the beach.

Regardless of your beach preference this summer, spending quality time together with sand between the toes and even sand in places you didn’t know sand could get into result in family memories that last a lifetime. Growing up, I often spent my summers on the South Jersey Shore. I can vividly recall the ocean waves, the scent of the beach, the feel of the sand, the taste of beach treats, and overall family togetherness at the beach.

A beach day or a beach vacation is a relaxing one and ensures the video games are stowed away. Teaching your children how to boogie board, kite surf, snorkel or just building a sand castle are photographic memories that they will grow up with and pass to their children.

In Florida, we are surrounded by water as a peninsula and we cherish our fabulous year-round beach destinations. In Southwest Florida, we often frequent Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, Lovers Key and a private island accessible via only boat just off of North Captiva Island. We even have one favorite tropical family destination we call “pirate island” where we hunt for buried treasure.

As you plan your summer activities, be sure to pack up the car (don’t forget the sunscreen) and head for the shore! Pack a picnic lunch, lots of water and just be open to the ocean. Act like a kid again and don’t be afraid when your child wants to bury you under the sand. After all, is this not what summer beach fun is about?

Photos Courtesy of Tropical Latitudes Travel

Family Friendly Ocean Tropical Travels

2009-02-15T11:50:00.012-05:00

One of the most accessible and exploratory tropical family travel destinations is an aquarium. Here families will uncover ocean mysteries and study marine creatures up close. From Nemo clown fish to dolphins and lion fish and sharks, kids of all ages can come face to face with fascinating animals and ocean life. The best part? You don’t have to get wet to enjoy this experience or even be in danger. We’re not talking about shark diving in a cage!

Aquarium tropical family treasures are plentiful and even if you have ventured to one before, consider taking time to make this journey again as kids never dull from the ocean wonders. Two of Tropical Family Travel’s U.S.-based favorites include the Baltimore Aquarium and the Georgia Aquarium. These destinations have a wide variety of sea animals and recreated ocean habitats to delight.

The Baltimore Aquarium boasts nearly 16,500 specimens and more than 650 animal species. From the bottlenose dolphin to the blue crab or from the great moray eel to the snake necked turtle, there is something for everyone on this tropical adventure. This destination also is home to the 4D Immersion Theater, which combines 3D epic films in 3D with sensory effects, and a live dolphin show. Located in the heart of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, there are numerous family-friendly activities and dining experiences once the ocean tour is complete.

The largest aquarium in the world calls Atlanta, Georgia home and is located near the Word of Coca-Cola Museum. Sea critters swim in the 8 million gallons’ worth of fresh and marine water tanks and even feature a 100-foot-long tunnel to see sharks and stingrays swimming overhead. Beyond the many exhibits offered, families can also travel to the sea through a 4D film experience. “By creating a set of “4D” effects that are synchronized to the film production, the 4D Theater adds another layer of immersive fun for audiences. As a jellyfish swims by in 3D, the audience also feels its tingling tentacles brush along their arms, creating a more thrilling experience,” according to the Georgia Aquarium's Web site.

New to the Georgia Aquarium is the arrival of 12 new spotted wobbegong shark pups. The pups were born in December 2008 in the Ocean Voyager exhibit and their average weight at birth was 2.6 oz (74 grams) and 8.3 in (21 cm).

Ever wonder what the sharks and fish do when everyone has gone home? Experience the Georgia Aquarium after hours by attending a family sleepover for an exciting night of exploration. Sea World in Orlando, Florida, also offers this type of experience, but depending on where your family is traveling to, it is nice to know about some unique family-friendly travel activities.

If your tropical family travels take you outside of the United States, consider visiting Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas to see its stingray and predator lagoon on-site. Atlantis’ marine life is first rate and is very impressive in the species on hand, but also in the lay out…everywhere you turn you feel as though you are in the midst of an island surrounded by sharks, stingrays and more! Atlantis’ Ruins Lagoon, which is a 2.7 million gallon exhibit, brings the ocean to its guests up close with more than 20,000 species. There is nothing like it while on a tropical family vacation.

What are some of your favorite ocean aquarium tropical getaways?

Photos Courtesy of the Georgia Aquarium.

Alternatives to Traveling Under the Sea Taking a Safari with Kids

2009-01-02T11:39:00.009-05:00

Are your kids asking for a magical family vacation to the pristine Caribbean sea complete with unique sea life or to the savannahs of Africa? If you do not plan on actually taking a week or more off this year for this type of family vacation, an alternative exists…Broadway. Through the magic of stage and Disney, kids can journey under the sea or on a safari adventure with Ariel and Simba by attending a performance on Broadway of The Little Mermaid or Lion King productions. Of course, a tropical family vacation to Walt Disney World can also incorporate these two films.

Kids will be swept away with their imagination when hearing and watching Little Mermaid classic songs including Academy Award®-winning Best Original Song, “Under the Sea” or “Part of Your World”, plus 10 new songs including one by a favorite character, Flounder.

During this mini-tropical escape, kids of all ages will be entertained by colorful sea life and the possibility of exploring one of our world’s natural wonders. To take a glimpse at ocean life, click Sneak Peak.

The Little Mermaid is playing at The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, located at 205 West 46th Street, New York, NY.

For families wishing to travel to Africa, but are not planning on leaving the United States, attending a performance of The Lion King might be just the safari adventure needed to help kids learn about the savannah wildlife.

The puppetry and African masks help bring Simba and other favorite characters to life on this journey. To see a sampling, click Sneak Peak.

The Lion King is playing at The Minskoff Theatre, located at 1515 Broadway,
New York, NY.

If you have not ventured to New York City (NYC) with kids yet, do not fear as the Big Apple offers many kid-friendly activities in addition to Broadway shows.

One NYC resident, Lisa Hanock-Jasie, says her family and friends always visit attractions (be they historic, cultural, or entertaining) on "free admission" days/evenings. “In these challenging times the total admission for an entire family is often cost-prohibitive,” she adds.

Some NYC freebies Hanock-Jasie advocates for frugal travelers with children include:
Bronx Zoo - Free Wednesdays (normally $15)
Museum of Modern Art- Free Fridays 4:00pm-8:00pm (normally $20)
Brooklyn Children's Museum - Free Saturdays to families 10:00-11:00am (normally $7.50)

To help travelers plan out a budget-friendly trip, TripAdvisor®’s top 10 free attractions in the U.S.,according to traveler popularity and TripAdvisor editors, includes Central Park in NYC.

Family travel to NYC in 2007 totaled approximately 12.7 million U.S. visitors, according to NYC & Company. With some advance planning and preparation, traveling to top U.S. destinations such as NYC can be enhanced with free attractions.

Traveling to NYC
For those traveling to NYC in 2009, the trip just became easier with a new transportation option for those in the Washington, DC metro area. Starting in 2009, TripperBus.com will be offering tickets for as little as $1 per way as a special promotion, with additional seats available at $5, $10 and the standard price of $25 each way.

Traveling between Washington, DC and NYC has never been so easy, convenient, or cost-effective for families. Tripper Bus’ first class coaches will provide free Wireless service and electrical outlets, allowing travelers to maximize productivity during travels or the ability for little ones to enjoy DVDs along the way.

To avoid congestion and parking challenges in downtown DC, Tripper Bus is offering convenient, Metro-accessible pick-up and drop-off locations in Bethesda, Maryland and Arlington, Virginia.

Travelers can make reservations for TripperBus.com’s new travel schedules with convenient pick up and drop off locations at the Rossyln and Bethesda Metro locations for DC Metropolitan area and near Penn Station in NYC starting today at www.TripperBus.com or calling 1-877-826-2874.

What is your favorite kid-friendly NYC attraction?

Photo Credits:
Ariel Photo: TRUE LOVE KNOWS NO DEPTHS! - Prince Eric swims to his sweetheart Ariel in "Voyage of the Little Mermaid" at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Guests can smell the salty air and feel the sea mist and wind in the show which features characters and music from the Academy Award-winning film.

Lion King Photo: “Photograph © Disney”

Twas a Few Nights Before Traveling…Tropical Family Travel 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas

2008-12-22T23:55:00.014-05:00

Travelers everywhere are checking their list and checking it twice to ensure not a gift or accessory is missed in the hustle and bustle of holiday travel. When preparing to spend the holidays away or even just departing to grandma’s house on Christmas Day, there are some perfect holiday gifts not to be missed. These items are perfect for taking along on holiday journeys whether to keep the kids entertained on road and air trips.

Mattel is offering unique and timeless favorites for boys and girls that will entertain when traveling over the holidays. Tropical Family Travel has reviewed several gift ideas that are easy to pack along:

My Meebas™: An exciting new toy brand for girls, My Meebas combines electronic game play with a plush surprise. Each My Meebas is encased in a colored tube - symbolizing one of the six virtues of love, luck, beauty, intelligence, friendship, and happiness. The tube is a portable electronic gaming device (20+ games) with a sliding LCD screen and control panel. Through lots of fun, nurturing game play, girls care for their My Meebas until they are fully grown and then - surprise! The tube unlocks one of 60 different cuddly plush toys. Retail price: 19.99 Age: 6+

Barbie® Peekaboo Petites™ Dolls: A great travel gift for under $20.00, these adorable mini dolls are big on fashion and beauty play, collectibility and on-the-go play. Each doll comes tucked inside a whimsical locket case in fun shapes matching its theme such as hearts, flowers, gems, ice cream cones, ballet shoes, snowflakes and more. Packing two gifts in one, each Barbie Peekaboo Petites doll comes with a whimsical wear-and-share themed accessory for the girl such as necklaces and back-pack clips. Helping the girl on your gift list start her own collection, she will enjoy collecting all of the dolls in different themes including wedding, ballet, ice cream, gems, flowers, tea party, holiday and world travel. Retail price: $4.99 Age: 3+

DC Super Friends™ Basic Figure: The perfect addition to any little superheroes stocking are the DC Super Friends basic figure assortment and are perfect for taking along during holiday travels. Featuring Superman™, Batman™, The Flash™, Aquaman™, Green Lantern™ and Lex Luthor™ figures, DC Super Friends introduces kids to the ultimate Super Hero universe with easy-to-use features. Each basic figure comes with an air-powered accessory so youngsters can play, protect their hometown and capture the bad guys alongside the galaxy's greatest heroes. Retail price: $7.99 Age: 2+

Batman: The Dark Knight™ Battle Stations® Playset: Relive all the action packed adventures from The Dark Knight this holiday season with this unique and action-packed playset. This Batmobile™ transforms into four different environments for Batman™ to battle the villains of Gotham City™, allowing for complete, immersive play for boys to reenact all their favorite scenes from the film. Retail price: $39.99 Age: 4+

Matchbox® Power Scouts™ Vehicles & Playsets: This holiday season, Matchbox introduces a track system and line of vehicles perfect for smaller hands and for packing to grandma’s house. The Power Scouts vehicles are battery-powered, rough-riding and touch-climbing adventure 4x4s, complete with griping tires. They can go from neutral hand-powered mode to battery-powered all-wheel drive with a simple tap on the back of the truck to activate the motor. The Power Scouts assortment includes eight different 4x4s – ranging from the latest licensed trucks to the coolest original Matchbox designs. Retail price for Power Scouts Vehicles: $6.99 Age: 3+

CARS Mini Adventures™ Two-Pack Assortment: The perfect travel companion and playset for your little one’s stockings are the “CARS” Mini Adventures Two-Pack Assortment inspired by the hit Disney/Pixar film featuring kids’ favorite characters in all new scales and proportions. These exclusive mini vehicles are available in a variety of themes kids love, including military, fire rescue and police vehicles. The playsets are available in three different themes, all inspired by scenes from the film. Retail price for the car 2-pack: $4.99 Age: 3+

CARS Walkin' Talkin' Lightning McQueen: Stemming from the kids’ favorite movie “CARS”, this new version of Lightening McQueen lets kids play out all their favorite scenes from the movie as he talks, walks, and fuels kids’ imaginations. This character is perfect to take along for holiday enjoyment. Retail price: $39.99 Age: 4+

Barbie® Party Cruise: If taking a family cruise, Barbie's Party Cruise keeps the vacation alive and provides the most fun and travels for Barbie and friends, featuring three separate play areas, a water slide & poolcuzzi™ with a dolphin; a rotating buffet with "live" aquarium; and a performance deck with lights and sounds. The five-star cabin is equipped with an "entertainment system," mini fridge, two beds, lots of play pieces and a storage area. Retail price: $59.99 Age: 3+

Polly Pocket™ Pop 'N Swap™ Fashion Dolls: Perfect for travels, the Polly Pocket dolls offer an innovative yet low tech twist on fashion. The customizeable Pop 'N Swap Fashion Dolls let girls mix-and-match different styling outfits for Polly™ and friends as they Pop 'N Swap five heads, nine torsos and nine bottoms to create over thousands of different fashion combinations in each of two sets. This one toy provides a large variety guaranteeing countless hours of play time. Retail price: $19.99 Age: 4+

Polly Pocket™ Mega Mall Playset: A different twist on a doll house is Polly Pocket’s Mega Mall Playset. For any young shopper, this new playset allows girls to discover an ultimate shopping destination complete with magical transformation and lots of totally stylin’ new fashions and accessories for Polly™ and friends. Girls can swipe the credit card which opens up the Mega Mall Playset to reveal three levels of stores (including a skating rink, ski shop, pet store and candy shop) for hours of play! The Mega Mall Playset also includes a Polly™ doll and two adorable pets. Retail price: $49.99 each Age: 4+

Little Mommy™ Real Loving Baby™ Gotta Go™ Doll: A classic gift idea for a girl is a baby doll and is one of the most seen products that accompany toddlers and young girls on their travels. Girls will love the realistic, nurturing play elements of the doll and its accessories, which include a complete bathroom area where girls can help their doll learn to go potty and clean up. Just like a real toddler, the Gotta Go Doll goes both “number 1” (and “number 2!”) on her very own small potty, but, unlike real toddlers, there is no mess and no water – just realistic sights and sounds! The doll can flush, knows to wash her hands and loves to do all the things a big girl does when she gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night. When traveling, while the doll is perfect as a traveling companion, the accessories might want to stay home to conserve space unless going via car and room is available. Retail price: $39.99 Age: 3+

Matchbox® Mega Rig® Shuttle Mission: For young astronauts in the making, this inspiring playset takes boys “out-of-this-world” this holiday season with the introduction of the new Mega Rig® Shuttle Mission. This building system starts as one gigantic space ship and breaks down to 30 different combinations of space vehicles for kids to create. Equipped with cool accessories, including a space arm to grab things, an ATV and a UFO with a space alien inside, the Mega Rig Shuttle Mission provides kids with hours of fun and imaginative play. Retail price: $44.99 Age: 4+

These products are sure to provide hours of entertainment both during the journey itself and after arriving at the holiday destination!

What is your favorite toy to give or receive that can be taken along travel adventures?

Holiday Travels: Pack Games for Family Fun

2008-12-13T21:40:00.014-05:00

If your holiday plans include a long car ride, an extended stay with family or perhaps a vacation, Tropical Family Travel has looked at a few family and kid-related travel gifts that are easy to pack or might even relate to the actual trip, starting with games.Games are a favorite for evening entertainment or for a rainy/snowy day and result in together time and fun for kids and adults alike.

Pictionary Man™ is the perfect gift for families, offering a contemporary twist on two old favorites – Pictionary and Charades. The new Pictionary Man™ is a 3D-figure complete with accessories that are all made of "dry-erase" material, eliminating the need for paper. The figure digitally displays game clues on the bottom of his foot as players are challenged to bring the clue to life by drawing on "the Man" and his accessories as well as acting out the phrase so team members can guess the right answer! This is truly a great update on a known game and its use of “the Man” makes it the perfect size for traveling. Retail Price: $29.99 Age: 14+

UNO Flash™ is a new electronic version of a classic game to pack on vacations. The element of speed is added now with a built-in timer and resulting in a new level of excitement for this classic game. Either the new UNO Flash or the classic card game provide some great one on one time together adding additional fun along the way. Retail Price: $29.99 Age: 7+

Apples-to-Apples® game is the wild, award-winning party game of hilarious comparisons and is a great choice for group play on vacation. Using the cards to “compare apples to apples,” each round of the game is filled with surprising and outrageous comparisons. This interactive game is easy to learn and fast-paced and is perfect to take along where lots of family members will be together. Retail Price: $24.99 Age: 12+

For the younger kids (both in age and at heart), Rhino Rampage™ provides a frenzy of fun and is a great gift for preschoolers on your list. The object of the game is for players to get their color-matched team of birds to safety atop the rhino's back. However, once players roll a “rhino” on the die, they’ll have to pull the rhino’s tail setting off a “Rhino Rampage” and leaving players wondering which birds will be flying “off course.” This game provides fun and education as it is fast paced and encourages color-matching skills.
Retail Price: $24.99 Age: 4+

Scene It?® Disney Channel Edition is the ultimate gift for any tween girl hooked on the Disney Channel shows. Just like its adult versions, this Scene It game is interactive, entertaining and fun for all. This is one game where the kids might overtake the grown ups! This trivia game features Disney Channel shows, including “The Suite Life of Zach and Cody,” “Hannah Montana,” “High School Musical” and many more! When traveling, another option is to take along the DVD and not the board game for a trivia game version with less pieces, but the entire game is easy to pack along. Retail Price: $34.99 Age: 8+

The High School Musical 3 DVD Game combines trivia, video clips, outtakes, songs and dances from all three of these popular movies. Players are sure to become Wildcats as they compete in different categories and test their knowledge of each of the High School Musicals! For those traveling to Walt Disney World over the holidays, this game will keep the HSM parade alive after your trip ends! Retail Price: $19.99 Age: 8+

Hannah Montana 2 DVD Game features Hannah Montana during her second year of high school with this performance-based DVD game. The new DVD game features real clips, trivia, songs and dance moves from the second season of the hit Disney Channel show. Even moms and dads might show off their Hannah Montana alter egos in this interactive game. Retail Price: $19.99 Age: 6+

The DVD based games are great for car travels too as they can be played in the back seat helping the hours pass during holiday travels resulting in less “are we there yet” questions. When packing up the car and suitcase on the way to grandma’s house, be sure to select a game or two to help provide some interactive family fun together.

What is your favorite game to take along on car trips or vacations?

Travel Anticipation: Creating New Vacation Traditions

2008-12-07T09:26:00.004-05:00

Traditions are always nice as they are dependable and you know what you are getting. This is particularly the case when taking family vacations to the same trusted destination or resort. I know for a while an annual ski trip to Whistler or the much anticipated beach getaway to the Outer Banks was something I could not wait to experience.

But, there is something to be said for creating new traditions. So, today I am preparing to try a new tropical family destination with Bill and Kylie. We are in the midst of last-minute travel preparations to escape to Duck Key (about 30 miles North of Key West) via car and we are staying at the family-friendly, luxurious (yes, family and luxury in the same sentence) resort, Hawks Cay for a quick getaway during the business of the holiday season.

Hawks Cay Resort has been on my “wish” list of places to travel to for quite some time. In fact, Bill booked this resort for a Tropical Latitudes Travel client a few years ago and they had two young children and raved about the offerings, not to mention the location. They Keys in general are the closest to that crisp crystal blue and green Caribbean water in the United States you can experience. What is even better is that this destination is within reach via car (a couple of hours South of Miami, Florida) and does not require a passport. In these tight economic times, drivable vacations offer their appeal.

I am in the huge anticipation phase right now. Hoping that the resort is all that I hope it will be and that the location exceeds my expectations. I hope that it chalks right up there with other family tropical vacations we have taken that would be part of our vacation tradition repertoire, such as Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas.

When trying a new resort or location, I always attempt to get a true sampling of its offerings including its fitness center, variety of restaurants, spa treatments, yoga/fitness classes, kids program, and more. With Bill’s business and my travel writing, we also tour the facility to get a behind the scenes tour of the different accommodation offerings so we know what type of client or traveler this resort will appeal most to.

Something unique at Hawks Cay that I am especially intrigued by is its Dockside Dolphin program, which does not have an age requirement so Kylie will be able to see these amazing creatures up close and personal.

I will certainly reveal my favorite vacation elements, which not to be missed, will be part of the drive to Duck Key. If you have not driven from Miami to the Keys, it is some beautiful scenery. Crossing over the bridges is some of the most spectacular tropical views you will ever see!

Do you get as excited as Christmas morning when preparing for your vacation?

Holiday Travels: Products to Entertain the Kids

2008-11-27T21:15:00.015-05:00

Keeping kids entertained on short or long journeys can be a challenge. As families prepare to embark on holiday travels, Tropical Family Travel has reviewed several products that are perfect to take along on travel adventures or to have children open on Christmas day at a holiday location.

These travel products are perfect in size for the back seat or even on board an airplane, but more importantly, they will help entertain the child and hopefully contribute toward an enjoyable trip.

A portable DVD is a necessity for any journey, and this season Mattel has released two DVD’s that girls will love. One is Barbie® Diamond Castle and the other is Barbie Christmas Carol. Both movies are entertaining and capture even our three-year-old’s attention. Diamond Castle delights kids with its music and the true depiction of friendship. Christmas Carol is a delight as Barbie turns a classic into a fantasy for girls and ensures that holiday spirit spreads. Get ready for your girls to sing as they watch both Barbie adventures as the music is contagious.

The perfect take-along toys to accompany the Barbie DVDs are, of course, Barbies. Sure to delight and amaze is the spectacular 2008 Holiday™ Barbie®, a festive keepsake for girls of any age, featuring a shimmering white satin and silvery gown, a tulle bodice and gorgeous full tiers of crinkled silvery lamé. To coordinate with Diamond Castle, both Barbie® and Teresa® dolls feature a glittery fashion transformation that turns their humble skirts into ornate ball gowns with the touch of a button. The dolls also sing songs from the movie, and when Barbie® and Teresa® dolls hold hands they sing a delightful duet. Needless to say, these are not the Barbie dolls we grew up with!

For tweens, Wildcat fans can take along their set of High School Musical 3 character dolls. Girls will be able to play out this momentous occasion from the movie with Gabriella, Troy, Sharpay, Ryan, Taylor, Chad and Kelsi dolls. Each of the dolls are designed in the characters likeness and come dressed in their formal graduation attire from the movie.

Books are always a great item to take along during travels and make great gifts, but there is a twist on some of children’s favorites with audio books. MacMillan Audio has released some children’s books on a CD which is perfect to bring along. Our toddler loves listening to books and following along and one of MacMillan’s titles that she memorized at an early age offered is Brown Bear & Friends by Bill Martin Jr and Eric Carle, read by Gwyneth Paltrow. Ages 2 to 5, 1 CD, 1 hours, $14.95. Purchase here: http://us.macmillan.com/brownbearfriends. A title to consider for slightly older kids is The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden, read by Tony Shalhoub. Ages 8 to 12, 2 CDs, 2.5 hours, $14.95. Available at MacMillan.com.

A unique product we came across that entertains and educates is a series of Wooden Spinny fun and compact wooden toys, designed for ages 3 and up. The three sections on the toys rotate so children can create numerous combinations of either funny creatures, people, or words. These compact products are the perfect size to take along and only cost $7.50 each. One bonus feature is that they are made in America by Maple Landmark. Available at HazelNutKids.com.

A compact, challenging and fun game also offered by HazelNutKids.com is its Haba Horse Memory game. A traditional memory game but the pieces are shaped as horses. The suggested age is 4, but our 3-year-old was able to play it and handle the pieces. Available for $12.90 at HazelNutKids.com.

In case parents forget to pack some much needed attention-keeping products, airport stores also offer some relief. In Chicago, the Field Museum has seen several kid-friendly travel products “flying” off its shelves. One that is great for infants is its Plush Penguin Plane, which has four little penguins included that Velcro into place. There is even a plane engine sound. Another product perfect to help entertain during the wait in the airport and on-board is its 52 Travel Activity Kit, complete with 52 travel games, markers and stickers. Both come in self-contained carrying cases and are available at The Field Museum.

Tropical Family Travel will continue to provide great kid-friendly products to help make travels this holiday season more enjoyable for all! Happy Holidays!

Traveling with Kids? Travel Tips to Increase Safety & Reduce Stress

2008-11-23T18:22:00.009-05:00

Traveling with kids adds a slightly increased stress level, no matter how much you prepare…especially when flying. There are the extra necessities, such as a stroller, diaper bag, or car seat, which can slow you down through airport security lines. Not to mention the pressure of trying to hurry because of people waiting behind you as you attempt to hold the baby and close up a stroller, all while taking your shoes off, ensuring your allowed liquids are set aside in their proper clean one quart bag and following other security rules.

It is enough to scare off some parents from attempting this travel routine. But, help has arrived just in time for this week’s Thanksgiving holiday travels. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) just completed its new family, expert and casual traveler lanes through security checkpoints in U.S. airports designed to help travelers fly through and arrive at their gates faster and less stressed.

Hoping to ease congestion, provide additional help to those who need it, and to decrease wait time, the newly unveiled lanes, part of TSA's Diamond Self-Select program currently at 48 airports, allow families, individuals unfamiliar with air travel procedures and travelers with special needs to go through security at their own pace, as reported by TSA. Click here to watch the Black Diamond Self-Select video.

In addition to the new security lines, which are marked just like a ski map’s “black diamond” route for “expert traveler” to the green route for “family traveler”, TSA has put together some tips and a video to help people get through the screening process faster.

Also helping parents navigate airline travels with their kids is Louie Delaware, The Home Safety Guru™ and president and founder of US Safety Pros. Louie has put together several travel safety tips that can further ease travel concerns and make traveling with kids easier and most importantly, safer.

SAFETY ISSUES

1. Bring Your Own Car Seats – It is tempting to have a child that is under 2 years of age sit on your lap during your flight. It is very difficult, and most likely physically impossible, to hold a child during turbulence. All children less than 40 pounds should be a car seat and older children in a booster seat. Make certain that yours has the designation “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” as many car seats do not have this. For best fit in aircraft seats, use a car seat that is less than 16” wide. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make certain that the seat is properly installed with the airplane buckles. It is a requirement on many international flights that every child have their own seat.
2. Consider Using an Aviation Child Safety Device (ACSD) Strap - This is a restraint device that is allowed on airplanes for children between 22 and 44 pounds. It attaches to the back of the seat works in addition to the lap belt. These are much easier to carry as they are just straps. And they install very easily. You can order these at www.KidsFlySafe.com.
3. Booster Seats - Be aware that booster seats are not allowed on many airlines.
4. Don’t Use Car Seats From Car Rentals / Family & Friends - It is a good idea to bring your own car seat even though you could arrange for one with your rental car company, which may not be guaranteed and they can run out of car seats during busy travel seasons. You may not be happy with the condition of the seat once your get there either. And don’t count on your family or friends to have a proper one for your child either.
5. Oxygen Masks – If during your flight the oxygen masks drop from above, put yours on first as you will quickly loose your ability to deal with the emergency. Once yours is properly on, put one on your child. What is not communicated is that if there is a sudden loss of cabin pressure that your will possibly lose consciousness within 15-20 seconds without oxygen. So it is very important that you can get yours on before dealing with your children’s mask. You will not be of any assistance to them if you pass out after putting theirs on before yours.

In addition, to ease the travel process, Louie recommends the following advice:

MAKING TRAVEL EASIER AND LESS STRESSFUL
1. Take Advantage of Early Boarding – With more people carrying on bags on to the plane, the earlier you can board, the easier it will be for you to keep the bags you need near your seats. And you won’t feel rushed with everyone else boarding the plane.
2. Fly Non-Stop - With all of the record delays that have occurred lately, it is best that you try to fly non-stop as much as possible. It is much easier to travel this way and will get to your destination in a less stressful manner.
3. Notify The Airline You Are Traveling With Child – When booking your flight, let the airline know that you will be having your infant or toddler sitting in your lap. Also, some airline companies will give you a discount for flying with a child that will be in a car seat.
4. Seating Placement – For the safety of other passengers, car seats are usually placed at window seats or the center of a wide row of seats between two aisles. If traveling with a rear-facing car seat, you may want to consider requesting a bulkhead seat as these typically will have more space in front of the car seat.
5. Allow For More Time – Your travels will be a lot less stressful if you give yourself more time to get to your flight. Take breaks along the way. Don’t rush as this will most likely only make things worse. Also, remember if you don’t have pre-assigned seats, make a point to get to the airport extra early to try to get everyone together.

What tips or tricks have you learned when flying with kids to ease the process?

Photo Credits: TripAdvisor.com and TSA.gov

Traveling with Kids: Packing Tips for the Tropical Journey

2008-11-16T16:09:00.007-05:00

When preparing to embark on tropical family travels, particularly as cold winter temperatures are starting to take over most of the United States, there are a few travel packing tips that will come in handy when transitioning from a cold climate to tropical heat.

Layering is critical to ensure all family members are warm enough when departing home but not sweltering upon arrival at the tropical destination. Bring winter coats onboard the aircraft and stuff in overhead compartments, for both flights. This saves room in the suitcase and does not add to the weight.

For girls consider adding leggings underneath a skirt or skort on flights. This layer can be removed when landing in paradise. Adding a long sleeve shirt or an extra sweater/jacket can add necessary warmth during flights too for both boys and girls. For boys, the roll-up cargo style pants are flexible for warm and cool climates.

When packing it is tempting to plan for the “what if” scenario, but with today’s luggage surcharges on most airlines, it is wise to pack smart. Susan Foster, author of Smart Packing for Today’s Traveler, advises taking less.

“Organize what each family member wants to pack far in advance to allow time to wash favorite things and to encourage participation by each person. This minimizes complaints upon arrival, as each was part of the packing decisions,” Foster says.

One budget saving tip is planning to use self laundry facilities on the trip. Even some cruise lines offer a public laundry area. “You can pack half as much clothing,” she adds. “Tucking in a self-sealing plastic bag of laundry detergent saves money and hassles.”

Even when traveling to the tropics, Foster advises to include one off-season clothing piece for everyone. “If the weather changes, everyone will still be comfortable,” she explains.

Another innovative packing tip Foster provides is taking self-sealing bags of several sizes. “Organize clothing by grouping adult’s items: socks in one container, underwear in another. Children’s clothing is easily organized by folding or rolling an entire days outfit together — pants, tee-shirt, underwear and socks — and tucking into a bag,” Foster says. “Pop the dirty items back into the bag at the end of the day to isolate soiled clothing from clean.”

To assist in the packing process, pack a backpack for each person. “Parents can manage children better if they are hands-free, so purses and in-flight necessities are best carried in an adult backpack,” according to Foster. “Smaller children manage better passing through airports, airport security, and aircraft aisles with small backpacks; bigger children can manage small rolling bags that will fit under the seat.”

One kids’ backpack to consider, especially for toddlers in mind, is the Dog Pull-Along Backpack available at the Chocolate Cake Club (other animals are available) which is lightweight to carry as a backpack or they can pull their dog friend through the airport. This adorable product is small enough for little hands to manage, but does have room for a few travel essentials.

"When traveling with kids it is important and empowering to them to have their own backpack or pull-along luggage,” according to Sue Kirchner, president of the Chocolate Cake Club. “That way they learn how to pack for a trip, even if their bag only contains toys, and they have their treasures close at hand for when they are bored or feel uneasy traveling.”

Kids travel better when entertained, so allow them to choose their toys and to carry them. "When you take your kids out of their routine and comfort zone, you need to make sure that you travel with products that are fun, or remind them of home,” Kirchner says. “We have certain toys and activity books that only get brought out when we travel. That way they are always ‘new’ again for the kids.”

There are many “activity” type products out there, but a favorite that Tropical Family Travel has tested is the Princess Kids Activity Backpack, offered by the Chocolate Cake Club. This product is large enough that it contains a variety of activities including stickers, markers, and an included activity book, and still has room to bring extra paper or books. A unique feature is that this product is also a backpack.

“When you are delayed in the airport, it is essential to have some toys or activities that will really capture your kids attention,” according to Kirchner. “Otherwise, a stressful situation just becomes more stressful for Mom and Dad."

Foster outlines the following items to bring along in the child’s carry-on:
• Gameboys, games and extra batteries and travel-sized games
• Books (thin paperbacks are best!) and/or coloring/activity books and crayons
• Portable DVD player (however battery length is usually only about 3 hours)
• Pajamas and slippers for a long flight
• Hard candies to suck on, water or juice for take offs and landings
• Anything your child must have such as a favorite blanket or bunny

What are some of your packing tips with kids?

Tropical Family Beach Festivals

2008-11-11T01:04:00.008-05:00

When traveling on any beach or cruise vacation, one of our must-have items is some sand toys for our toddler so she can partake in her magical art creations. Fascination with taking wet sand and creating castles and figures starts with kids’ first trips to the beach. For some, this fascination never ends and in fact, becomes an art form.

We attended the 22nd Annual American Sandsculpture Championship Festival this past weekend at Ft. Myers Beach which featured 20 plus amateurs and master sand sculptors. Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the free event takes place beachside at the Outrigger Beach Resort and the Ft. Myers Beach Holiday Inn…the perfect tropical location for kids and parents alike.

Beware parents. These sand sculptures are not meant to be knocked over or stepped on. So it is important to keep curious hands and bodies behind the very loose taped boundaries and ensure you never have little ones out of sight.

Artists carved, sculpted and created statues and figures made of sand beyond most people’s imagination. A few personal favorites at this year’s competition include a bigger than life size pirate, complete with a “wooden” peg leg and a parrot on the shoulder; a depiction of Wall Street with a large man holding the money and a smaller man holding the bail out on Earth; and a living sea featuring a mermaid with ocean friends. However, for our three-year-old, her favorite was a wilderness scene depicting wolves and pine trees as she is completely obsessed with puppies!

Truly, the details result in amazing works of art and not the typical sand castles most of us created at one time or another with a bucket! I can say we are inspired for our next tropical beach vacation or day visit to a local beach to see what we can create!

For those looking to escape the start of winter, head south to Florida the first weekend of November each year to not only enjoy the warm, tropical weather; but, to also take in some sand wonders that are only here for four days.

Three winners were announced at the closing of the event: Thomas Koet from Florida for his sand sculpture named “Paris”; Canadian Michel Lepire for his piece called “Pristine Nature” (this was Kylie’s favorite); and John Gowdy from Italy for his creation titled “Jack’s view above the clouds and over the moon.”

To see additional photos, visit the event’s photo gallery.

Photo Credit: www.TLTravels.com

What is your favorite sand castle building memory?

Fall Travel Activities: It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

2008-10-31T23:34:00.016-04:00

A rite of passage in the Fall is taking time to take in the orange, brown, and red hues. Maybe certain foods remind you of this cooler season. One tradition might be to take a drive or a hike with kids in tow to embrace the Fall foliage. Another favorite autumn activity with kids that, even for those of us who live in Florida, does not require traveling far from home is the pumpkin patch.

Taking the kids to the pumpkin patch, regardless of how authentic, is a great interactive activity as the children select the perfect pumpkin for carving fun. This particular year, we took our toddler to a Florida pumpkin patch and what was more entertaining than actually picking the pumpkin was our daughter’s fascination with the scarecrows and the hay. She spent at least an hour reenacting The Wizard of Oz.

Beyond the nearby pumpkin patch ritual, IgoUgo® has pulled together a list of autumn activities for families that are beyond the usual. Don’t spend fall getaways in the car; check out the leaves while navigating a giant corn maze, hawk watching, attending festivals and beyond.

“Fall is a perfect time to enjoy the changing leaves, but leaf peeping isn’t the only way to experience the autumn glow,” said Michelle Doucette, content manager at IgoUgo.com. “There are a number of fall activities where the foliage can be enjoyed while experiencing something new.”

IgoUgo editors, with the help and recommendations of their savvy members, have pulled together some unique and fun alternatives for welcoming the changing season:

Corn Mazes
Corn is not just something for cookouts – this year there are corn mazes popping up in almost every state of the country, providing endless hours of fun for those not afraid to get a little lost!

IgoUgo members recommend the Amazing Maize Maze in Huntersville, NC, which takes place from September through November. “Every two years, thousands of people descend on Rural Hill Farms to get lost in a corn maze. One nice thing is you make new friends, as you will be certain to pass the same people over and over again who are as lost as you are.”

Hawk-Watching
While the birds are heading south for the season, look north to experience some of the most amazing hawk- and bird-watching. The fall is the best time to spot exquisite birds that are hard to find in other seasons. IgoUgo members recommend Lynchburg, Va., and the Appalachian Mountains: “If you come in fall, you can see the hawks as they make their way from north to south. Take a drive up or down the Blue Ridge Parkway, and pull off at many of the roadside areas to eye the terrific views.”

Editors also recommend checking out the many spots along the Mississippi Flyway – one of the routes used by millions of birds to fly south for the winter. Horicon Marsh in central Wisconsin is one of the largest cattail marshes in the world, and a stopover for millions of migrating Canadian geese each fall.

Pumpkin Picking and More
There are “pick your own” farms across the country for all kinds of fruits of the harvest such as blueberries, blackberries, peaches and apples. IgoUgo members note that a trip to pick apples near Syracuse is “worth the drive to the country on a crisp fall day.”

But it would not be Fall without at least one pumpkin-picking activity. IgoUgo editors suggest taking the activity to the next level and finding a festival.

The Pumpkinfest in Mishicot, Wis., “is a celebration of harvest with a parade, free petting zoo and hay maze, pumpkin-carving contest, hayrides and costume contest. The downtown area of Mishicot becomes a sidewalk bazaar with many local stores and craftsmen participating. The Fox Hills Resort hosted a bonfire just after sunset and we were given all the s'mores we could eat amid scary stories,” says one IgoUgo member.

Belated Fairs
Unlike summer’s often sweaty affairs, the straggling state fairs of autumn offer pleasant weather and a colorful backdrop to their even more colorful midways. Arizona’s state fair (October 10-November 2) embraces the season with kids’ harvest activities, while adults enjoy the dynamic show outdoors. As one IgoUgo member divulged, “Phoenix is a wonderful and unknown place to enjoy the changing of the seasons and the fall colors.”

What unique Fall activity have you discovered with your kids that might start a new tradition?

Photo Credits: Fall lake foilage, www.igougo.com; Corn maze, www.igougo.com; Pumpkin patch, www.tltravels.com

Cayman Islands for Kids

2008-10-09T21:08:00.006-04:00

The Cayman Islands is comprised of three separate islands: Grand Cayman; Cayman Brac; and Little Cayman. A popular cruise stop for Western Caribbean cruises as well as a solo vacation destination, Grand Cayman, the largest of the islands, offers a variety of activities from water sports to beach activities, from historical tours to nature, and from scuba diving to even Hell.

Cayman Islands might also have a financial reputation, and not always good as often written about in John Grisham books, but what some might not immediately think of is this tropical destination as a tropical family travel destination. Offering many kid-friendly activities, there is much to do for parents and kids alike outside of its famous beaches.

During a recent visit to Grand Cayman, I purposely sought out activities that would provide a different experience than just the beach. The island did not disappoint. A favorite attraction that I recommend for adults and kids to visit is Boatswain’s Beach. Upon entering the park, you venture into the land of sea turtles which delighted our toddler. She was in awe as she saw these giant turtles which many were larger than her.

According to Boatswain’s Web site, the largest turtle in the pond is an elderly female (about 70 years old) weighing about 575 pounds! There is a touch tank on the premise where you can hold a yearling. Kylie was fascinated by this opportunity and it provided a unique photo opportunity.

Fairly new (opened in 2007), is a new Predator Reef and Breakers Lagoon that guests can swim in and see sea life up close and personal. Those who opt to snorkel in the lagoon can see colorful fish and marine life in the park boundaries and can get very close to the shark tank as they view these creatures through the viewing panels. This new addition is quite impressive and should not be missed. For those not wishing to get wet, the sharks and other predatory fish can be viewed from land.

Another section of the park is its Caribbean Bird Aviary, which provided another entertaining activity for Kylie during our visit. She was enthralled by the variety of birds and their noises.

There are admission prices for the entire park or just the turtle farm. Depending on how much time you have to spend will determine which ticket you select. Kids three and under are free. If there during a port visit on a cruise, perhaps just attend the turtle farm as there are so many other activities to visit and adventures to experience.

Photo Credit: Tropical Latitudes Travel

Keeping Kids Occupied When Traveling Series: Travel Books & Games Ideas

2008-09-27T15:10:00.010-04:00

Tropical Family Travel concludes its keeping kids occupied when traveling series with some game and book recommendations. These products are compact, cost effective and easy to pack along for car and air travel. More importantly, these items will help ensure fun and creative travels for all passengers!

Books and games are classics for traveling and provide both solo and group opportunities to reduce hearing “are we there yet?”! Following is just a sampling of products to consider when packing up for your next family tropical escape.

Big Book of Things to Spot: For hours of entertainment, this book is great for kids of all ages, and adults, when traveling as it is engaging, fun and challenging. Complete with more than 4,000 animals, objects, and people to find in every setting imaginable, this activity book keeps kids entertained! ($12.99; www.hearthsong.com)

The Tessy & Tab Reading Club: Quick, easy to read, and nicely illustrated themed stories, kids follow Tessy the duck and Tab the Kangaroo’s adventures that are not different from what they do themselves. Stories feature activities like flying kits, playing in the park, going grocery shopping or taking a trip on an airplane. The Tessy & Tab books are compact for traveling and are durable. (Ages 2-6; annual subscription is $48; can purchase personalized set of 4 back issues for $9.95; www.tessyandtab.com)

Vinyl Sticker Play Scene books: A different story every time, this collection allows a child to create their own tale using the 50+ vinyl stickers. The stickers are a little hard to remove from its original packaging sheet for small hands, but once removed, a child can creatively create original stories in the zoo, with garden fairies, or room to play. (Ages 3+; $10.98; www.hearthsong.com)

Kids Travel: A Backseat Survival Kit: For a elementary aged-child, this is the perfect all-in-one kit to keep busy and entertained. The travel set contains a full-color book of car-appropriate activities, plus a 100-page game pad and a pouch full of everything kids need. (Ages 6+; $19.95; www.scholastic.com)

Scene It? Travel and To Go Editions: This popular adult interactive game is also available in travel and kids’ versions using magnetic tokens and on-screen dice so they can be played on the go. Scene It? games for all ages are fun, and they keep the kids’ brains engaged too! The travel versions should be a permanent feature in all vehicles for any road trips or to be used when flying. (Ages 8+; $19.99; www.screenlifegames.com)

The Klutz Book of Board Games: Compact and containing 15 different game boards, this game collection is all you need for interactive hours of fun. The game pieces are stored in a compartment attached to the book, further contributing to its traveling ease. These games might be best to play though when waiting in the airport or if you during the evenings before bed or rainy days. (Ages 7+; $24.95; www.scholastic.com)

Connect Four Travel Edition: A favorite classic game now allows kids to play Connect Four now with the travel edition, complete with a zip-up case and checker grid. A foam storage case keeps checkers secure during travels. (Ages 7+; $14.99; www.eToys.com)

Battleship Travel Edition: Yet, another classic game for all ages is available in a travel version. “You sunk my battleship” is a phrase that results in delight when playing the naval combat game of Battleship. Featuring a zip-up case with ocean and target grids, plus convenient storage compartments, the pegs and ships remain secure. (Ages 7+; $14.99; www.eToys.com)

ZENBENDERS®: Growing up with slide puzzles, Zenbenders is a new twist on the entertaining and challenging activity. These are easy to keep in a backpack or purse to ensure you are never without a challenge. Just select a challenge card and flip and slide the special ZenBender dice to recreate the pattern. There are four different levels of difficulty, different themes and 48 different patterns. (Ages 8+; $9.99; www.otb-games.com)

ROCK!™: An easy to travel with version on the popular hand game, this two player card game adds a challenging speed element and provides some quick entertainment when waiting in lines, at the airport or for a quick distraction! (Ages 7+; $9.99; www.otb-games.com)

Namits: A new thinking game great for travel is Namits which includes 165 word games you can play with the 20 double-sided laminated cards that are conveniently attached on a ring (preventing 20 card pick up). Smaller than a credit card, some cards contain the phrase “Name things that are…”, “Name different types of”, and “Name things that…” and you turn the card over to reveal your child’s quest. For example, “Name things that are pointed” or “Name different types of vegetables”. (Ages 4+; $7.98; www.hearthsong.com)

What are some of your favorite travel books and games for kids?

A New Look at An Old Favorite: Bethany Beach

2008-09-14T17:31:00.008-04:00

Tropical Family Travel features guest bloggers who can share their family travel experiences. In this posting, George Evanko writes about his summer vacations at Bethany Beach, just a couple of hours away from the hecticness of Washington, DC. Welcome George!

Bethany Beach, Delaware is known as the “Quiet Resort” and that is considered a compliment. In many ways, it is an old-fashioned beach town: no high-rise condos, no bars or nightspots, no “party scenes.” It is a resort town geared toward the family and in many ways, you can imagine that a week in Bethany today is much like it was decades ago.

But there is a big change this year at Bethany Beach that actually makes a visit there different, while enhancing the town’s “retro” feel. An extensive beach replenishment program took place over the winter and, instead of just adding more sand, the town officials redesigned the look of the beach.

There are now dunes with sea grass growing in them in the sand closest to the boardwalk. These dunes are not accessible for beach use; they’re in place to protect the town’s beachfront properties from storm damage. But they also change the look and feel of the beach, and I think it is for the better.

The section of the beach for public use is now separated from the boardwalk by the dunes, probably a walk of 20 yards. The beach then extends about 70 yards to the ocean. Not only is there more beach than in recent years, it is more scenic thanks to the dunes. Also, for those strolling the boardwalk or staying in a beachfront home or condo, you see and hear less of the beach traffic. It makes a quiet resort even quieter. Some people I have spoken to say it feels like the beaches in the Carolinas now.

For families considering a beach trip, Bethany is an excellent choice. Beyond its' proximity to Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia and other Mid-Atlantic cities, it is really geared toward families, especially those with young children. When staying in the town limits, it is possible to do all of the usual vacation things – beach, lunch, shopping, game time – without using your car. Many people instead rely on bikes, and with bike/jogging lanes throughout town, it is easy to pedal around for errands or exercise. There is a playground with a basketball court and field also available for all to use.

When it comes to dining, Bethany offers a little of everything, from classic boardwalk fare to family-friendly restaurants to more upscale offerings. One other benefit of note for the consumer in your family: Rehoboth Beach, with dozens of outlet stores, is less than 15 miles away.

But even with all of these attractions and benefits, the best days at Bethany are often spent hanging out with the family, doing nothing more than hitting the beach, relaxing in the house, reading and chatting and then enjoying a home-cooked dinner. A quiet, peaceful day in the “Quiet Resort.”

To get a sense of what the new beach looks like at Bethany, you can always check out the view from a live webcam, found here: http://www.bethanycam.com/.

Photo Credit: George Evanko Communications

Keeping Kids Occupied When Traveling Series: Activity-Based Product Recommendations

2008-09-05T12:41:00.011-04:00

Tropical Family Travel continues its series of product recommendations to keep kids occupied and entertained when traveling. Selecting enough activities/books/toys/games coupled with not over-packing is a challenge. To keep kids calm and happy, think of what interests them at home. Does your child like to read? Does your child prefer more activity-based projects? By what means are you traveling?

For air travel, we only take what will fit into a backpack used as our child’s carry-on and for car trips, we have a larger toy bag with surprises.

The anticipation of a trip for a child can be like Christmas, so, it is advisable to not share tales about the upcoming journey too soon, but there are products that help prepare your child for their vacation and build excitement. Two of our favorites tested include the following:

Pretend & Play® World Traveler: This kit helps kids get inspired about traveling. The packaging is very unique and creative and features airplane/train/bus tickets, a passport, maps, different currencies, photo journal and more. Ages 3-7; Retail price: $32.95 at www.scholastic.com

10 Days in the USA: This interactive and educational game is part of a series (Asia and Africa are two other games available) and helps youth learn about traveling and destinations. Using different transportation means, this game will get your child ready for any adventure. Ages 10+; Retail price: $24.99 at www.otb-games.com

Once families are in the “are we there yet?” stage, here are some activity-based ideas that are sure to not disappoint for different age groups.

Infants: PLAYSKOOL’s Shake, Rattle & Roll Teether: This teether is compact, easy to grip and provides many textures and colors to entertain baby with sights and sounds. Available at CVS/pharmacy locations. Retail price: $4.49

Toddlers: A couple of childhood classics are available in travel-size products. The pocket-size Magna Doodle® and the Etch A Sketch Hot Pocket® are perfect to take on any journey and provide some creative time for kids. Ages 3+, 4+ respectively; Retails for $5.72 and $6.97 respectively at www.minimus.biz

Twisty® Traveling Flash Cards: This has to be one of my favorite discovered travel products. Our 3-year-old took this product with her everywhere and wanted to show everyone as she went through each letter and corresponding word, along with the counting cards. These compact Twisty Cards are very durable, so even a child younger than 3 could benefit from this educational product, and it is all attached on a rotating ring so no cards on the floor! Ages 3+; Retail price, $7.99 at www.munchkin.com

Dr. Seuss Beginner Alphabet Cards: Take along these colorful, learning A-Z flashcards for an interactive activity. These types of cards have been a traveling necessity and are easy to pack, but beware of “26 card pick up” that kids find humorous. Ages 3-5; Retail price, $10.99 at www.scholastic.com

Short Stuffs & Fun with Felt: Two craft-based projects that can provide entertainment fun when traveling are offered by Scholastic. The Short Stuffs is a no sew stuffed animal kit, so safe and results in a travel companion. For Fun with Felt, kids can use their imagination to create animals, bugs and more. While there are a lot of pieces to keep track of, there is no glue or mess involved in their creations and the book has a storage pouch. Ages 4+ for both; Retails for $16.95 and $12.95 respectively at www.scholastic.com

Ariel Stationary Set: FAB/Starpoint has a travel-size activity set that is complete with a pouch, Ariel stickers, a small pad of paper and some colored pencils. The packaging is great and it measures about a 6x9, but the pad of paper is only about the size of a playing card. So, I recommend you supplement this kit by adding some additional paper and extra crayons for the trip. It can be easily packed and is durable to reuse and customize to your needs. Retails for $5.99 at Target.

Polly Pocket: For the older girl who can keep track of lots of pieces, Polly Pocket offers new Pop ‘n Swap Fashion Dolls that is easy to take-along and keep your tween/teen occupied as there are multiple heads, torsos, bottoms to click together creating different outfits. There are 400+ combinations. Retails for $20.

Kids Travel: A Backseat Survival Kit: A full-color book of car-appropriate activities, plus a 100-page game pad and a pouch full of everything you need to do everything described. The only backseat survival kit endorsed by Save the Parents' Sanity Foundation. Ages 6+; Retails for $19.95 at www.scholastic.com

In our final installation of the Keeping Kids Occupied When Traveling Series, Tropical Family Travel takes a look at a few books and games that will not disappoint!

Travel Products to Keep Kids Entertained Series: Audio & Visual Entertainment Products

2008-08-28T13:44:00.011-04:00

Tropical Family Travel continues its series on tips and product reviews on keeping kids entertained when traveling via car and air. I am continually amazed how young companies target kids with technology-based products and more surprised on how quickly kids’ adopt and learn how to use these items.

Some of these entertainment-focused products have been put to the test by toddlers to teens and these audio and visual items are sure to help the time pass during travels and result in an enjoyable trip.

Personally, reading is one of my favorite travel activities and the traditional paper books work to keep our little one entertained, so when learning about Playaway audiobooks I was curious. These products are designed for on the go families and proved to capture interest and attention on a long car ride. Playaway audiobooks offer more than 100 children’s titles, including Alice in Wonderland, Charlotte’s Web and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. There are also classic nursery rhymes and fairy tales available for younger kids.

I am impressed by the title variety, yet the one improvement I would recommend is that the stories should be told by different voices to keep the kids’ attention. One of the features that I appreciate is the pause function…kids can return to the story where they left off automatically.

Each Playaway audiobook comes self-packaged, pre-loaded and with the required earbuds. This product even comes with a battery! This product reminds me of the Leapfrog books where you insert the different stories, only this is only one piece and much more compact and easier for traveling. It is about the size of a playing card, so perfect for the kids’ backpack or your purse. Prices start at $29.99, which I do believe is a little high though for kids, and select titles are available at Borders, Barnes & Noble, Brookstone & Hudson Books. The entire collection is online at www.PlayawayDigital.com.

Now, for parents concerned about damaging their kids’ ears, there is a product that can be used on the above recommended product or any other items where ear buds are required including iPods, MP3 and DVD players. Ultimate Ears has released volume-limiting earphones for kids titled LoudEnough. The technology which controls the volume is built right into the ear buds and are available in bright, fun colors. LoudEnough provides some piece of mind, but is most appropriate for older children due to the size of the ear bud. When we tried this product, they did not stay in place in our 3-year-old’s ears and I was hesitant to push them down too far. LoudEnough retails for $39.99 and is available at www.LoudEnough.com.

On the gaming product side to help keep kids busy during long car trips and flights are some travel-size products. In fact, according to a survey from national video game retailer Game Crazy, 96 percent of kids are bringing their handheld player or video game console along for the ride. The Game Crazy/Weekly Reader Research Summer Travel Survey reveals that eight in 10 children need at least one video game with them on vacation. Reasons for taking a game on vacation vary, but more than three-quarters say the main reason is to provide a break from other siblings, make the trip easier and serve as an escape from parents. As for parents, 82 percent indicate that video games help make family trips easier and more enjoyable and more than 33 percent of parents are worried kids will get bored if they don’t bring enough game options.

However, there are some game products for a variety of kids’ ages and even the parents can take part in the fun. Franklin Electronic Publishers offers some game products are easy to use, compact in size and provide an educational component compared to just another video game. A few of the available products include the Speaking Spelling Bee, complete with a 7,000 word spelling bee list and multi-level difficulty settings; Sudoku (a personal favorite), containing millions of computer generated puzzles handcrafted by Nikoli and with different skill levels; and the Crossword Puzzle Dictionary, ensuring success in solving puzzles.

For those taking a computer on the trip, depending on your battery life, additional creativity can be sparked by installing Creativity Express, from Madcap Logic, onto the laptop. This product, developed by former Disney animators, is interactive and best for kids 7+. To learn more, visit www.madcaplogic.com.

One electronic item to not leave home without for long car trips is the XpressRC from XM Satellite Radio. To this day, I’m thankful for GM installing the trial version on one of our vehicles as we have been hooked ever since! But, for those who do not have already installed, this product is great as it is portable, easy to hook up and travels well. XM offers more than 170 channels (including some kids only programming) so instant entertainment for the entire family.

Among other new features, the XpressRC includes a customizable, color display that allows XM listeners to view the content they want, including channel, artist name and song title. This was more impressive for my husband than me, but I did appreciate that the split-screen lets listeners to easily browse to discover what is playing on multiple channels without having to change the dial. Another function that comes in handy is the ability to save up to 10 favorite songs for the encores requested by kids! Visit: www.xmradio.com/xpressrc.

Integrating all of these travel products into family vacations almost makes the travel experience a destination in itself! Stay tuned for Tropical Family Travel’s ongoing series of products that keep kids entertained during travels. On deck include some book and non-electronic toys and games, which proved to come in handy during our recent 10 hour car journey!

Travel Products to Keep Kids Entertained Series: Music Inspires & Entertains

2008-08-12T21:29:00.011-04:00

Continuing Tropical Family Travel’s series reviewing products that keep our children entertained during travel time and even inspire interaction, we have tested some audio products that are certain to keep your little one occupied and even provide cultural inspiration.

In the last article, we encouraged a DVD as a must-have travel product. To accompany a portable DVD player, one "must-have" travel accessory is a collection of kid-friendly music options. Using the DVD as a CD player allows parents to listen to their preferred choice of music while kids listen to their favorites, although admittedly there are some fun music choices that the entire family can listen to and result in a family sing-along!

One of our favorite CDs we listened to is “Let’s Go! Travel, Camp, and Car Songs by Susie Tallman and friends. Produced by Rock Me Baby Records, this iParenting Media award-winning CD has 26 songs which if played continuously lasts about an hour. These songs bring back childhood memories of road trips and camping outings. A couple of favorites on the “Let’s Go!” CD include “Polly Wolly Doodle”; “Going on a Bear Hunt”; and “Ain’t Gonna Rain No More”. Retails for $13.99 at www.rockmebabyrecords.com.

Another set of CDs our toddler loved listening to (and car dancing to) is KOCH Records re-releases of two Sesame Street music collections, “Hot! Hot! Hot! Dance Songs” and “The Best of Elmo!”. Needless to say, it would not matter what Elmo sang, our 3-year-old loved both CDs. However, “Hot, Hot, Hot”; “The Lambaba!”; “Happy Tappin’ with Elmo”; and “Sing” were a few favorites. The Sesame Street CDs retail for $11.98 each and are available at major retailers including Wal-Mart, Amazon and Itunes.

Our little one also likes the Wiggles and she was entertained by the Wiggles new dance-inspired CD released this summer by KOCH Records titled “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing”. There are 19 songs and some of our toddlers (and ours) favorites are the Caribbean classic “Day-O (aka The Banana Boat song); “The Shimmie Shake!” and “La Bamba”. This toe-tapping CD retails for $11.98 and is available at major national retailers including Target, Walmart, Amazon and Itunes.

Let’s just say that “drama” runs in the family, so I was excited to see how our toddler would react to the newly re-released CDs from The Broadway Kids by KOCH Records including “The Broadway Kids Sing America” and “Back on Broadway”. These CDs did not keep our toddler’s attention as long as the others, but she did love the songs she recognized from popular Disney movies including "I Just Can’t Wait to be King" and “Beauty and the Beast”. I am excited though to build her repertoire! On the America-inspired CD, she liked “This Land is Your Land” and “New York, New York”. Retails for $9.98.

From an organizational stand point, consider purchasing a CD wallet, such as Atlantic Metro Series, which holds 32 CDs and DVDs. This is a small square size and under $10 at Walmart.com. This size is easy to store in the car or take with you in your purse or carry-on bag and it ensures you take your child’s favorite songs and movies. TIP: Be sure you know how many entertainment products you take with you so you are sure to not leave any behind.

Other products that can be educational and entertaining for kids are books and games. Next, Tropical Family Travel will take a look at some products to consider taking on your next trip, or in some cases some items you might want to use before you go!

--Jenn Thomas

Travel Products to Keep Kids Entertained Series: Portable DVD is a Must-Have

2008-08-05T16:19:00.004-04:00

August kicks off a series of travel products that help keep our children occupied and entertained during car and air travels. From books to toys, to healthy snacks to music, and from electronic gadgets/equipment to innovative accessories, your travel time is sure to be easier with the use of these products. Now, with increased imposed baggage fees, we have to be more careful on what we pack and this series will focus on realistic products that will not weigh us down.

Today, Tropical Family Travel takes a look at some audio and video items. As our child was not always a good car traveler and with having to sit around in airports for up to two hours before take off, we discovered the necessity and benefits of a portable DVD player very quickly. We have already been through one, which was a Sony brand, and it definitely was put through the ringer, and alas it gave up. So, it’s a good thing that these products are typically priced under $150.

For this series, we tested Coby Electronic’s 7” Widescreen Portable DVD 7377 player, which is very compact and lightweight. Coby’s product features a 180 degree swivel screen, which allows different viewing perspectives. From an auto perspective this makes the unit very compact. The one oddity for us for car use only was the way it folds because it does not allow for insertion and removal of DVDs and CDs without actually taking the unit out of the seat pouch, which is not convenient if you are the one driving. However, with the remote control, which can be operated from the front seat, it is easier than other units to fast forward to the scene or ensure if the movie does not automatically kick in and a menu screen appears, with a simple click of the remote, the movie begins.

A favorite part of the Coby product is the seat holder as it is very secure and keeps the product in place…the last one we had the DVD player was constantly hanging down and it never stayed in place. The battery pack on the Coby lasted much longer than our past Sony player too, which ensured that we did not have an in-flight disappointment as has happened to us before. Since the Coby DVD player also plays CDs, this came in handy to allow for some variation and not have video overload during our travels. Coby’s DVD player is also very easy to install and to remove for different purposes during your travels.

The Coby portable DVD player retails for under $120 at Wal-Mart or for right at $100 at Amazon.com.

To accompany a portable DVD player, two must-have travel accessories are a collection of movies and music options. Stay tuned for Tropical Family Travel’s kid travel product series and with our next review of different audio/video entertainment offerings.

--Jenn Thomas

Photo Credit: Coby Electronics