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.

5 great baby travel items

So here are a few little tidbits I have found, perfect for bringing on your next travels with babies.

1. The Sack n Seat turns any chair into an instant high-chair, without any fuss and folds up easily to fit into your diaper bag. So whether you're going out for coffee or to a restaurant that's maybe not "equipped" shall we say, you'll be ready! Now if only they made something foldable for places that don't have a changing table...

A high chair in 4 easy steps

The Sack n Seat by KisKise

2. The Spork. Spoon & fork in one, you'll never be without the one you really need. This one's also great to stick in your kid's lunchbox. This smooth, easy to handle organic bamboo spork is perfectly sized for toddlers and preschoolers. Stronger than wood, the fork and spoon combo is formed to fit a child's grasp, and has a smooth, satiny feel.

The Spork: not just for campers anymore

3. The Tommee Tippee Explora bib. Okay, so in all honesty, when E. was a baby, I didn't much bother with bibs. I tried and found that they were more of a pain, with her trying to pull them off, and the bib getting dirty meant that I had to toss it in the laundry (i had an endless stack of cloth bibs) so I just most often let her get her clothes dirty and tossed those in the laundry. However, although this was fine most of the time, when traveling, extra clothes (or laundry) is not always handy, hence this great bib. It rolls up so that it's easy to carry around with you and the BPA-free silicone is easy to wipe off. Why have the extra laundry and mess?

Tommee Tippee's Explora bib

4. The Beaba Formula and Snack Container. I knew that when traveling, breastfeeding would be the easiest, least complicated option there was. No formula to worry about, ready to go anyplace, anywhere. So I intended to breastfeed at least until E. was 6 months so that I wouldn't have to worry about feeding while traveling. Yeah... well, things don't always go as planned. An insufficient milk production made formula necessary even though, stubbornly, I continued to try nursing until E. was about 6 months. That being said, this is a great way to carry around pre-measured portions of formula, for those of us who need it. Whatever the reason. Oh, and it also doubles up as a snack container, so that you can keep on using it once the milk days are over.

Beaba Formula & Snack container

5. The Gro-Anywhere Blind. Perfect for travel, when the accomodations' pretty curtains don't exactly block out the 5am sunrise, or 9pm sunset, the blind is easily installable to the window with suction cups and blocks out the light completely for a good sleep.

Cute Baby Travel Item: The Feed Me Spoon

Just found this super cute handy travel spoon.

The Feed Me Spoon

That's all for today. I promise ;)

A week in Normandy

This is the last of my three prepared trip suggestions for my friend who was looking for european vacation suggestions for her family. Although she didn't think Normandy would be warm or beach-y enough for this trip, she did file it away for the future. Thanks goes out to one of my big faves, Travels with Clara, for the endless great info.

Make the city of Honfleur your home-base. There's an organic market every Tuesday and Saturday for provisions, and the Naturospace centre, where butterflies go free. Check out the Honfleur Museums site for  information on 4 of its local museums: the Musée Eugene Boudin, the Marine Museum, the Ethnographic Museum and the Maisons Satie. Check out the Hotel des Loges, a beautiful Hotel where each room is unique. Room rates are very reasonable and range from 110 to 155 euros. Totally family & child friendly, they offer cribs, high-chairs & bottle warmers for families traveling with small ones. They even have a house which they rent out which can sleep 5 (rates start at 900 euros/wk), with a full kitchen (so you can take full advantage of the market), a patio which you can eat outside and a huge bathroom.

A triple room at Hotel des Loges

Master bedroom at the rental house of Hotel des Loges

one of the bedrooms at the rental house at Hotel de Loges

Patio garden at the rental house at Hotel des Loges

Less than an hour away from Honfleur is the beautifully picturesque town of Etretat. Take a day-trip and enjoy a day in this beautiful little town.

Town centre of Etretrat

The beach at Etretrat

Half an hour away from Honfleur, are the the towns of Deauville & Trouville. Where you can take a ferry tour to see the coastline, go to the aquarium, take the kids horse-riding, or discover the region famous for Calvados.

Beach at Deauville

Horse Riding on the beach at Deaville

Calvados Christian Drouin

In Arromanches (an hour and a half away from Honfleur), take in some local history by visiting the D-Day museum. If you decide to stay for the night, take a look at Hotel de la Marine right nearby where rates start at 61 euros/night and they even have a family suite which can sleep 4-6 people which starts at 144 euros/night. Also super family friendly, they have cribs, high chairs, bottle warmers for smaller ones and toys and a play area for slightly older ones. 5 minutes away is the ton of Asnelles, where you'll find the the famous Sablés D'Asnelles, a cookie factory which has been making cookies since 1905. There is a nearby farm where children can interact with the animals, there's also a play area with inflatables. If it's raining, or even if it's not, check out this shop which makes custom umbrellas and gives the lifetime warranties. Never buy another umbrella again!

Hotel de la Marine in Arromanches

Les Sablés d'Asnelles

Making the famous sablés

Just over an hour away from Honfleur is the town of Bayeux & Port-en-Bessin which has a fantastic fish market. For lunch, try Le bistro d'à coté which has a great kids menu and play area upstairs. The Bayeux Tapestry Meuseum houses this treasure and to discover the cider the area is famous for, the Ducy Cidery  gives public tours. Try the Bayeux Public Garden for a nice walk outside and for an afternoon coffee, the Reine Mathilde pastry shop is a must.

Port-en-Bessin

Bayeux

Tours at The Ducy Orchards

Officially one of the "prettiest villages in France", Beuvron-en-Auge is also centre to a region known for its cheeses. For lunch try the Restaurant Auberge La Boule d'Or and stroll around this beautiful town and its antique shops. There is also a zoo nearby for a great way to spend the afternoon.

Beuvron-en-Auge

Lion at the CERZA zoo

Mini-Farm at the CERZA zoo

Happy travels, enjoy the Normandy coast!

Some great Etsy travel finds

I love Etsy. I really can't say this enough. I have fantasies sometimes about opening a children's shop and stocking it with all of my favorite Etsy designs & designers. I'm amazed at people's talent and dedication to hand make some of the most amazing looking things. So, in the meantime, until I open my kids shop, here are some great Etsy finds, perfect for the traveling family.

The Ouch Pouch by Pillow Sew Cute

Going away and want to make sure you have first aid needs handy? The Ouch Pouch is great for short journeys to the park and the perfect size to fit in a diaper bag, or for longer journeys to far away destinations, in that you can stick it in your carry on luggage and pass it through customs thanks to its handy see through pocket. I'm also rather partial to the owl motif, but it also comes in many different sizes and patterns. This size $10.95 by Pillow Sew Cute.

The Wet Bag by The Straight Stitch

Here are a few scenarios few of you may be familiar with:
1 - You child has an upset stomach or your baby just fed a bit too much and just threw up all over themselves.
2 - You manage to find a place to change your baby but either can't find or don't dare to leave a dirty diaper where you are, or you use cloth diapers and need somewhere to put them until you get home.
3- Something is soaking wet.
4- You just went swimming and have nowhere to put your soaked bathing suits.
I have personally experienced all of the above scenarios. I'm sure that in each of your own personal experience you can think of many uses for this 11" x 13" waterproof bag lined with PUL which will easily make this probably one of the smartest purchases ever. The Wet Bag $15.00 by The Straight Stitch.

Travel Games and Activities:

Paper Doll on the Go (Mary Kay model shown) by Kims Crafty Apple

Back side and storage pocket for small pieces

A mini 10" x 6" quilt has a little fabric quilted paper doll. Mary Kay comes with 4 dresses and 3 hats. All pieces are fabric and backed with flannel so that the pieces "stick" to the fabric. On the back of the mini-quilt is a storage pocket perfect for all the doll's clothes. Different "dolls" are also available. Paper Doll on the Go $14.00 by Kims Crafty Apple. 

Deluxe Travel Crayon Wallet by DillyBaby

Inside the Deluxe Travel Crayon Wallet

Be prepared. As this is the army's motto, so is it the mom's motto. At 3" x 5" the Deluxe Travel Crayon Wallet fits nicely anywhere and is perfect for keeping a small one busy during a plane ride or at a restaurant. I love that this is the "new" version. Made by hand by a stay-at-home mom (when does she get the time to just slip away to make these I have no idea) Dilly Baby has taken what has worked so well with her original model and made it better by adapting it; for example the crayons now run vertically so they no longer fall into your bag and the entire thing is now inter-lined for added strength and stability. Comes with 8 crayons (also fits 4 crayola mini-markers), $18.00 by DillyBaby.

Sweet Little Family Traveling House by Fee Vertelaine

These cute little wooden dolls come with their very own travel house. E is at the point right now where she loves dolls and doll houses, and babies... This could keep her busy for hours. Small enough (the house is 5.5") to carry around where ever you travel to, the dolls go to bed in their house when play time is over. Small pieces may not be great for very young children. Includes 2 parents & 1 baby, $28.00 by Fee Vertelaine.

Travel Tic Tac Toe game by Evgie

Storage pocket for pieces on back of game

Everybody knows how this game works, but sometimes classics work the best. An easy way to occupy 2 kids at once this tic-tac-toe set can easily travel wherever you do. So maybe, just maybe you won't have to hear the dreaded "Are we there yet?".  Evgie also has some other pretty amazing educational products so your little ones can learn their shapes, letters, numbers, clocks so they can learn how to tell time... She even has a set of the Hebrew Aleph-Bet!!! All beautifully crafted by hand. One of my favorite Etsy sellers for the beautiful products she makes. Tic-Tac-Toe set, $40.00 by Evgie.

The Circus Activity Book by Borednomore

Inside The Circus Activity Book by Borednomore

For Older kids, here's an amazing activity book. Created by an educational psychologist, an english teacher and a graphic designer, the book looks good and will keep your kids interested and learning rather than "having nothing to do". The 4 x 6" size makes it easy to stick anywhere, and maybe will have them put their video game down for a little bit longer. Other books available too. The Circus Activity book for kids,  $12.00 by Borednomore.

Happy Travels!

From Messanges to Bilbao; Visiting the Basque Coast

So this is another of the vacation ideas I put together for my friend, hoping to help her decide on travel plans.

The Basque region follows along the Atlantic coast from the South-West of France to the Northern part of Spain in the Western Pyrenees. Since it follows the coast, the area includes many great beaches and cities with many things to do for the younger set, while still being interesting for adult travelers.

A great beginning point, and possibly a great homebase for the journey through the Basque country is the beautiful coastal town of Messanges.

Beach in Messanges, France

Outdoor activities in Messanges, France

If you plan on staying in Messanges look into this beautiful 4 bedroom Villa for rent. Very well located this house built in 1875, and fully renovated in 2010, offers accommodations for 4 to 7 people with the ocean, golf courses and beautiful bike paths right nearby and welcomes families with young children with extra baby cots, high chairs, children's games available and a huge garden for them to play in. Prices vary according to the time of year, but off season prices starting at $1600/week seems incredibly reasonable for the house you're getting.

Villa Messanges

Living Room

Kitchen

One of many bedrooms

Bathroom

Although the house has a full kitchen which allows you to enjoy family meals in, instead of always being obliged to eat out, do try Restaurant Les Roseaux and Restaurant La Station which both family friendly menus in great settings at great prices.

While in Messanges there are many activities to partake in. The local aquatic center offers activities for the whole family, as does the local family funpark. Other great possibilities include Karting (for children 3 & up and adults), the Reptillium & the Ocean Fauna zoo are always great options, and if the little ones like animals why not try out a Macaque Monkey encounter? A boat ride in the Aquitaine Nature National Park could also be a great relaxing way to spend the afternoon and get great photos of the beautiful landscapes the area offers.

An hour away by car from Messanges is the beach town of Biarritz, which mixes surf culture with the BCBG the French are known for. The Musée de la Mer offers everyone the opportunity to see an octopus, sea horses, and other aquatic species. Make sure you go see Okera, Titounette, Sylvestrine, Charlie, Naia and Noella, the resident seals get fed and swim around.

Seal feeding at the Musée de la Mer

There is also the Chocolate Museum and the Asiatica Museum which can offer good distractions no matter the weather and why not take a train ride in the mountains the kids will never forget! I don't think one ever needs a reason to stop for ice cream, so I'll just suggest you stop by Dodin whenever you feel the need to! Of course, if it's nice outside, you can always try the beach!

Just over 15 minutes away is another beautiful beach destination. The town of Guetary is a traditional Basque fishing village and a great place to spend the afternoon. Stop for lunch at Heterotoclito, just across from the beach, and if you decide you want to stay there, try Hotel Le Madrid. The Municipal Museum has a great collection of contemporary art and temporary exhibits.

Guetary

Hotel La Madrid in Guetary

10 minutes down the road is the town of St-Jean de Luz where pedestrian shopping streets, a local farmers' market and more beautiful beaches await you. The Basque Ecomuseum in the Maison Jean Vier is worth a visit, and if your sweet-tooth calls, try out the macarons at Maison Adam which dates back to the times of Louis XIV.

Beach at St-Jean de Luz

St-Jean de Luz

Along the street in St-Jean de Luz

St-Jean de Luz

Cross over to Spain as San Sebastian is only 30 minutes away (less than an hour from Messanges). Known for its beautiful beaches (Ondaretta, Concha and Zurriola are among the best) and the streets of it's old town (stop by The Plaza de la Constitucion and Alameda del Boulevard), San Sebastian is also home to a world class aquarium, which is sure to always a hit with E. You could always take in a traditional bullfight at the Plaza de Torros or take in Mount Igueldo and its kid-friendly amusement park.

Although the Guggenheim would be reason enough for me, the city of Bilbao, the Basque region's largest city is only an hour away form San Sebastian and offers outdoor parks with activities for children and all kinds of restaurants and shops to discover.

A big thank you to one of my favorite blogs, BozAround for being such a great source of information for this trip with this post. To follow Vanessa's incredible adventures around the world (with her 3 kids in tow, no less) check out her amazing blog!

Happy New Year, hope it brings many happy travels!