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Thursday, August 4, 2011

A weekend in Burlington, Vermont

Take a long weekend in Burlington, Vermont to just unwind and relax. We recently made the trip. Refreshed, we are sure to do it again before the end of the summer.

The Gray Room at Shelburne Farms 
The Pottery Cottage at Shelburne Farms

The Vineyard Cottage at Shelburne Farms
Stay at the beautiful Inn at Shelburne Farms. Room rates start at $155/night, they also have private cottages with kitchenettes on the farm grounds which offer families a little more privacy, which start at $260/night. Clients of the Inn and/or restaurant supports the farm's sustainable farming, conservation and their educational programs. On the shores of Lake Champlain, the inn was originally the 19th-century country home of Dr. William Seward and Lila Vanderbilt Webb. Restored in 1987, the inn today retains its historic character and continues the tradition of warmth, informal elegance and hospitality. 

Petting the Animals at the Children's Farmyard
While your there, visit the grounds of the beautiful farm with your own guided tour, or or take a wagon ride (offered every half an hour) form the visitor's centre to the Children's Farmyard where the kids will be able to get close to Brown Swiss Milk cows, Brown Swiss calves, goats and kids, sheep and lambs, pigs and piglets, several breeds of rabbits, polish Crested hens and bantams, laying hens and roosters, meat birds, turkeys, miniature Sicilian Donkeys and a Belgian draft horse. Kids can also milk a cow, collect eggs, pet and brush a rabbit, brush the horses and the donkey and all kinds of other farm activities. You can also go visit their cheesemaking facilities or if it's a nice day wander around the grounds on their walking trails.

On Saturday, make your way to City Hall Park in downtown Burlington for the weekly Farmer's market where local farmers sell some of the best local, organic produce and meat. Stock up on delicious food from farms such as the Boucher Family Farm  and Willow Hill Farm (who also offers blueberry picking if you go visit their farm site) only to name a few of the many, many vendors, and pack your picnic basket before you head down to North Beach for the rest of the day.

North Beach, Burlington Vermons
This beautiful clean, family friendly beach has a space for all and is great for little kids as it doesn't get too deep. Older children will still enjoy enough depth to swim and jump around in the water. There is a beautiful park area with lots of shady trees with picnic tables so you can have your family lunch feast and a bbq grill for each picnic table in the park. There is also a large gazebo with long tables for large groups which you can reserve for special events. There's also a great playground where E made lots of new friends. Camping is also possible on the park's grounds. After a full day outside, watch the sunset on the waterfront while having dinner at Splash, where there is a kids menu and something for the whole family.
Playground at North Beach
On Sunday, head out to Waterbury (about 30 minutes) to go visit the Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory and take in a tour and some ice cream samples! Throughout the summer they also have a Free Outdoor Movie Festival where you can take in a flick for the whole family.

Sunday afternoon, head back to Church Street Market place and stroll around the pedestrian streets and take in some shopping and street performers of all kinds. Events of all kinds are planned throughout the summer and year-round. End your day by having dinner on one of Church Street's many restaurants, sit outside and enjoy the people watching and the scenery!

Sunday, July 24, 2011

My 7 links... A look at a year of Accompanied Minors

As I come close to the 1-year anniversary of Accompanied Minors, I look back at what I have done in this first year, thanks to the folks at Tripbase who started My 7 links. Thank you to the lovely Corinne from Have Baby Will Travel for nominating me...

- Your most beautiful post:
Okay... so this one is pretty subjective... But I have to say that my post on the remote Dog Island in Florida still has me dreaming and planning... I am close to having a complete itinerary for the eventual trip (hopefully not in the too far future).
The beautiful remote shores of Dog Island, Florida
That being said, I have recently read some reviews on the Pelican Inn which don't sound too favorable... So, just in case... I have found some house rentals in the area. I will soon share the entire planned itinerary.


Your most popular post
I have to say that I'm pretty happy that 5 great baby travel items is the  most popular post, as this was one of the directions I originally wanted to take when I started this blog.


The Sack n' Seat makes this post the most popular
– Your most controversial post
Uhhh... so this one's a toughie as I don't exactly think of this blog as controversial but since is the case, I will share a story of an awkward moment of my blogging career... There are many amazing family travel blogs out there where I gather fantastic information from for my vacations. I have to be honest, I don't always keep notes from where I get the information from which can lead to sometimes unbeknownst to me to being very inspired by a post when I then create my own, as it happened in this post on a trip to Messanges. If this has taught me a lesson though, it's to keep notes of my sources and credit them as often as possible. Once again, thank you to Vanessa Boz for the great family travel info on her amazing blog, Boz Around. Check it out if you haven't yet. 

– Your most helpful post
Judging from it's recent success, my post on a New England Mini-Vacation seems to be sharing a great idea for an inexpensive long weekend away.
Sleepytown Cottages in Wells, Maine
A post whose success surprised you
I'm actually surprised by the success and traffic my post about Portugal has received. That being said, with beaches like this one, who wouldn't want to go...
The beach in Algarve, Portugal
A post you feel didn’t get the attention it deserved
Being still relatively new at this I guess I'm always surprised when my posts get any attention, and quite appreciative that they do. That being said I hope that more people discover this post and get inspired to discover Newfoundland's beauty and all it has to offer.
E discovering the Touch Tank at the Terra Nova Park visitor's centre
The post that you are most proud of
That's easy, my first one. The discover of the Tomo Hotel in San Francisco's Japantown and the great night we had there, (following the lousy night we had elsewhere) was the inspiration I needed to finally start this endeavor, and I'm pretty proud of what I've accomplished since.
The great night that started it all at Hotel Tomo
So here are my nominations:
- Celina and her Petit a Petit and family blog. I wish I could sew like she does and come up with the amazing creations she does.
- Emeline who co-writes the blog at Emeline & Annabelle Couture Café. Her adventures make me laugh and this post has inspired me beyond belief. I hope to be able to go visit her amazing shop one day, and maybe learn how to sew.
- A blog I discovered out of the blue Chantal from The Adventures of Skinny Mini Kiki amazes me with her talent in creating beautiful bento boxes for her daughter.


I hope you enjoyed this year as much as I did.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Oh Canada! Ottawa with kids.


We go to Ottawa fairly often, as one of E's favorite cousins live there. It's also only about 1h30 away from Montreal. Canada's Capital region has quite a bit to offer no matter what time of the year, it seems that there's always something going on there, whether it's Winterlude, or the Tulip Festival in the spring or the Blues Fest in the Summer, it's a great place to go for the weekend with the family. If you do go, make sure you check out  Kids in the Capital for some amazing activity ideas, for things to do and places to go.

In the summer, take a walk with the family along the Rideau Canal, a Unesco World Heritage Site which also turns into the world's largest skating rink in the winter. Weather permitting, try to catch the changing of the guard at the Parliament at 10:00 AM. After that, check out Byward Market and grab a quick lunch (maybe on the go for a picnic) at one of my favorite spots, La Bottega known as much for its espressos as it's delicious paninis or, for an incredible food experience, try Sweetgrass Bistro, Canada's first Aboriginal bistro, showcasing First Nations foods with ingredients provided from local farms. For all the crafty mamas, check out Adorit  an amazing fair trade eco-fabric boutique.
Kayaking on the Rideau Canal

World's longest skating rink: The Rideau Canal in Ottawa
Changing of the guard on Parliament Hill
La Bottega in Byward Market
In the afternoon why not take a walk, or a bike ride in Gatineau Park, Canada's Capital consevation park where there's always loads of activities, no matter the time of year. It's also home to the Mackenzie King Estate site. Another beautiful outside park is at Petrie Island where the kids can see turtles, different kinds of birds and a whole variety of wetland wildlife. There's also a great beach.
Gatineau Park in the Fall

Petrie Island park 
Another great option is the Agriculture Museum, a working farm where kids will be able to see the breeds of dairy and beef cattle, pigs, sheep, horses, goats, rabbits and chickens, go on Tally Ho wagon rides, a tractors exhibit, and discover the essential role bees play in the pollination of many Canadian food crops. They also have different special events and activities throughout the year.

The dairy barn at the Agriculture Museum

The Farm at the Agriculture Museum
 If it's not so nice outside, don't worry, there's still tons to do. The Children's Museum is a truly amazing pace at the Museum of Civilization. There are changing temporary exhibits are 30 permanent exhibit spaces where kids will dress up in different costumes, have hands on activities and discover different traditions from different countries. You can easily spend an entire day there, and if not at least half a day. While you're at the Civilization Museum, if you're there before October 10, 2011, there's also a great exhibit on JAPAN: TRADITION. INNOVATION where five themes—travel, automation, social status, consumer culture and entertainment—demonstrate how traditional influences have shaped contemporary Japan and touched the world at large. Another classic favorite is the Science & Technology Museum where there really is something for everyone! Don't forget your astronaut ice cream! 4Cats Art Studios have an Ottawa location which provides some fun Art Studio workshops for kids, and the Reptile Zoo is sure to fascinate kids of all ages.


If you're looking to pick up some cute things for the little ones, why not stop by The Extraordinary Baby Shop, which really truly lives up to its name, 3 Little Monkeys, or Chick Pea who all have beautiful things for the babies. Nest is one of my favorite places to get wooden toys, but also for all the other beautiful stuff they have. If you have a young one (or not so young one) in your life who loves toy soldiers, try this place out, in Byward Market.


After all that, if you're still looking for things to do, take a look here!



Thursday, June 30, 2011

Stroller + Diaper changing table = Abbie G2G Baby Deck Stroller

This new stroller is nothing short of amazing. Ever been walking around with your baby and realize you need to change his/her diaper? Only you realize that there is no changing table area in a 4-block radius... Or you're baby's just a little too big to be balanced on the back of the toilet (I had to do this once when E was really little...) in an insanely tiny toilet? Especially when travelling...

The Abbie G2G Baby Deck stroller is one of the best developments in strollers in a long time. Seriously?!? How did someone not think of this sooner? All I can say is that I'm sure glad they did. Now if only they could make it as a jogging stroller with real wheels...



Wednesday, June 29, 2011

An awesome roadtrip to be inspired by

The mavens behind one of my favorite travel blogs, Designtripper have detailed the highs and lows of their amazing recent road trip from Detroit to New Orleans, with 3 small children in tow, for the folks at Momfilter, another equally awesome site. You can also check out all of their blog entries for said trip here. Always nice to see people out there still roadtripping with young kids. Yes it is possible!!



Monday, June 27, 2011

A New England Mini-Vacation

Sometimes it's really important to get away, even if it's just for a few days. It's been quite a while since our last vacation and we have all been going stir-crazy, dying to get away. Here's a great plan for a New England mini family vacation which includes something for everyone, and some things, just in case (as it was for us) that the weather isn't what you hoped it would be.

Where to stay:


Sleepytown, in Wells, Maine is really a great place to stay with the family (or on a little couple getaway). Rooms start as low as $39/night and the also have cottages if you have a big family or are traveling with another family. They have an outdoor pool, a playground and the grounds are really gorgeous, peaceful and the people running the hotel are great. When we stayed there, our drive in took longer than expected and so we arrived after the office was already closed. A special note was left for us with instructions on how to get our keys and a phone number was left in case there was any problem or anything we needed. Well located, all places to go in this post are a short drive away.

Cottage at Sleepytown

Pond 

Pool

Playground

Beautiful grounds at Sleepytown in Wells, Maine
The Homewood Suites in Manchester, New Hampshire, offers a different style of accommodations than Sleepytown, but still great nonetheless. Offering suite style rooms, we discovered the definite advantage of staying in this type of room, in that after the small ones go to bed, you can still have a life. You don't have to go to bed when they do, as you would in a one-room scenario. They also have a 2 room suite (rates are as low as $120/night) which is great if you have a big family, or if you travel with another family, each family can have their bedroom and you can share the expenses for the accommodations. Buffet breakfast is included every day and so is dinner Monday through Thursday, which makes the rates even more affordable. There is a full kitchen in each room which allows you to fill your fridge and save $$ by dining in on the weekends. Wireless internet is also included and they have a great pool, hot-tub and workout room. The location in Manchester also is pretty good and most places to go in this post are also only a short drive away. The Pine Island Park is also right nearby.

2 bedroom suite

Bedroom 1 of 2 bedroom suite with 2 Queen Beds (The other has 1 King Bed)
and there is a pull-out in the living room area

lobby

Buffet Breakfast

Pool & Hot-tub

Workout room
What to do:
  • Shopping. Okay... so I normally would never put this as the first option, but the outlets in Kittery, Maine (20 minutes from Wells, and about 1 hr from Manchester) are like shopping mecca. Seriously, prepare to spend the day, maybe even 2. There are loads of shops where you will be able to stock your kids closets full for the next year without spending crazy amounts of money, which means, that maybe, you'll be able to afford to get yourself to some new pieces to update the wardrobe.
  • Discover a state park. Bear Brook State Park (1hr 20 from Wells, 27 minutes from Manchester) looks like a fabulous place to spend the day outdoors. Unfortunately, on our recent trip the weather was not exactly on our side, but it's definitely on the list for next time.


Beach at Bear Brook State Park
Playground at Bear Brook State Park
A view through the trees of Bear Brook State Park Pavillion
Fishing in Archery Pond in Bear Brook State Park
  • Day at the beach. Ogunquit Beach (10 min from Wells, 1hr from Manchester) is really gorgeous and very family friendly. In summer it's the beach to go to on the Maine coast and in cooler weather, there are great walking paths which will bring you all along the coast. Marginal Way, the 1 1/4 mile walk brings you all the way to Perkins Cove, a really cute place to spend an afternoon on the Pier. If you do go to Perkins Cove, maybe try a deep sea fishing expedition on the Bunny Clark, but if you do, please take gravol before you go on the boat. Don't be a hero and learn form our mistakes, you don't want to end up spending the boatride puking like we did... Because, you will want to eat the freshest lobster roll you have ever had at Barnacle Billy's. Sitting on their deck on a gorgeous day, you may never want to leave! 
  • Another great beach is Hampton Beach (45 min from Manchester 44 min from Wells). A cute vacation town with a great beach on the New Hampshire coastline they really cater to the summer crowd with all kinds of events, including fireworks, concerts and even a Children's Festival.
  • Inside Activities if the Weather isn't so nice. Don't get discouraged, there's plenty to do. The See Science Centre in Manchester (1hr15 from Wells) offers a great way to spend a good half a day with the kids indoors. E loved their moonwalk simulation and watching her hair stand on her head during the static electricity demonstration. They also have the Lego Millyard project on display, containing 3 million Lego pieces in addition to some temporary exhibits. Although at 3, E was a little young to fully appreciate the whole place (6 - 8 would be the perfect age), she still really had a great morning. The Currier Museum, also in Manchester (1hr 12 from Wells) also has great exhibits and family programs for a rainy day and if you have children over the age of 7, go visit the Zimmerman House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright House open to the public.
  • Visit Boston. (1hr 26 from Wells, 56 mins from Manchester) Rain or shine, this city offers lots of things to do with the family. Go visit the New England Aquarium if it's not so nice, where the kids can touch stingrays and shark in a touch tank or go on a whale watch. If it's nice out, spend the day in Boston Commons, take in Boston's Public Art, ride the Swan Boats or spend the day walking around in Faneuil Hall's Market Place. And if you didn't get all of your shopping done in Kittery, the folks at BabyBlackbird have put together an awesome list of childrens' shops in Boston.

Where to Eat:

  • In Manchester: Famous Dave's BBQ really is legendary for a reason. They also have a great kids menu sure to satisfy the pickiest kids. For a more vegetarian friendly option, Republic Café offers fantastic organic & regional produce and farm fresh meats (they actually tell you what farm they are from). Not so child friendly (no kids menu, and not so accommodating to making a child's portion) there many menu options good for kids (E had fresh lamb Kefta, which she just assumed were regular meatballs).
  • In Wells: MapleLeaves Gardens does not use MSG in their food and second to none, has some of the best Chinese food I've ever had. I can't wait to go back! Anello's Pastries unfortunately has closed, but look out to see if they will re-open. They make everything from scratch and are known for their gluten-free products.

Enjoy your travels!




Sunday, June 19, 2011

Family Travel Survival Guide, or rather, how to get out alive...

Everyone loves vacations, and although I love to travel, for some people, it brings on it's own stress. I do have to say though that traveling with the small one just isn't exactly the same as it was pre-baby... That being said, I try to make it as enjoyable as possible. Here are a few tips & tricks, I've learned along the way and some I have learned from friends and will save for my own sanity in the future.

Before you go:


First of all, resist the urge to overpack. Why is it that all of a sudden, after your child is born you suddenly need eighteen carry-ons and four diaper bags? Yes, unexpected things can happen, but if you overburden yourself with baggage, you’ll have less hands available for your kids. And you know what? You probably don't need all that extra stuff anyway, and if you do, you can get it on the road, when, and if you do need it. That being said, there are a few things I recommend to bring with you to save you a headache, and maybe a little $$.

  1. Your car-seat: If you are traveling with a little one who still requires a car seat, and likes his/her current car seat, and plan on renting a car during your vacation, bring it with you. Most airlines will let you check it for free and you will save yourself some $$ with your car rental, as they charge you per day for an add-on car seat (some up to 10$/day !?!). The other reason is that your child is probably used to its car-seat. When E was 3 months and we traveled to Scotland, and the Vancouver, we didn't think of this and she would cry the minute she got into the car, almost until the minute she got out, and we couldn't figure out why, since she never did this at home. We realized the car-seat must have been very uncomfortable, and have been bringing our car-seat along ever since, without problems. If you do get stuck with an uncomfortable car-seat, try buying an inexpensive blanket somewhere to give the seat extra padding. We bought something similar to this one while in Vancouver and it made things a little better.
  2. Baby Carrier: Invest in an awesome one and do your research before you do. After going through this terrible one, this one was okay, and I did get alot of use out of it, but it had its weight limits, I then bought this one (used on craigslist... thank god) which turned out to be as bulkey as it looks and a total pain to carry around with us, to finally get this one, which I wish I had bought to begin with as it has an infant insert so you can use it from the get -go. E is 3 and since she has been walking for a while now, I haven't used a stroller in over a year, but I am still bringing this with me this summer as the carrier is good for kids up to 45lbs (it has been tested for up to 90lbs) and E is nowhere near that. It folds up into nothing and is perfect in case she gets tired and doesn't want to walk anymore. I only wish I had known about it earlier.
  3. Travel toys: Bring some toys to entertain which will keep their interest throughout the trip. This way you can use them on the plane (or in the car), during the vacation and on your way back and they will still be interested. Try to get small or travel-sized toys to avoid overpacking. I have a few previous posts on some great travel toys, and for other suggestions, check out this awesome site.

During your trip:


Plan for naps. If your child is still napping, plan for naps. Not only for your child, but for your own sanity. This breaks up the day nicely into a morning activity, and an afternoon one. Try to stick to your child's daily routine as much as possible.

Think of your child, but also think of yourself. Some parents go on vacation, say to Disney, spend their day catering to their children, running after them, and then wonder why they feel like they need a vacation when they return. Others plan awesome activities for themselves, and wonder why their kids are behaving so badly (take a hint, they're not interested and they don't want to relax). So if you must go to Disney, why not limit yourself to a couple of days, and extend your vacation to a non-theme-park resort where you can relax (maybe somewhere with a spa and a kids program). Or, if you must go see the only Frank Lloyd Wright house open to the public (fyi - no children under 7 allowed - for a reason) do yourself, and them, a favor and go do something the kids will enjoy. It's all about balance. I have my 1/3-1/3-1/3 rule for a reason.

In the Car:


I don't own a portable DVD player. Many parents I know do, and swear by them for road trips. I feel E watches enough television while we're home that she doesn't need to while we're away. I also know that I will probably change my mind in a few years, where a 2 hour film will buy me two hours of peace (headphones will be a requirement, when the time comes). What I do own though are lots of kids cds. We buy a few new ones before each trip knowing very well we won't want to hear them by the time we return. E really loves singing along and it does distract her while she's in the car, and until she falls asleep. This site, has great suggestions, which go beyond the usual.

Car sickness, or motion sickness, is also an unfortunate part of life. Here are two great articles which will hopefully save you from making that unpleasant pit stop.

Lastly, although I know you all love my blog, there are lots of other great talented writers who have amazing ideas and insight for your upcoming travels. The awesome folks at Delicious Baby have compiled an amazing resource of the best family travel blogs. Check it out here.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

More Cute Travel Items

I'm sorry for the long hiatus... Sometimes, life and the small one gets the better of me and well, I don't end up with time for all the rest, or I'm just too plain tired. I've also been avidly planning this year's family vacations, which I will for sure share the good, and not so good tidbits. For now though let me share some cute travel items I've found during the course of the last few months.

The Animal ABC Car Organizer

Keeps everything in its place
Although from Japan, the Animal ABC Car Organizer is available from this awesome site, and is perfect to keep toys and crayons and bottles and wipes and who knows what from becoming the "big mess in the back seat" on your next road trip. It attaches to the back of the front car seat so that the not-so-little ones can have access to their stuff to keep themselves occupied in the car. It's also folds up into a carry-all when you get out of the car and arrive at your destination (say a restaurant) and want the kids to stay occupied.
The ABC Car Organizer, Now a carry-all

A great option for families with more than 1 kid who are not-so-little is Travel Bingo such as this one from eeboo which should keep them busy looking out the windows to fill their bingo card. No messy small items, just a paper & pencil.

eeboo Travel Bingo - so they won't be asking
"Are we there yet?"
When in doubt, stick to the classics. The travel Etch-A-Sketch and/or the mini Magna-Doodle will definitely buy you some quiet time in the car, or on the plane. They're also small enough that you can stick them into your purse and take them along on a night out to keep the small one distracted. I know a mom who would practice the alphabet with her kid while waiting for the food to come at the restaurant. Why not have the little one learn while waiting.
Mini Magna-Doodle

Pocket Etch-A Sketch
I don't know about you, but E loves to stick and unstick stuff. We have stickers galore at home, but somehow I don't really see myself bringing them along with us on our next trip. That's why I thought this was so awesome. Totally Tape is exactly what I know E will love. A book filled with "tape-me" pages, along with four rolls of colorful kid-friendly paper tape (no scissors required), each page is a different activity. Make a match, build the train tracks or just "paint" the whole picture in colored tape. It's also available on Amazon.

So that's all for now, but I promise I will be back soon!


Thursday, February 17, 2011

Who loves Trunki? WE DO!!!

I used to be mildly obsessed with Hello Kitty (okay, i still kind of am). However, so is E and so, she has kind of adopted the mini HK suitcase my husband bought me some years ago. That being said, I may have found what is possibly the most awesome kids' suitcase ever, and so E may have her very own suitcase. Check out the Trunki!!!
Check out their other insanely amazing products here including what's probably the coolest car-seat . Seriously, you are set for travel with these guys.

ps: looks like i'll get my mini-suitcase back (or maybe I'll just let her have it), because luckily for me, the Trunki comes in pink and is sold here or if you live in Montreal like me, here.

Monday, January 31, 2011

Enjoying the "Vacation" in Vacationing with kids or Interesting tips to cope, so that you don't need a vacation when you return.

I absolutely love traveling and so does my husband. Although I absolutely love bringing E. along and I love that she can experience it, even at her age, sometimes, I desperately need a break. Most of the time I absolutely adore her because she's great but yes, all travel is not all fun all the time. After the 74 billionth request to read the book"again", or the refusal to actually sit on her own seat-that-I-had-to-pay-full-price-for-despite-the-fact-that-she's-smaller-than-most-children-under-2 for the entire trip (including meal) but rather insisted on sitting (and jumping *please remember at this point that she's almost 3*) on my lap, or dropping every single piece of the toy she's playing with on the floor and insisting (in her own special loud whiney way) that I pick them up even though she's the smaller one and would actually be able to (normally I would not comply and she would have to and/or get a time out, but I do for the good of everyone else on the plane), Sky Nanny is the answer to my dreams (and silent screams).
Sky Nanny - Gulf Air's service with a smile

It's absolutely incredible and almost makes me consider flying to somewhere Gulf Air flies just to take full advantage of this wonderful service, which really, more airlines should seriously consider. Working on board all wide-bodied aircraft flying long haul routes, Sky Nannies offer help with boarding and disembarkation, give parents that much needed break during a long flight and generally provide a watchful eye on the little ones.

Seeing as they do fly in to Italy, maybe try this place, which although it does seem as relaxing to me as traveling to Disney, I am 100% positive that E. would not get bored at Children Hotel. The hotel is particularly equipped for the treatment of children of every age and the price includes: 

- Cradles in all rooms

- High chairs, little bath and swaddling mattress

- Place for hang out the washing and ironing-board

- Personalized menu for every type of age on mothers request (vegetable soup without salt, steamed meats and fishes) with flexible schedules.

- Kitchen for the preparation of children food open 24 hours a day (equipped with refrigerator, mixers, thermic plates, etc. )

- A wide garden with small swimming pool and game zone.

- Animation for children during lunch and dinner (13.00-14.30 and 20.00-21.30)

- Bicycles for adults with children seats

- Party, little show, baby-dance, toys and fun for all children. Animation for children(over 2 years old) during lunch and dinner (13:00 - 14:30 / 20:00 - 21:30)
Children Hotel in Finale Ligure, Italy
Outside pool
Outside play area

Outside Play

Inside Play
They also offer daytime babysitting service, which could maybe allow hubby and me to go (alone) on one of their adventure suggestions for a day. On the other days, I would bring her along. I swear. Final Ligure looks like a gorgeous coastal Italian town, halfway between Genova & Nice (France) on the Italian Riviera, there's no shortage of sights, or beaches.

Beach at Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure
Lastly, Here are tips for dealing with jet-lag and getting your family back on track courtesy of my favorite folks at Babyccino

-Reset your watches the minute you land, and start getting accustomed to the new time immediately.
-Don’t take naps, and try not to let your kids take naps at odd times. When they do take a scheduled nap, don’t let them oversleep. (Seriously, pretend you haven’t flown across the globe and that you aren’t in a different time zone.)
-If your kids wake up in the middle of the night and seem wide awake, try to keep them in their beds by giving them a few books to read. It always seems like my boys are wide, wide awake, but they always go back to sleep within an hour.
-Try to get as much fresh air and natural sunlight as you can, and drink plenty of water. Your kids might not seem thirsty, but try to encourage them to drink.
-Eat when you’re supposed to eat according to your new time. Again, your kids may not seem hungry but you should encourage them to eat.
-If you have a baby, you should feed them on demand — they will get accustomed more quickly than you think. (I always nursed my babies whenever they woke during the night, and it seemed like they adjusted in just one day.)

And finally, from me, 2 words: Night Flight. You child will be so tired by the time you get on the plane, they will sleep. If you're lucky (and if they're used to sleeping 4-6 hours straight) they will sleep most likely for the entire flight. It's that simple. Who knows, you may even get a little shut-eye... and a vacation.