Shop the Island of Cape Breton by Following the Artisan Trail Map

Jen R
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2
Shop the Island of Cape Breton by Following the Artisan Trail Map
Most of my vacations involve some road tripping at one stage or another. I’ve endured a lot of “scenic drives” that were, in reality, very boring and forgettable long-cuts to the destination. But there have been a few that far exceeded my expectations. The Cabot Trail is one of them. I’ve done it more than once. In truth, I could spend a week or two on Cape Breton Island every summer for the rest of my life and be very content. Just nix the black flies and it would be perfect. Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia is a rugged hunk of granite lodged in the Atlantic. Its ancient mountains heave to offer spectacular perspectives of the tiny painted houses and the crashing sea below. The Cabot Trail is a legendary loop that runs along the coastline of Cape Breton and offers some of the island’s most photogenic moments. It’s a fun drive, with switchbacks up steep inclines, opportunities to pull over and snap a few pics, plenty of challenging hikes and cool little restaurants to stop at along the way. The people of Cape Breton seem to take inspiration from the beauty of their surroundings. Artistry is woven into every aspect of life. The art is often functional, always captivating and never pretentious. The Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design has an Artisan Trail Map that makes shopping the Cabot Trail, and other routes on the island, easy as pie. Among the artist’s studios and shops you’ll find potters, iron sculptors, woodworkers, photographers and glass and textile artists. Those interested in Nova Scotia’s heritage should stop by the Gaelic College where they will find the school’s kiltmakers and weavers. A hand tailored kilt is an impressive souvenir. Shari MacLeod Studio is the place to find handmade baskets, furniture and fibre art that incorporates accents like antlers, stones, tree bark, shells and wool. These are truly one-of- a-kind pieces that won’t be found elsewhere. Proud to be Hookers is a tongue-in-cheek name for a pair of serious rug hookers. These sisters learned the traditional art of rug hooking, growing up in Cheticamp. They invite visitors to stop by, watch them work and even try a little hooking themselves. This is just s small selection of the art and artists that can be found on Cape Breton Island. Along the Cabot Trail there are more than 20 artisans listed. Throughout the island there are nearly 40 locations to find that perfect memento or gift. It’s really just a matter of finding out what interests you most. Have fun exploring the island and all it has to offer. – Jen R, Staff Writer

The CAA Winter Festival of Lights is on in Niagara Falls Ontario

Jen R
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1
The CAA Winter Festival of Lights is on in Niagara Falls Ontario
Heart shaped Jacuzzis, casinos, water leaping off a cliff to its death; Niagara Falls can seem like a bit of an adult destination, but the CAA Winter Festival of Lights, on now through January, is all about family fun. This is a beautiful season to experience the falls. The days are shorter and the festival takes full advantage of the extra evening hours to enhance the drama that is inherent to the spectacle of Niagara Falls. The falls are illuminated with changing colour through the evening and fireworks explode above, every Friday at 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. At this time of year, everything surrounding the falls is covered in a slowly accumulated shell of frozen mist; the trees, the buildings, the railings, everything – and that sometimes includes the sidewalk, so tread carefully. They do their best to keep the walkways clear, but it’s a bit of a losing battle. Some stairways and walks will be closed off during the winter months. They are not being maintained and are treacherous when covered in snow and ice so respect the signs. Beautiful as the falls are, there’s more to the festival than spotlights and fireworks. Lace up the skates and take a spin around the TD RINK at the Brink. Open December 1 to February 29, this public skating rink is located just steps from the precipice of the Horseshoe Falls. You can’t beat the view. The rink offers Free Skate Mondays, selected weeks only, otherwise tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for children. Skates can be rented for a fee of $5. Tickets and skate rentals can be secured in advance of your visit, on the website. There are a variety of shows and concerts associated with the Winter Festival of Lights, including, music concerts, stand-up comedy and dinner theatre. Check the Calendar of Events to find entertainment to round out your evening. But the festival is all about the illuminations and over 120 colourful Christmas light displays are located around the city, predominantly along the Niagara Parkway, the Fallsview Tourist Area and Cummington Square. The Enchantment of Disney Display is the most renowned and features many of Disney’s best loved classic characters, including the princesses and Mickey Mouse. The kids are sure to be impressed. Other displays include The Dufferin Island Displays which feature scenes of “The Great Canadian Outdoors,” the Winter Wonderland Displays and the World Religions Displays. There is no charge to view the lights, though a suggested donation of $5-$10 per car is accepted at the exit of the Dufferin Islands. Niagara Falls, Ontario is more than a summer destination. The falls, in winter, are a spectacle all their own. Come and discover the CAA Winter Festival of Lights for yourself.  It may become a family tradition. – Jen R, Staff Writer

Chicco’s Fun Travel Activity Nest

Lisa Arneill
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54
Chicco’s Fun Travel Activity Nest
Chicco’s Fun Travel Activity Nest is perfect to take with you on holidays, weekends at grandma and grampa’s house or to the park. It’s practical and light-weight design creates a comfy nest where your baby can relax and also be entertained anytime, anywhere. Compact, the Fun Travel Activity Nest folds in half when you’re done and zips shut to keep everything clean when it’s not in use. It also features bright colors, animated wildlife and sweet toys that hang from the adjustable toy bar. Chicco has done a great job of creating an easy-to-use bed that can go from playtime to bedtime.  Having it will ensure that your little one has a safe spot to play always.
Chicco is offering one (1) World Traveled reader the opportunity to win a Fun Travel Activity Nest($70 value) of their own. To enter please tell us your favorite Chicco travel item! Extra Entrants (4):

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Giveaway Closes November 25th, 2011

Appalachian Outdoors introduces us to Life is Good! {GIVEAWAY}

Tanya
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17
Appalachian Outdoors introduces us to Life is Good! {GIVEAWAY}
We’re always on the search for great “family friendly” outings and products, so when we were recently introduced to Appalachian Outdoors and one of their product lines, Life is good, we knew we had to share. Appalachian Outdoors is an adventure store that is on a mission to provide quality outdoor clothing and equipment.  We are particularly fond of their ‘Life is Good’ brand because of it’s positive message and green production. In 1989, brothers, Bert and John Jacobs designed their first tee shirt knowing nothing about the clothing business. After many bumps in the road, five years after their start, they printed up 48 tees in their new (with stick figure “Jack”) design for a local street fair in Cambridge, Massachusetts. They laid the shirts out on their rickety card table. By noontime, all 48 of those tees were gone. A star was born. Life is good has since expanded its product lines from tee shirts and caps to a full and varied line of apparel for men, women, and children, as well as an increasing number of accessories categories, many of which feature a smiling stick figure named Jake and the three-word registered trademark “Life is good.” Appalachian Outdoors is proud to stock a wide variety of Life is good products; including everything from shirts and tees, to blankets to mugs. The Life is good tees display slogans that are cute and optimistic. We love that the company has built their brand on grassroots marketing of a feel-good mentality printed on a tee-shirt. Their shirts have an extremely soft feel on the skin in order to provide all day comfort from the 100% cotton garment. It is easy to put your best foot forward when you drink your morning coffee from a ‘Life is Good’ mug. Plus, their products are meant to help make your day a little bit easier, a little bit more comfortable, and a lot more fun! Shop with Appalachian Outdoors for a great selection of Life is Good t-shirts, stickers and more products. WIN IT!! Appalachian Outdoors is giving one (1) World Travelled Family reader the opportunity to win a $50 gift certificate, to go shopping and pick any item or items from their family-friendly Life is good range. To enter please tell us which Life is good product is your favorite and why. Extra Entrants (5):

*All comments are moderated and may not appear immediately*

Giveaway Closes November 17th, 2011

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Featured Review: Sheraton On The Falls

Lisa F
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1
Featured Review: Sheraton On The Falls
Because we just added a member to the family recently, we haven’t had a chance to get away in a while.  Now that life has slowed down a bit I wanted to find somewhere that we could go that wouldn’t be far, but would have a few key attractions that we could all do as a family.  I also needed to find a family-friendly hotel that was in close proximity to fun-filled attractions, had clean rooms with comfortable beds and a restaurant that has lots of options (we are vegetarian). Recommended by some friends, the Sheraton on the Falls fit the bill for our recent Niagara Falls weekend getaway. Sheraton on the Falls is situated within North America’s largest hotel and entertainment complex, The Falls Avenue Resort, and includes indoor access to many family-friendly entertainment, shopping and eating facilities.  You could stay indoors for your entire vacation if the weather didn’t cooperate using the indoor connections to make your way around and still see the Falls from the floor-to-ceiling windows in your room.  I am sure, however, that the kids will enjoy the excitement of the strip and the exhilarating sights and sounds of the rushing waters of the Canada and U.S. falls each only minutes from the hotel. The Entertainment The main entertainment attraction for most families is the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, Niagara’s newest and largest of its kind featuring three acres of splashing fun for all ages.  Boasting six storey high waterslides, an enormous wave pool, a 1,000 gallon tipping bucket, indoor beaches, a dry play area for younger children, adult only Jacuzzi’s and a Tiny Tots Splash Pad, you will find something for every family member to enjoy. Be sure to check out Adventure City for Wild Safari mini put, Traffic Slam bumper cars, a funhouse and arcade style games.  And if you need to take a break from all the walking head to the iWerks 4-D theatre located in the MGM Studios Plaza.  For the adults there is the casino and nightclubs as well. Sheraton on the Falls features both a heated indoor and heated outdoor pool (be sure to check the hours as we found it to be adult only swim from 8am till 10 am). If you are looking to venture outside the complex there is an assortment  of fun-themed attractions like wax museums and haunted houses to name a couple along the strip. Dining The hotel offers a Starbucks and Piano Bar/Lounge on the main floor as well as Niagara’s premier fallsview dining option, the Fallsview Restaurant, featuring an 80-foot breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet.  Kids 12 and under eat free at the breakfast buffet with the purchase of an adult meal.  We found the wait staff to be extremely friendly and great with children which is always a plus when you have messy eaters that get bored easily.   They seated us at a window with a view of the Falls and brought the kids drinks immediately along with our coffees.  The food options were endless and included made-to-order stations for waffles and omelettes. Other restaurants within the complex include:  The Rainbow Room by Massimo Capra, Rainforest Cafe, Hard Rock Cafe, Planet Hollywood, Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, Denny’s, Terrace Food Court (Pizza Hut, KFC, and Taco Bell) Shopping There are plenty of souvenir shops near the hotel, but if you really want to see your child’s eyes light up be sure to head to The Hershey Store located inside the complex.  You are greeted by an enormous Hershey Bar and a Hershey Kiss character at the entrance and the most marvellous aroma of sweet freshly made chocolate fills the store.  Sample one of the delicious Hershey fudge flavours, a chocolate dipped strawberry, warm cookies or a thick signature Hershey milkshake.  There is an indoor waterfall, retro decorations and every possible Hershey brand treat or gift for sale. Connected to the store is the Always Refreshing Soda Shop in 1950’s diner style. Enjoy a hot dog, an ice cream float or pick up some Coca-Cola memorabilia while listening to oldies songs. Rooms The Sheraton on the Falls has 670 rooms from traditional guestrooms to breathtaking suites.  We chose a room with two queen Sweet Sleeper beds and a floor-to-ceiling window wall offering a view of both the American and Canadian Falls.  Our room included a fireplace, 37-inch flat screen TV, pullout sofa bed and in-room Starbucks coffee and teas. As soon as we checked in both our boys headed straight to the window where they sat on the floor playing and watching the waterfalls.  It was a great way to keep them occupied while unpacking, organizing and getting ready for dinner.  The best surprise was that at 10pm while in our pyjamas we could watch the fireworks show over the Falls from our room (be prepared it is really loud!). The room was modern, clean, extremely spacious and I (mommy) loved the extras like the complimentary herbal teas, shower puff, luxurious body products and mouthwash.  The beds were a nice place to sink into after a day of walking and sightseeing. Cribs can be requested at no charge but if you would like a mini refrigerator you need to request one for a rental fee (likely part of their Green Initiatives which we always like to see) Although Niagara Falls is a popular summer vacation spot for many, autumn is actually one of the best times of the year to go.  Peak tourist season is over so you won’t have to deal with the large crowds and line-ups and you can take in some of the best fall foliage views along the Niagara River.  Sheraton on the Falls has many family-friendly getaway packages to ensure you have a great vacation for the best value.

Visiting India during Diwali

Atula
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1
Visiting India during Diwali
If you happen to visit India between mid-October and mid-November, chances are you will be dazzled by the sparkle of a thousand lights illuminating people’s homes on one moonless night marked as the festival of Diwali. The festival is indeed one of the biggest celebrated all across the country and one that brings with itself a feast for the senses wrapped around the traditional worship of the Hindu goddess of wealth. Festival’s Origin Diwali or Deepawali is a word that originates from the Sanskrit word Deep meaning an earthen lamp. Hindus believe that it was on this auspicious day that Lord Ram came back to his kingdom of Ayodhya after spending 14 years in exile. His return with his wife Sita, brother Lakshman and monkey god Hanuman was an occasion to rejoice for the whole country and that is why all homes were decorated with lit earthen lamps. The tradition is still carried on each year and the day of diwali is celebrated as per the lunar calendar on a moonless night when in spite of the dark sky, homes and public places are flooded with lit earthen lamps, candles, decorative lanterns and strings of colored bulbs. Different states of the country though have their different interpretations of the significance of the day and hence different ways to celebrate the occasion. Like, if you are in India’s eastern state West Bengal, the day is marked by worshipping the Goddess Kali. On the other hand in western states of Goa and Gujarat, it is believed that the day marks the triumph of Lord Krishna over demon king Narakasura. In southern India, the glitz and glamour associated with Diwali of the north are a bit subdued owing to their varied customs of celebrating the festival. Day to pray to the Goddess of Wealth Diwali for majority of Hindus is the day to worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Business houses offer prayer to the goddess and open new account books and legislatures on the next day of Diwali marking a new business year. Do not be surprised therefore if people wish you a happy new year along with their diwali wishes. At homes the Goddess is offered various sweets and savories and prayed to usher in joy and prosperity in everyone’s lives. What to expect  Diwali festival is more than anything else a time to be close to people you cherish the most in your lives. Sons and daughters make it a point to come back to their hometown and celebrate the festival with their loved ones. Families and friends get together and bond by burning firecrackers and enjoying a multitude of delicacies prepared for the occasion. For children of course it is the one time of the year when they can burn the loudest and most dazzling of firecrackers and not be reprimanded for the racket they make. What you might find, Floor Art – If you are travelling to the western states, especially Gujarat, you might find many women and young girls crouched over the verandah floor and creating magnificent designs called rangoli using dried colored powder on the floor. The designs are unique, colorful and make for great photo memories once you get back home. It is an activity anyone can participate in if you do not mind the messy hands. Children would love to spend hours with this interesting floor graffiti. The colors are easily washable and therefore hands and floors can be conveniently cleaned once the fun is over. Shopper’s paradise – From sweet shops to saree shops, jewelry store to furniture showrooms, everyone has something enticing to sell on the days before Diwali. Just like Christmas time shopping, the best of deals are up for grabs in the shops and malls. It is also the best time to get the most exquisite of traditional wears and jewelry available. As people make it a point to gift at least a box of sweets to anyone and everyone during diwali, it surely is boom time for all the Indian sweet shops. If you have been invited by a local, do not therefore forget to carry at least a box of sweets/chocolates or a gift for the family. Also, do visit the local markets wherever you are – even if the shopaholic crowd is a dampener, this is the best time to witness some of the best Indian art, craft, and traditional merchandise on sale. Fire Crackers – Diwali is another name for crackers for many in India, especially children. There are the popular varieties like the conical shaped anar or the wheel shaped chakari. There are also the loud bombs whose deafening noise can sometimes scare the strongest of souls. For the worst therefore do carry a pair of ear plugs to diffuse the constant noise. On the other hand if you do not mind bursting one or two crackers yourself, go ahead and have a blast. Precautions are necessary with children around though and ensure you read the safety instructions first and always burst the crackers out in the open. Lights – It is one thing to see India any other time of the year and quite another to see it during Diwali night. Almost all of the country is lit up is the grandest and most lavish way. From a tiny shack to a multistory you will not find a single roof top without light. Go for a walk to see the illuminations and you might just feel – Christmas has arrived early. Festival Food – Majority of Indians are vegetarian and the feast offered to the Goddess Lakshmi is vegetarian too therefore the Diwali snacks and savories comprise of many fried, steamed, and ghee (clarified butter) products that are strictly vegetarian but mouth watering creations. From sweet to spicy, hot, to tangy, this is really the best time to forget diets and indulge. Travel woes – The festival season is the best time to rekindle forgotten relationships. And people here do exactly that around this time. When millions are going home to celebrate diwali it might get an elephantine task to book flights and trains during these days. So the most important tip for travelers is to plan ahead and book all hotels and flights WELL in advance. Most tourist places are open to public as per schedule during the festival days. In fact they might be dolled up with an added string of lights. Diwali time visit to India may shock some as it might be too much of light, sound and action to take in at once, especially if you have not experienced the country before. But if you let the initial apprehension pass, you will realize the core idea of the festival is the same as celebrating Christmas, or Halloween or Easter. It is to bond, love and share moments of happiness together with the people you love the most in the world. Be in India during Diwali and discover a whole new way to do just that. {ZUMA & ATULA}

Haunted Places: A Trip to Harpers Scary…Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Jen R
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0
Haunted Places: A Trip to Harpers Scary…Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Ghouls and goblins lurk in the shadows, spectres walk the night and eerie chills prickle the skin; Halloween is fast approaching. It’s time for scary costumes, trick-or-treaters and ghost stories that leave us sleepless. But for some, it isn’t enough to merely listen to these ghostly tales, they want to experience them. A chilling narrative, requires an appropriately haunted setting, and I know just the place. Allow me to guide you through the white knuckle journey to discover Harpers Scary…I mean Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

Harpers Ferry is a meeting place, in many ways. It sits at the confluence of the Shenandoah and the Potomac rivers. It is the intersection that connects Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. The town’s modern vitality and historic importance make it an easy marriage of past and present. And, some would say, it is one of the best places in the United States, for the living to come face to face with the dead. The area has a reputation for paranormal activity, in part, because it has been settled since about 1750 and has set the stage for a number of influential historic events. Perhaps most significantly, this is where John Brown’s raid took place in 1859. John Brown was an abolitionist and the first white man to use violence in an attempt to end slavery. The raiders hoped to insight an armed slave revolt by seizing control of the United States Arsenal at Harpers Ferry. The raid was unsuccessful and John Brown was executed for treason against the commonwealth of Virginia on December 2nd. The day he climbed the gallows steps, he wrote, “I John Brown, am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away; but with blood. I had, as I now think vainly, flattered myself that without very much bloodshed; it might be done.” The raiders attempt at Harpers Ferry instigated a rapid increase in militarization, in the south, and ultimately, it was one of the impetuses that spurred the Civil War. The John Brown Wax Museum is located at 168 High St, in a building that was standing during the raid. It isn’t haunted, as far as I know, but the wax effigies are eerily lifelike, especially the animated ones; and the scenes depict the events with, sometimes gruesome truth. I think all three of us found the place unnerving, when we visited.

The museum embraces its spooky qualities. Saturday, October 29th from 8 until midnight, they are hosting A John Brown Wax Museum Halloween. Visitors will tour the museum in low-light for added creep-factor and take in a concert on the gallows stage for only $5. John Brown’s execution was witnessed by John Wilkes Booth, who would go on to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. Booth was a regular visitor to Harpers Ferry and would rent a room at a cottage just outside the town. That house came to be known as The Booth House but has been resurrected, in recent years, as The Haunted Cottage. The Haunted Cottage is a paranormal research and training facility and is open to visits from the public. It is, apparently, haunted. It is believed to have been used as a make-shift hospital during the Civil War and many of the wounded likely succumbed to their injuries in the house. It stands, more or less, on one of the battlefield sites. There are a number of presences roaming the nearly 200-year-old house. Odd things occur with some regularity. Shadowy apparitions, things being thrown, moaning…you know, odd. You can tour the house, they conduct séances and the very brave can spend the night. Good luck with that. We just did a walk through and that was good enough for me. It is, at the very least, a really creepy old house. Now, that battlefield I was talking about – you can sleep there too, if you want. That’s where we stayed, during our visit. It is now the KOA Harpers Ferry Civil War Battlefield. The original civil war battlements still span the campground. The spirits of fallen soldiers are said to walk these battlements by night. I didn’t see them, but others say they have. Even without a ghost sighting, it was still a very nice campground with a great big swimming pool and a bouncy pillow! With all of Harpers Ferry’s history and reputation for spiritual activity; it is little wonder that the town is home to the oldest ghost tour in the United States. Ghost Tours of Harpers Ferry, by “O’ Be JoyFull”, is an evening romp through the rich anecdotal record of the town, and its inhabitants – both living and deceased. Whether you’re a whole hearted believer or a rabid sceptic, a good ghost tour can be an exciting history lesson. We often gain more insight into a place through stories than through plaques and pages of data. “O’ Be JoyFull” is located at 175 High Street. Tours are conducted Monday through Saturday at 8:00p.m. You’ll need a reservation. If you’re not up to the hilly walk, you may want to hang back and enjoy Parlour Ghost Stories at the “O’ Be JoyFull” Center. If ghostly encounters are your family’s idea of a thrilling vacation, start planning your trip to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. They’re waiting for you. Happy Halloween! Muwaaaahahahaha. – Jen R, Staff Writer

The Statue of Liberty Celebrates Milestone Birthday

Jen R
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The Statue of Liberty Celebrates Milestone Birthday
It’s Lady Liberty’s birthday today! The Statue of Liberty is 125-years-old. She only admits to 37. For 125 years, she has been a beacon of hope, a symbol of strength and has welcomed, “your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” For 125 years she has stood, unflinching, in the waves of New York Harbour, the first colossal image of America for some 12 million immigrants as they approached the shores of the United States. The statue has come to be synonymous with freedom, immigration, the city of New York and the United States of America. But, she is actually the work of French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and was a gift to America by the people of France, in 1886, as a sign of friendship. She is no small token. Today’s birthday celebration will resemble the ceremony that took place on her inauguration day, October 28th 1886, when Grover Cleveland presided. Symbolically, 125 people, originating from 46 countries, took their oath of citizenship at Liberty’s feet, this morning. After today’s festivities, the statue will close for a year, during which a $27.25 million renovation will take place to modernise the inner structure and improve safety and security. Liberty Island will remain accessible to visitors throughout the renovation period. The statue of Liberty was closed to the public after September 11th, 2001 and only reopened two years ago under tight restrictions. Hopefully, these renovations will improve the public’s access to this important monument. – Jen R, Staff Writer

Featured Review: Trunki Suitcase For Kids!

Lisa Arneill
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0
Featured Review: Trunki Suitcase For Kids!
When we go away we now bring with us 4 suitcases, 2 strollers and 2 carry-ons – which is a lot for mom and dad to tote. I have long waited for the day that my boys could bring their own stuff and it appears that time has come! Trunki offers kids a cool way to bring their own stuff and a place to sit (and ride) while waiting at the airport. This child-sized suitcase comes in a variety of friends including a tiger, ladybug, bee and dinosaur. It can also be customized with the included stickers to give it more personality. Inside the suitcase one side has two handy elastic straps that you can fasten together to hold a blanket or belongings in place.  To keep it more organized we also have the Trunki Tote 3in1 which can be velcroed to the inside of the case or carried by your child once the board the plane. Handles and a shoulder strap make it easy to carry for everyone and a set of ‘horns’ give your little traveler something to hold onto as they make their way through the airport. Perfect for bringing your child’s must-haves anywhere, Trunki also fits in the overhead bin and weighs just 3.8 pounds so it’s lightweight and ready to hold everything needed for a weekend at grandmas or trip down South. I should mention that because it is just the size of a carry-on, it’s not big enough to be the main suitcase.  It is, however, perfect for toting precious ‘musts’ like teddy, a blanket, games, books and anything else you little one will need while away from home. Previously only available in the UK, North American parents can find them at Brookstone for $39.   Specs:
  • Dimensions: 18″ x 8″ x 12.5″
  • Weighs:3.8 pounds
  • Max Weight(your child): 50lbs
  • Not recommended as checked baggage
  • perfect size for children aged around 3-6

Ten Tips to Save Money on Your Next Car Rental

Jen R
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Ten Tips to Save Money on Your Next Car Rental
There are plenty of expenses to consider, when planning a vacation. Airfare, accommodation, and ground transportation all take a big bite out of the budget. If you’re planning to rent a car, to get around on your next family holiday, RentACarNow.com has some tips and tricks that may save you some pretty major coin.
  1. Research discount codes and special rates. Your age, affiliation with the Automobile Association, even your job, may entitle you to a better rate on your rental. Find out which discounts may apply to you and then research which company will give you the best discount based on your situation.
  2. Avoid the temptation to go bigger. A larger, more luxurious car may be tempting, but it can also be costly. The agent behind the desk will probably try to sell you up. Remember that additional rental fees will also cost you additional taxes and the additional size will gobble up more gas. You don’t want to spend your vacation rolling up to drive-thru windows because you spent too much on your car.
  3. Book your car early, but keep watching the rates. Most car rental reservations can be cancelled without penalty. If you find a better rate, after you’ve booked, you’ll more than likely be allowed to cancel and book the better rate.
  4. Don’t book your rental at the airport. It is more convenient to pick your car up at the airport, and the rental company will charge you for that convenience. Mind you, when you’re travelling with little ones and slogging all their gear around, the convenience is sometimes worth paying for. But, you will save some money if you book your rental at an off-sight location. There will often be a free shuttle to take you and your luggage to the rental company, which makes things a bit easier. Check to be sure.
  5. Ensure that your rental agreement stipulates unlimited mileage. Most do, but double check. You don’t need any surprises at the end of a happy vacation. If you’re doing some serious sightseeing, it’s easy to rack up the kilometres without even realising it. Unlimited mileage means you can explore the back roads, to your heart’s content, without any second thoughts.
  6. Try to avoid one one-way rentals. Sometimes one-way is the only practical option, but if you can return the car to the same location you rented it from, you’ll usually avoid paying an additional drop-off fee. If your plans necessitate a one-way rental, make yourself aware of the fees in advance.
  7. You can ask the company to waive additional driver and underage fees. This, I did not know and I am very excited. Usually, if you want to add a second driver (or more), or if a driver is under the age of 25, you will incur additional charges. When we’re travelling, my husband gets stuck doing all the driving, because we don’t want to pay for the additional driver (additional driver being me). I had no idea you could just say, “Hey, you know that fee for the second driver? Could you not charge us that?” I’m going to try it next time and see if it works.
  8. Don’t prepay for gas, or return the car with less than a full tank. It’s highway robbery, what the car company will charge you for gas. According to a recent article in USA Today, some rental companies will charge as much as $9.29 a gallon to top up the tank. Don’t give them the chance. And, while we’re on the subject of outrageous fees, here’s a word of warning. DON’T SMOKE IN THE CAR. Practically all rental vehicles are non-smoking these days and it is illegal, in some jurisdictions, to smoke in a vehicle when children are in it. You don’t want a fine, and you certainly don’t want the $200 cleaning fee the rental company will stick you with, if they find out you were smoking in their car.
  9. I know you think you need insurance, but you probably don’t. Check to be sure, of course. Don’t take my word for it, but most people already have appropriate insurance coverage through their credit card or auto insurance policy. The rental agent will try to sell it to you, but if you don’t need it, don’t get it. There’s no point paying to be over-insured.
  10. Book your rental online. This gives you the opportunity to comparison shop, quickly, easily and from the comfort of your own home; without the hassle of making half a dozen phone calls or taking a trip to a travel agent’s office. Online rates are often better anyway.
So, there you go; lots of information to save you oodles of money on your next car rental. Now you can take all that extra cash and  upgrade your hotel or buy souvenirs! – Jen R, Staff Writer
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