Travel Links Around The Web!

Lisa Arneill
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Travel Links Around The Web!
While this was a busy week for travel news the biggest story was undoubtedly Malaysia airlines decision to ban infants from their first class flights on A380 planes. Chief executive Tengku Azmil Zahruddin attempted to defend the decision on twitter by saying they lose revenue due to complaints but the damage had been done.  Annie from PHDinParenting made the best point when she asked if babies are really the most annoying passengers? With families heading in every direction this Summer we list other interesting stories we followed this week:  

Happy Birthday Canada! We List Some of The Celebrations Planned Across The Country

Lisa Arneill
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Happy Birthday Canada! We List Some of The Celebrations Planned Across The Country
Tomorrow will mark Canada’s 144th Birthday and while everyone will be watching our Nation’s capital for coverage of the Royal visit there is a long list of celebrations planned around the country.

As always Ottawa has lots planned. They have a site dedicated to Canada day set up to help keep the day organized. Are you visiting or looking for something to do?  Many communities around the country have festivals, concerts and fireworks planned to celebrate the commemoration of the formation of the Dominion in 1867. Many bands will be performing all over the country.  A list can be found at the Canada hertitage site. One of my girlfriends summed it up the best in her Facebook status tonight,
maple leaf, bilingualism, hockey, First Nations, Beaver Tails, moderate politics, tuques, multiculturalism, moose, peace keeping, hearty beer, universal health care, Don Cherry, four seasons, human rights, loonies, twoonies, natural beauty, freedom… I LOVE CANADA!
Happy Canada Day Everyone.  Enjoy the good music, food and friendship!

Learn To Camp This Year With Ontario Parks

Jen R
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Learn To Camp This Year With Ontario Parks
An old-fashioned campout is an affordable and enjoyable family vacation.  But, if you’re inexperienced, the idea of a holiday, in the great outdoors, can be intimidating. I went on my first camping trip when I was in my twenties.  At the time, I saw campers as a group of skilled adventurers.  Nomads, who could sniff the air and taste the dirt and know a storm was brewing, to the east.  I wanted to join the camping ranks, but I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. My husband was little help.  He’d spent a total of one night in a tent, during an eighth grade fieldtrip.  That modicum of experience didn’t qualify him as an expert. We bought a tent, rented a campsite and flew by the seat of our pants.  That first trip wasn’t a raging success.  Our second attempt was a little better and we persevered, time and time again, until we had unravelled the mysteries of camping and ultimately, knew what we were doing. Think of the hassle we could have been spared, if we’d had the benefit of expert advice right from the start.  Beginning this season, novice campers can arrange just that.  This is the inaugural year for Ontario Park’s Learn to Camp program. There are two ways to take advantage of the program:
  • The first is through a series of community sessions.  These are free talks, geared to inform new campers on the ins and outs of “roughing it”.
  • The second is a series of overnight sessions, at a cost of $46.  The overnight sessions give novices a guided, firsthand experience at camping.  The park provides almost all the necessary equipment along with an experienced Ontario Parks employee to teach, advise and act as a safety net for nervous first timers.
Both community and overnight sessions are offered within easy distance of Toronto and the GTA. This is hopefully, the beginning of a trend in the camping world.  Earlier this season, Parks Canada held a National Urban Learn-to-Camp Event and July 16th, they are set to host the Great Canadian Backyard Campout, at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. If the idea of camping is intimidating, and I don’t blame you if it is, seek out and take advantage of a Learn-To-Camp event.  It may open up a whole new field of interest for you. – Jen R, Staff Writer

Featured Review: 2011 Maclaren Twin Techno Stroller

Lisa Arneill
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Featured Review: 2011 Maclaren Twin Techno Stroller
Maclaren is well known for their full line of lightweight travel friendly strollers. Unique to any other lightweight double on the market, the Maclaren Twin Techno was designed for 2 children from birth to 55lbs each (110lb total).  Besides being a stylish looking stroller, it has many features that are beneficial to parents-on-the go. Out of the box all I needed to do was install the canopies. The Twin Techno double stroller really feels like 2 strollers clipped together. So essentially there are two seats, canopies and individual foot rests that share a single middle frame and 4 centre wheels. When you open the stroller the wheels drop down like a regular umbrella but you need to lock the frame on both seats. For your child’s comfort Maclaren has included head huggers for both seats and a five position recline that allows the seat to sit flat to accommodate a newborn. For safety both seats have 5-point adjustable harnesses that can be set to 3 height positions and despite the fact that both of my boys can open their car seat buckles, neither can undo the Twin Techno’s harness latch. The independent canopies on the Twin Techno are really nice. Built to withstand all of the elements, the waterproof hoods have built-in visors that pop down to shield your child. The back of each canopy has a strip of clear plastic to give you full view of your child at all times and locks at the side to keep it in place. The stroller also comes with a rain shield (with 2 small vents) that securely clips onto the frame to completely cover the whole front of the stroller and, of course, your precious cargo. It does not, however, cover the storage basket at the back so be sure to pack something waterproof on a rainy day. Storage on the Twin Techno is similar to that of 2 umbrella strollers. Under each seat there is a basket that can hold a medium – large diaper bag folded sideways. I put the diaper bag in one side and my shopping in the other. Both baskets are supported by the frame of the stroller so you don’t have to worry about your groceries dragging if you load the basket up. Plus, on the back Maclaren has added a wipes holder and a storage pouch to each canopy for keys, snacks, money and your phone, which is REALLY handy. The push on the Twin Techno is really nice. Fully loaded with both boys it is easy to manoeuvre and keeps up with me if I’m trying to get my errands done quickly. Maclaren uses 12 – 6″ wheels on this stroller to give it a nice even push. The 6 front wheels lock for bumpy terrain, while the back six are stationary to allow you to control where the stroller is going easily. While I know that the extra set of wheels in the middle are necessary, I do sometimes kick them while strolling.  Taller parents may find they do this more often. Just like with all of their strollers, Maclaren uses 2 ergonomic handles to steer the stroller.   While this does make your arms stretch a little more than usual, the handles are turned in enough that it’s actually comfortable and if you diaper or beach bag has liner straps, you will still be able to hang it off the back of the stroller. The brakes are located on the outer 4 wheels and pivot side to side as opposed to the up and down lever that we see on many strollers. I actually like this better. Once you get use to it, it is easy to do with the side of your foot, which eliminates the ‘flip-flop’ friendly concern. The fold on the Twin Techno is what truly makes it unique. Even though I expected  it to fold flat like many doubles we have tested, it actually folds like an umbrella and locks on both sides. To get it closed you just need to unlock the latch on the right side and then unfasten. Once both frames are freed, just push the 2 handles together and it will start to fold in and then forward. For easy transportation Maclaren has also added a handle to the right side of the stroller. I love the fold on this stroller. It completely eliminates the risk of having to baggage check your double stroller while flying because it’s too big to be gate checked. If you didn’t count the number of wheels (there are an extra 4) you would just think it was a regular stroller when it’s folded, which is impressive. New for 2011 Maclaren’s new frame features a redesigned pivoting hinge that will eliminate any risk of little fingers getting pinched during folding and unfolding. I really like the Twin Techno .  It is a great stroller that is both durable and easy to maneuver.  If you are looking for a lightweight double stroller that has a nice comfortable push and is easy to use, the Twin Techno is perfect. I would recommend it for resort and amusement park travel, but think it would be too big for a cruise(getting through the door of the cabin or down the narrow hallways) or a trip to the beach. Specs:
  • Weight: 12.7 kg (27.9lbs)
  • Dimensions (Folded) 42″L x 19″H x  16.5″W
  • Unfolded 29.5″L x 43″H x  26.5″W

Ottawa: Five Reasons to Visit Canada’s Capital This Summer

Jen R
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Ottawa: Five Reasons to Visit Canada’s Capital This Summer
Steeped in history and marinated in culture, Ottawa is a fabulous city. I know you don’t need a list of fun things to do while you’re there, but I’ll give you one anyway. Here are five cool things to see and do in Ottawa this summer. Canada Day – July 1st is coming and being the capital city, Ottawa is always the place to party on Canada Day.  This year, however, there is an added draw to Parliament Hill; a royal visit by newlyweds, William and Kate.

If you didn’t make it to London for the wedding, you can still grab a glimpse of the world’s most sought-after couple.  As part of their first official trip as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Katherine and Wills will join in the Canada Day celebrations in the capital region.  People are buzzing with excitement.  Denise LeBlanc of the National Capital Commission says, “I think we’ll see a very full Canada Day – if people are thinking of coming, I would suggest booking sooner rather than later, because they may be out of luck.” Byward Market – Parliament Hill is a majestic sight but the city’s heart is in the Byward Market. Enjoy shopping for fresh produce, folk art and crafts in the outdoor farmer’s market.  Brows the shops, savour the restaurants and experience the street performers. The Byward Market offers the very best of everything.  It’s a food lover’s dream, and I am a food lover.  You can shop for artisanal cheeses, delicate teas, and sinful baked goods, then recapture the candy of your youth with a visit to Sugar Mountain.  Round the trip out with a visit to the Beaver Tails stand (so yummy, I could eat a dozen) and you’ve had yourself a good day. Capital Hoedown Country Music Festival – Ottawa may not be the first place that leaps to mind, when you think of country music but the organisers of the Capital Hoedown are fixin’ to change all that. August 11th-13th, the city plays host to the largest country music festival in North America.  There are some huge names in the line-up, including: Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts and Miranda Lambert.  If you’re a country music fan, Ottawa is the place to be this August. Torchlight Shakespeare – From July 4th to August 20th, A Company of Fools presents Antony and Cleopatra. Torchlight Shakespeare takes place in parks across the city and begins at 7 p.m., six nights a week (they’ve got their Sundays off).  The cost of admission…well, there is not cost of admission.  It’s a “pass-the-hat-pay-what-you-can” situation.  The suggested donation is $10. Add some culture to your holiday with this edgy, comedic take on one of Shakespeare’s most infamous tragedies.  Check their schedule to find the performance that fits into your summer. Lady Dive Amphibus – This may be the coolest way to play tourist for a day and see the sights of Ottawa.

A beautiful city, Ottawa boasts historic streets and impressive architectural highlights like, of course, parliament.  But, with the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal running right through the downtown, there can be no doubt that the waterways play an important role in the city. So, the best way to see the capital is on a tour bus that doubles as a tour boat.  The amphibus is a boat on wheels that tours you around Ottawa by both street and waterway.  All the while, knowledgeable and entertaining guides impart the city’s history and culture through funny and amazing stories. Ottawa is a fantastic city.  I’d up sticks and move there, if I could.  The city overflows with museums, art galleries, ridiculously good restaurants and world class hotels.  There is no shortage of reasons to visit Ottawa.  I’ve just given you five you might not have known about. – Jen R, Staff Writer

Great American Backyard Campout: A Great Excuse to Stay-cation

Jen R
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Great American Backyard Campout: A Great Excuse to Stay-cation
Do you have plans this weekend? Are you going to be hanging around the house? Turn an ordinary weekend into a stay-cation, with a backyard campout. This Saturday, June 25th, is the night of the Great American Backyard Campout. So, set up the tent, unfurl the sleeping bags and invite the neighbours over. Everyone’s sleeping under the stars. The Great American Backyard Campout is an annual event, initiated by the National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There Campaign. It is a fun way to encourage young people to switch off the computer games and head outside to explore nature. This has the potential to be a great evening for friends and family to gather, enjoy each other’s company and recall the pleasures of ‘roughing it.’ Visit the official website and register your own backyard campout. You’ll gain access to tips, activities, campfire songs and recipes for awesome camping treats like “armpit fudge.” Yes, it’s fudge that you really, truly make in your armpit. If you want the recipe, you’ll have to log on. Sleep outside this weekend, and have a fun stay-cation with your family. It’s a risk-free adventure. It costs next to nothing and if the evening falls apart, you just go back in the house. – Jen R, Staff Writer

Universal Orlando Raises Ticket Prices

Lisa Arneill
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Universal Orlando Raises Ticket Prices
Just a week after Disneyworld in Orlando announced their new admission rates Universal Orlando has increased their ticket prices. While a one day ticket will increase by just $3/per person, families looking to go for longer will have to shell out an extra $11 for 2 days and $16 for 3 days. Could it be Harry Potter’s fault?  Some say that the popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter, may be the culprit as the 20-acre park reportedly cost $250 million to build.
“This past year has shown us that our guests are excited by the entertainment experience we provide and the value we offer,” Universal Orlando spokesman Tom Schroder said Monday. “We worked to make sure our prices will continue to deliver the value our guests want.”
Vacationers looking for a discount will appreciate that Universal also doubled the size of the discount it offers for tickets purchased online from $10 to $20.  The deals can still be had, you’ll just have to do more planning to get them! A full list of  Universal Orlando’s price increases: Admission to one theme park per day:
  • One-day: $82 to $85
  • Two-day: $124.99 to $135.99
  • Three-day: $139.99 to $155.99
  • Four-day: $149.99 to $165.99
Two-park tickets:
  • One-day: $112 to $120
  • Two-day: $144.99 to $155.99
  • Three-day: $154.99 to $170.99
  • Four-day: $159.99 to $175.99
  • Fourteen-day: $194.99
Annual passes (all prices unchanged):
  • Power Pass: $159.99
  • Preferred Pass: $219.99
  • Premier Pass: $349.99
NOTE: All prices are for adults. Visitors can get $20 discounts on multiday tickets by purchasing online. SOURCE

Perfect for Travel! Valco Baby Introduces “Stroller Roller”

Lisa Arneill
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Perfect for Travel! Valco Baby Introduces “Stroller Roller”
Just in time for summer travel, Valco Baby introduces the Stroller Roller Universal Travel Bag ($100): the perfect answer to the airlines’ new restrictions on gate checking strollers! After years of traveling, I’ve learned that the baggage employees don’t treat your gear with the care that you would.  We’ve had handles damaged, strollers come up wet from bad weather and gear that’s been dirty from lord knows what. The  Stroller Roller is padded to protect strollers and designed for easy transportation (parents simply roll the stroller behind them) and the Universal Fit is compatible with most Single Strollers including: all single Valco Baby models, Baby Jogger City Mini, Bugaboo Bee, Bugaboo Chameleon (without bassinet), Uppa Baby Vista (without bassinet), Icoo Pacific, Icoo Targo, Hauck Malibu, Mamas and Papas Urbo, Bob Revolution, Mountain Buggy Swift, Phil and Teds Explorer (single and with doubles kit), Bumbleride Indie, Baby Jogger City Select (single and double). When you spend good money on a stroller its important that it arrives at your destination clean and in good working order.  Keeping it covered will ensure that the important parts are protected.

For more information please visit Valco.com

Royal Caribbean International Debuts ‘Revitalized’ Radiance of the Seas

Lisa Arneill
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Royal Caribbean International Debuts ‘Revitalized’ Radiance of the Seas
After a 21-day dry-dock, Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas reemerged from one of the most extensive revitalizations of the cruise line’s approximately $70 million Royal Advantage enhancements program for 2011.  The new variety of dining concepts, entertainment options, children’s programming and technology advancements originally introduced to industry-wide acclaim aboard Royal Caribbean’s new Oasis-class ships, debuts onboard Radiance of the Seas.

“Radiance of the Seas’ drydock is part of Royal Caribbean’s multi-ship enhancement and revitalization strategy to deliver the Royal Advantage to our guests,” said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “The Royal Advantage comprises some of the industry’s most innovative onboard amenities, programs and Gold Anchor Service that make up the most contemporary cruise vacation. By introducing almost all of the same specialty restaurants that can currently be found onboard Allure of the Seas as well some of the Oasis-class ships’ most popular concepts to Radiance of the Seas, guests can enjoy a variety of brand new onboard experiences.”
The enhancements to Radiance of the Seas introduces a range of amenities and experiences from the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery designed for children, 6 – 36 months old, to 12 newly added accommodations – one family, five interior and six exterior staterooms – and technology enhancements that include Wi-Fi availability throughout the ship and flat-panel interactive televisions in all staterooms. The ship also features a new Concierge Lounge for suite guests, a Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program members, the Quill and Compass Pub and an outdoor LED video wall overlooking the main pool area where families, friends and couples can enjoy movies under the stars and entertainment programs during the day. Dining options onboard Radiance of the Seas have nearly doubled with the addition of seven of the most highly acclaimed dining concepts in the fleet, including Samba Grill a Brazilian steakhouse, the Asian Izumi restaurant, the Mexican-themed Rita’s Cantina and the Italian family-style restaurant Giovanni’s Table, as well as the Boardwalk Dog House hotdog stand, Park Cafe deli-style restaurant and the exclusive Chef’s Table dining experience.  Concept overviews and pricing are as follows:
  • Boardwalk Dog House: Guests can choose from traditional hot dogs, wieners, brats, sausages and other delicious linked meats and a variety of toppings to split a long bun (open for lunch and dinner, complimentary)
  • Giovanni‘s Table: An Italian trattoria featuring Italian classics served family-style (open for lunch, $15, and dinner, $20)
  • Izumi: Featuring mouthwatering flavors and a sushi bar with hot-rock cooking, the pan Asian cuisine restaurant is a no-hassle, authentic dining experience (open for lunch and dinner, $3.00 cover charge for lunch and $5.00 for dinner plus a la carte menu pricing)
  • Park Cafe: An indoor/outdoor gourmet market featuring salads, sandwiches, soups and pastries (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, complimentary)
  • Rita’s Cantina: A casual yet vibrant indoor/outdoor restaurant, catering to families by day, and adults by night; offering traditional Mexican fare, a comprehensive selection of margaritas and live guitar music and dancing for evening entertainment (open for lunch and dinner, $3 cover charge and a la carte menu pricing)
  • Samba Grill: Styled after popular Brazilian steakhouses, the churrascaria is an interactive experience where guests choose from a variety of meats, chicken and seafood brought table-side by servers, ready to slice and serve upon request (open for dinner, $25 per person)
  • Chef’s Table: An exclusive and private experience co-hosted by the executive Chef and Sommelier for a wine pairing dinner of five courses (open for dinner, $95 per person).
This summer Radiance of the Seas sails alternating, seven-night Southbound and Northbound Alaska itineraries before repositioning for its first winter 2011 season to Australia and New Zealand. Four ships are undergoing revitalizations in 2011 including Liberty of the Seas (January), Freedom of the Seas (March), Radiance of the Seas, and Splendour of the Seas (October).  Each ship will reemerge outfitted with the most highly guest-rated features introduced on Royal Caribbean’s new Oasis-class ships. Even Oasis of the Seas, the first Oasis-class ship, now boasts new features with the recent addition of the DreamWorks Experience and 3-D movies which first debuted on Allure of the Seas. SOURCE

Vacation Outside of The Box – Spend a Night at the Zoo!

Jen R
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Vacation Outside of The Box – Spend a Night at the Zoo!
A trip to the zoo is a fun day out for the family, but what goes on through the night? There’s only one way to find out – sleepover! Wait…what? SLEEPOVER! I didn’t know you could do that! Did you know you can do that? Well, you can. Most major zoos, in Canada and the U.S. have an overnight program, of one kind or another. Understandably, coordinating a zoo sleepover takes some planning, so don’t imagine that you can simply turn up and spend the night like you would at a Super 8. Overnight programs typically run on specific dates and require reservations. Some zoos have a minimum group size to consider when reserving. Accommodation varies from zoo to zoo. Some provide a facility for sleepovers, while others provide tents for camping out. A few require participants to supply their own tent and gear, but they are in the minority. Themes for zoo sleepovers are usually geared to unique events or exhibits, at the particular zoo in question. For example, several zoos are planning to host a Father’s day campout for dads and kids. The San Diego Zoo is promoting a Black and White Overnight, featuring their pandas. The Pittsburgh Zoo offers an Ocean Exploration Overnight that focuses on the unique exhibits in the PPG Aquarium. The highlights of a zoo sleepover include exclusive exhibit tours, interaction with various animals and special guides, keepers or narrators who can spend the time to answer all of your questions. Because these experiences are designed to entertain youngsters, they often include fun activities, scavenger hunts and crafts. Breakfast, dinner and snacks will usually be provided. A zoo sleepover can be a fantastic and memorable experience. Be sure to read the information, provided by the zoo, so you know what to expect from the night. If you don’t fancy sleeping on the floor of an exhibit, some of these overnights may not be your cup of tea. If you don’t currently own a sleeping bag, you may need to borrow one, before you arrive. A night at the zoo can be a memorable alternative to a night in a hotel for road-tripping families. Even those planning to stay-cation, this year, may find that their local zoo can provide the highlight of their holiday. – Jen R, Staff Writer The following, is a list of links, to some of the zoos hosting overnight programs this year: If you zoo isn’t on the list and you have a sleepover program – add a link in the comment section!
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