Traveling With Kids ~ Our 7 Picks For Best Kid Gear!

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Parents know that an unhappy child during travel can make a 30 minute trip feel like 10 hours. Arming yourself with the best gear to keep your kids organized and comfortable, can be the difference between a smooth trip and one where your fellow travelers are asking to be moved to a different section of the plane. We’ve all been there and it’s not fun. Here are our 7 picks for best kid gear:
  1. Zoobies – A cute friend that doubles as a pillow and blanket – perfect for travel, especially on a cold airplane or overnight car ride!  Available in 29 animals including Paddington the Bear, Olivia the pig and The Hungry Caterpillar.
  2. Kushies My Bag – available in both pink and blue, Kushies My Bag is the best bag for an overnight trip to grammas or to give your child his/her tote for that trip down south. My Bag contains everything your child needs to make your life easier! Each tote comes complete with  cool compartments for your stuff including 1 insulated snack box, 1 insulated medicine box, 1 clean clothes bag, 1 dirty clothes bag, 1 soiled clothes bag with laundry insert, 1 spare shoes bag, a pillow and blanket and a handy hook for hanging.
  3. Kidz Gear– Headphones that are designed to fit little heads and they come with an external volume control and a volume limited to prevent hearing issues to little ears. They provide a comfortable way for your kids to enjoy the airplane featured movie or Blue’s Clues in the back of your vehicle. A STEAL at $17
  4. Trunki – a child’s suitcase that doubles a ride-on car for that boring trip through the airport! Available in 5 colors/styles including a lion and lady bug! Holds up to 100 lbs, has wheels stabilizers to prevent it from toppling over. $30
  5. Cuties & Pals – This pint sized hard shelled suitcase in the ideal size for a little traveler. Available in a many fun animal styles, this wheely bag also comes with a backpack!  Interior features polyester lining with dividing pocket, zip compartment and garment strips for efficient packing. $90 for suitcase/matching backpack
  6. Noodlehead kid’s travel pillow – Whether you are taking a roadtrip or a traveling by plane, these pillows are designed to comfortably support sleepy heads.
  7. Snack and Play Travel TrayKeep your toddler’s toys in one spot and within reach while on the road or on an airplane. The Travel Tray is built with two large side pockets conveniently located within easy reach, as well as a two-inch wall to stop toys or food from falling off. Easy and safe to use, it is also washable. $20

Five Awesome U.S. Destinations You Should See With Your Kids – Part 3: Yosemite National Park

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Hands down, the most beautiful place I’ve ever been is Yosemite National Park.  Mother Nature configures herself in some beguiling ways, let me tell you. With sweeping valley views, magnificent mountains and reality defying groves of giant sequoia trees, Yosemite is a spectacle at every turn. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of wildlife throughout the park, including bear and cougar.  Climbers love the park too.  The Half Dome and El Capitan, a couple of the most recognisable climbing locations in North America, are found in Yosemite.    While the park has a lot to offer adventurous travelers, it is also a wonderful destination for families. The park is very accessible, so families traveling with young children should find it easy.  Shuttle buses take you from the parking areas to various hotspots within the park.  A lot of the hiking trails we encountered were manageable with a stroller.  There are restaurants, and well equipped campgrounds as well as a lodge and a hotel.  So, your stay will be comfortable. Children will enjoy the interactive displays in the education areas.  There are a number of points within the park that are design to explain the history and the natural composition of Yosemite.  Children aged 3 to 6 will enjoy participating in the Little Cub program while their older siblings take part in the Junior Ranger program. Yosemite is a photographer’s dream.  The great Ansel Adams was the most famous photographer to capture the park on film.  If you appreciate photography, you should plan to visit the Ansel Adams Gallery before you leave.  After visiting the exhibits, head into the park and take a few family photos.  You’ll never find a lovelier backdrop. Yosemite is huge.  It is 761,268 acres, to be exact.  That means, the best way to appreciate the length and breadth of the park, is to travel through it by car.  There are plenty of places to pull over for photos along the way.  Note, however, that there are only a few roads through the area and weather, rock slides and wildfires can all cause disruptions, so check into the road situation before you make your way to the park. My family had the pleasure to driving through Yosemite, the summer before last.  It was truly amazing.  Yes, we were inconvenienced by a rock slide and yes, we were held up by a wildfire, but it was all worth it.  While the whole trip was beautiful, the best part of the drive was the last hour and a half.  It was a road trip I’ll never forget. We began our drive to Mammoth Lakes, via the Tioga Pass, in the early evening.  The 90 minute journey flew by in a moment as vista upon vista came and went outside my window.  As the sun slid down the sky the light became a soft and filtered glow.  That is when Yosemite became a true enchantress.  Photographers call this the golden hour. We stopped the car and snapped some of the most stunning photographs I’ve ever seen; no fancy camera or training necessary.  With all due respect to Ansel Adams, if you have a camera, you can’t help but take beautiful pictures.  It’s just a very photogenic place, plain and simple. My son enjoyed his time in Yosemite, but he was only two, so I doubt he’ll remember it.  It doesn’t matter, though.  It was a beautiful family vacation in a beautiful place and it is a memory I’ll cherish for a lifetime.  I encourage everyone to see Yosemite and create their own memories. – Jen R, Staff Writer
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Bed Bugs: An Unfortunate Side Effect of Travel

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Nobody wants to talk about it, but I’m going to say it anyway.  Bed bugs are among us.  Yuck! So, what are you supposed to do?  Hide out in your house and dowse everyone, who comes through the door, with DDT?  Of course not, that would be illegal.  The best defence against bed bugs is education. Bed bugs are everywhere now.  They’re across the country, in big cities, small towns, homes, offices, airplanes and cars.  Even Bill Clinton’s office wasn’t immune.  But, the fact remains, bed bugs are most prevalent in major population centers and tend to be passed around by travelers in hotels. We’re not talking about flea-bag motels, either.  Last year, there were reports of bed bugs at the legendary Waldorf-Astoria in Manhattan. Bed bugs are causing problems all over the country, but certain cities have been harder hit.  According to Orkin LLC and Terminix, and corroborated by The National Pesticide Information Center, the most infested cities in America are:  Cincinnati, Chicago, Detroit, New York and Columbus.  Ohio, as a whole, has been badly affected.  No one is quite sure why. Edwin Rajotte is a professor of entomology and IPM coordinator at Penn State University.  He says that there are a couple of things working for us, when it comes to bed bugs.  First, they don’t spread disease.  Second, they are the same wherever you go.
“There aren’t super bugs in Detroit or something like that,” Rajotte said.  I’m glad they haven’t developed superpowers, but what can we do about them?
According to Rajotte,
“The main defence against bed bugs is education and awareness because everybody has a role to play in managing bed bugs, and it’s much easier to manage if you catch it early.”
Kaci Buhl, project coordinator for the National Pesticide Information Center, suggests that travelers closely inspect the sleeping area of their hotel.  “Look everywhere,” he said. “Bring a flashlight and inspect the box spring, seam along the mattress, under tags on the bed, even the headboards.” Experts also suggest that you store your luggage in the bathroom, if space permits, as the bugs are less likely to travel into this area. Once you’re home from your travels, inspect your luggage before you bring it back into the house.  You should wash your cloths and dry them in the machine, on high heat, for at least 30 minutes.  This will kill off all stages of the bed bug life cycle, on the off chance you’ve picked up a stowaway. But, what if it’s too late?  A little hitchhiker has already followed you home and she’s a family.  Experts urge that you put your bed bug stigmas and embarrassment aside.  Call for professional help immediately.  It’s relatively easy to deal with a few bed bugs.  Let the infestation progress and you’ll find yourself with an expensive problem. So, long story short.  Do your best to avoid bed bugs.  Be smart.  Use precautions.  But, if you find you’ve come home with an unwanted souvenir, don’t ignore the problem.  The sooner you deal with bed bugs, the sooner they’re gone. – Jen R, Staff Writer SOURCE PHOTO VIA
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Five Awesome U.S. Destinations You Should See With Your Kids – Part 2: New York City

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New York City is not off limits to families.  You don’t have to shelve your appetite for big city adventure once you have children. Jay-Z calls it a “concrete jungle where dreams are made.”  The bright lights, cacophonous honking, and bustling streets of The Big Apple are simultaneously energizing and intimidating.  The city that never sleeps has something to offer everyone who visits, and that includes children. Just think of the landmarks!  Around every corner there is something you’ll recognize.  A trip to the top of the Empire State building gives a unique perspective of the city.  Have your children look down and count the yellow taxis – impossible! Even in the city, children need a place to run.  Let them burn off some steam in Central Park.  With long pathways and open spaces it’s a wonderful place to play.  The park’s beautiful design makes it a bastion of serenity amid the chaos. If you have the energy, take a walk, jog, or stroller ride across the legendary Brooklyn Bridge, if for no other reason but to say you’ve done it.  It’s a magnificent feat of engineering. No visit to New York City would be complete without seeing ‘lady liberty’.  There are a few ways to see the Statue of Liberty.  You can take a boat tour to Liberty Island.  Note that strollers are not permitted on the Promenade or Observatory Tours.  Children aged 7 to 12 can participate in a Junior Ranger program.  Admission to the statue is free for children under three. The tour can be done in conjunction with a trip to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.  If your family’s immigration story begins at Ellis Island, it may be a meaningful stop for both you and your children. But, if you don’t have a family connection with Ellis Island and you feel no need to see the ‘lady’ in the flesh, you may want to do it my way – the cheap way.  The Staten Island Ferry passes right by the Statue of Liberty, every half hour, and it’s absolutely free.  You heard me, free. Cars, trucks and motorcycles are not allowed on the ferry, so it’s a matter of walking on, sailing past the statue, staying on (because there’s nothing to see on Staten Island – no offense) and sailing past her a second time. After you’ve seen the sights, it’ll be time to do a little shopping.  Believe it or not, a trip down Fifth Avenue might be the most exciting part of your child’s trip to NYC.  Why?  Because, Fifth Avenue is home to the FAO Schawrtz flagship store.  Remember the dance-on piano from the movie BIG?  It’s at FAO Schwartz.  This world renowned toy store is sure to be a favourite stop for young and old alike. New York City is a foodie’s dream-come-true.  Just choose a price point.  The Big Apple boasts delicious street food, famous delis, awesome ethic restaurants and the poshest nosh you’ll find anywhere in the world. Don’t feel you need to shy away from nice places because you’re with kids.  If you have the means to afford it, and your child’s temper seems stable for the time being, give it a try.  On the few occasions my son has been in elegant surroundings, he has behaved surprisingly well.  Dinner at an exotic restaurant can be a wonderful way to educate a child’s palate and introduce them to new foods. I haven’t even mentioned Times Square, the United Nations, Broadway or Rockefeller Center.  Even a ride on the subway is an experience.  The list goes on and on.  The more you learn about New York, the more you’ll want to see.  You could probably spend a lifetime there…some people do.  It’s definitely worth visiting with your kids. – Jen R, Staff Writer
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Traveling With A Baby? Here’s 5 Must-Haves For Your Carry-On Bag…

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Traveling with a baby is work. There – I’ve said it. But the truth of the matter is, the work is worth it. The trips and adventures we’ve had have as a family have given us the most cherished memories. To make those memories means you have to get there first, and that’s where all your prep work will come in handy. The more organized and prepared you are, the easier it is to get through your travel day. And that’s (usually) all it is. A day. That day often starts with an early wake-up or ends with a late bedtime, but so long as you plan in advance, your organization will pay off. You’ll need to invest in a good carry-on bag. It needs to have pockets and sections for storage, but not so many that you can’t remember where you put stuff. And you’ll have lots of stuff! But amidst all of it, do not forget these 5 things:
  • Wipes: You can never have too many of them. Diaper wipes clean faces, sticky hands, icky public bathrooms (don’t flush!) and questionable eating surfaces. Don’t just fill your little plastic sleeve before you venture out. Make sure you have a solid supply of wipes that will last the duration of your journey and beyond.
  • Diapers: This may seem obvious, but don’t skimp on the number of diapers you bring for your travel day. A good system for me is 1 per hour of my journey plus 2 more to be on the safe side. Don’t tempt fate by bringing the minimum. Clean diapers weigh almost nothing and you can use them to cushion the contents of your carry-on.
  • Food: Again – this may seem obvious. But surely you’ve heard the horror stories of people trapped on the tarmac for hours on end, either before or after a flight? I usually pack at least double the amount of food and/or bottles I think I’ll need. Delays happen. Being prepared with extra on hand means you don’t have to sweat them.
  • Toys: There is no need to spend the bomb on brand new stuff that will get broken or lost along the way. Hide old favourites for a few weeks before your trip and baby will be delighted to see them. Dollar stores are good sources for inexpensive trinkets that will occupy baby for little expense. Don’t forget a few books as well. Keeps baby busy and you’ll have them for storytime once you get there.
  • First Aid Kit: Because you never know when a fever will strike or your child will get hurt. In a small pencil case I include a bottle of children’s Motrin, Boiron’s Camelia (for teething) a thermometer, bandaids, Antibiotic Ointment, Antiseptic wipes and a backup bum cream.
And lastly… Patience and/or Coping Strategies: Our kids pick up on our moods, so if you’re in a foul one because the ticket agent was snippy or you forgot to pack socks, your child will pick up on it and (mis)behave accordingly. Cautiously optimistic is the way I like to play our travel days. If we expected everything to go completely smoothly all the time, we’d be sorely disappointed. Be sure to cram a change (or two) of clothes for baby and you in with everything – use a good carry-on packing list so you don’t forget anything. And, for goodness’ sakes, have a blast on your first trip with baby! – Corrine McDermott

Five Awesome U.S. Destinations You Should See With Your Kids – Part 1: The Grand Canyon

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At least once in every childhood, there should be an epic road trip to an epic destination.  The Grand Canyon is such a place. Photographs, paintings and documentary footage all try to capture the knee buckling magnitude of the Grand Canyon, but they can never quite do it justice.  Nothing ever prepares you to stand at the canyon’s edge. The Colorado River began to carve Arizona’s jewel more than five million years ago.  It now commands the landscape along 277 river miles.  At its widest point, it spans 18 miles and the hike to the bottom is a mile long. It is an audible gasp inducing spectacle.  But, it’s more than just a photo op.  It is a treasure trove of history, geology and ecology.  Even young children can learn amazing things at the Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon National Park contains a diverse fossils record and physical evidence of three of the four eras of geological time.  The park also boasts five of North America’s seven life zones and three of the four types of desert found on the continent.  This variety in climate has fostered a collection of ecosystems and a wealth of bio diversity. The Grand Canyon offers a series of Junior Ranger programs for children between the ages of 4 and 14.  Junior Rangers participate in programs led by a park ranger and also complete age appropriate, activities from a booklet that can be found in various locations throughout the park.  Some of the programs also involve hiking or mule riding. All the Junior Ranger programs are free of charge.  I can’t think of a better way to ensure that children remain engaged throughout their visit. Upon completion of the Junior Ranger program, children earn a certificate and badge and can obtain a sew-on patch at one of the non-profit bookstores.  It is well worth investigating the programs to see how they might fit into your trip. To stand at the edge of the Grand Canyon is to stand with the unfathomable forces of nature laid out at your feet.  You should see it with your kids. – Jen R, Staff Writer Related Articles:
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Top 10 Family Friendly Vacation Destinations!

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Deciding where to take your family on vacation can be a stressful task for a parent who wants to ensure that  they are heading somewhere that has lots to do. The Weather Network has listed their top 10 family friendly vacation destinations.  This list is filled with great options that offer excitement, adventure and education. Here is the list! San Diego, CA – San Diego is popular with families because it has great weather year round, is close to the beach and offers  a variety of attractions. The renowned San Diego Zoo, is famous for it’s Wild Animal Park, which is home to 4,000 animals spread out over 100 beautiful acres. SeaWorld is a must visit with it’s opportunities to get close to marine animals & aquariums  as is Legoland for a day of rides, shows and a cooldown at their huge waterpark. San Diego is also home to many gardens, performing arts venues, and 15 major museums ranging from art to science to air and space to natural history or anthropology. balboapark.org offers lots of information about all of the attractions and lots of discounts as well.

Orlando, FL – A family could visit Orlando 3 or 4 times in one year and not do the same thing twice. On top of being home to Disney World’s four giant theme parks and two water parks, this kid friendly city offers dozens of other attractions for vacationing families like Seaworld, Universal Studios Orlando, Gatorland, and spring training for several Major League Baseball teams. Plus if you time your trip just right, you may be able to catch the shuttle launch at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, just 45 minutes away.

Yellowstone National Park – Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America’s first national park. Located across 3 states, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, the park is home to a large variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk.

Kids ages 5 – 12 who will be visiting Yellowstone in person can become Junior Rangers. Children ages 5 and up can become a Young Scientist. An in-park science inquiry paper for ages 5 through adult is also available at Old Faithful and Canyon.
Hershey, PA – Dubbed ‘The Sweetest Place on Earth’, Hershey Pennsylvania is home to many attractions for families and couples. Visit Hershey’s Chocolate World for an interactive tour-ride that explains how chocolate is made and ends with a sweet sample.  Families will also love ZooAmerica, Hershey Park, Dutch Wonderland and Hershey Gardens.

Atlantis, Bahamas – Paradise awaits your family at Atlantis. This amazing vacation spot, which is made up of 5 hotel towers and a townhome complex, caters to vacationers of all ages. There is a long list of activities for families including an expansive water park with a lazy river, Dolphin Cay and an Aquarium that lets you get up-close views of more than 50,000 marine animals from over 200 species.  Atlantis also features 21 restaurants and 19 bars and lounges offering everything from fine dining to quick-and-easy favorites.

Caribbean Cruises – A busy family looking to for an exciting vacation will love a cruise. On top of sailing on a luxury liner, each cruise line offers many activities, excursions and educational opportunities. A guided open-air tour through your favorite island will teach your kids more than they will ever learn at school as will a snorkel excursion to a crowded reef. Parents can also take advantage of the babysitting services or kids clubs that many ships offer to enjoy some time together while at sea.

Maui – While Hawaii’s 2nd largest island is home to more than 80 beautiful beaches, there’s so much more for active families to do like biking, surfing, snorkeling.  You can spend the afternoon hiking Maui’s Haleakala Crater — a dormant volcano — in Haleakala National Park or whale-watch in the winter. Maui also hosts the nation’s largest tropical reef aquarium at the Maui Ocean Center and if you are up for an adventurous ride the scenic Hana Highway will keep you on your toes with it’s 600 curves and dozens of one-lane bridges.

Washington, DC –  The capital of the United States is a beautiful city that is rich in history, architecture, and park land, most of which is open to the public year-round. A must-see is the Smithsonian Institution, a collection of more than a dozen museums, galleries, and the National Zoo – most of which are free!  Travel by water, bike or by foot to to explore Theodore Roosevelt Island, Turtle Park or The National Museum of Natural History and it’s 125 million natural science specimens and cultural artifacts.

Estes Park, CO -Estes Park, Colorado, is home to the majestic scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park. This vacation destination offers a multitude of outdoor excursions for the active family.  Camping, fishing, climbing, biking, and wildlife viewing are just a few of the activities that will keep you busy.  Those who are more adventurous can white water raft the Colorado and Poudre rivers, ski down the north side of Sundance Mountain or hike the Rocky Mountain trails.  Regardless of what you plan to do at Estes park, bring you camera because the scenery is breathtaking.

Myrtle Beach, SC – Myrtle Beach sits on a 60-mile stretch of Atlantic beaches from Little River in the north to Georgetown to the south.  It has been a top East Coast vacation destination for decades because it is at the center of it all, a budget and family-friendly destination. It’s so family-friendly, many hotels have children’s programs, family packages and play areas designed just for little travelers. And while the top attractions are the sunny, sandy beaches, Myrtle Beach offers lots of options to keep the whole family happy.  For dad there a 100-plus golf courses or 50 miniature golf courses for competitive families.  Myrtle Beach also has a number of amusement and water parks.
Family Kingdom features more than 30 rides including a thrilling wooden roller coaster and South Carolina’s largest ferris wheel with one-of-a-kind views of the ocean. Splash down on our Log Flume, freefall 110 feet in our Slingshot Drop Zone, bounce a bit on our bumper cars or hit the Go-Kart tracks. Plus, Family Kingdom’s oceanfront waterpark is just across the street.

Website Makes Roadtrips Easy

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The holidays are fast approaching and many of us have to travel a long way to get a taste of that turkey.  If your family is preparing to journey to the ends of the Earth, in search of green bean casserole and gravy slathered mashed potatoes, you may want to check out myscenicdrives.com, a website dedicated to being a one-stop shop for all your US travel needs. My Scenic Drives is a great resource when you’re planning a road trip.  Whether you have a long way to go or just want a leisurely jaunt, this site will help you find the most scenic route and will also help you plan your stops along the way.  You can plot out your food breaks, find service centers, choose the best hiking trail, and discover some great attractions.   It’s like asking a trusted friend’s advice. But, myscenicdrives knows that your road trip might not start in the car, so they have recently added applications to help organize and book flights, car rentals, and hotel accommodations. They make it easy to download maps, text links to your phone and plug coordinates into your GPS.  It’s modern travel planning all in one comprehensive place. Let’s face it, family travel, while wonderful and rewarding, can also be stressful.  Take some of the frazzle out of the planning with a visit to my scenic drives. – Jen R, Staff Writer.
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Inflatable Booster Seat Takes Exhibition by Storm

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Would you ever consider using an inflatable booster seat as your child’s restraint system in the car?  The idea of plopping your child on top of a balloon and going for a drive sounds questionable.  When I first learned of the BubbleBum booster seat, I was sceptical.  But as I learned more, I began to see its merits and, I think, it has won me over. The BubbleBum booster seat was designed as a cost-effective, lightweight safety device that deflates and folds flat for easy transport in backpacks, purses or luggage.  Created for children between 3- and 11-years and 15-36 kg, this highly portable device is ideal when families have to do a lot of vehicle hopping, i.e. holidays, rental cars, taxis, bus travel, school trips and car pooling. The BubbleBum is approved by the United Nations under ECE Regulation R44/04 and is for use with a three-point adult harness. This extremely nifty gadget is the brain-child of Irish entrepreneur, Grainne Kelly.  Grainne is a busy mom with two little ones and is also a travel agent.  She developed the BubbleBum in response to her own frustration with conventional booster seats.
“I created the BubbleBum as there was no solution on the market to allow parents to have the correct child restraint available for their child in every situation.  Every child is important and deserves to be safe on every journey,” Grainne said, adding, “Modern families do a lot of travelling in cars, coaches, taxis and bulky, heavy booster seats just aren’t practical to carry around even for one child, never mind if you have two or three.”
Isn’t that the truth?  I can certainly think of occasions when such a practical booster seat would have been handy. I’m not the only one who likes the idea.  Grainne and her BubbleBum are currently receiving acclaim and international attention at the Kind & Jugend exhibition in Cologne, Germany.  Kind and Jugend is one of the most important trade fairs in the world, for baby and toddler products.

The BubbleBum is one of five finalists in the Innovation Awards, World of Travelling Baby (children’s car seats) category, at the exhibition. This is the second time, this year, that Grainne’s booster seat has been recognized.  She also received the bronze award in Practical Parenting Magazine’s 10/11 Awards.  The judges presented the award, “as validation of the product’s great quality, usability and value.” The BubbleBum is already hugely popular in the UK and Ireland and is making inroads into the rest of Europe and America.  Grainne hopes that the Kind & Jugend exhibition will help to gain exposure for the BubbleBum and increase sales to new markets.
“BubbleBum has been designed to be small, light, practical and so easy to use that it’s perfect even for quick taxi journeys,” Grainne said.  “Plus it looks good, so kids don’t mind carrying it around in their rucksacks or schoolbags.”
As long as it doesn’t pop, I’m all for it. – Jen R, Staff Writer Related Articles: SOURCE
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Adventures By Disney Invites You to Explore Egypt

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Imagine hot African days melting into cool desert nights, the aroma of jasmine wafting through the air, and camel tracks across the sand.  Imagine losing yourself in a labyrinth of medieval alleyways, crowded with people and stalls selling silver, rugs and exotic spices.  Imagine sailing down the Nile river, being dwarfed by the columns and statues of pharaonic temples and seeing the wonders of the ancient world with your own eyes. Now imagine sharing that experience with your children.  What a special memory for the entire family. Well, imagine no longer.  Adventures By Disney has added a 9-night Egypt vacation to their line-up. Trip highlights include:
  • A camel ride past the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx
  • Three nights in Cairo including visits to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and the Khan Khalili marketplace
  • A three-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor
  • A felucca sailing excursion on the Nile
  • An Egyptian cooking class
  • Tours of ancient temples of the Nile including the Temple of Luxor
  • A tour of the city of Luxor, in a horse-drawn carriage
  • A visit to the Valley of the Kings, including a tour of the tomb of Tutankhamen
  • Snorkelling in the Red Sea
  • Two-nights at the Red Sea resort Sharm el Sheikh
Fun activities are planned to entertain the kids while parents explore some venues on their own including, a Junior Adventurers art detective activity at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. After a day of excitement and discovery, families can relax together to snack on popcorn and watch some of their favourite Disney classics. Adventures By Disney allows families to explore and enjoy without having to entangle themselves in the logistical nightmares that can accompany travels, with children, in an unfamiliar country.  They have gained access to venues most travellers would not see and have taken steps to ensure the safety of your family. According to the Adventures By Disney website, “The Egyptian government has taken steps to provide additional safety and security measures throughout the country, including an armed police presence.” If you’re like me, you’ve travelled to Egypt 100 times…in your dreams.  Now you can take the journey for real.  Knock it off your ‘bucket list’. If Egypt doesn’t happen to be on your family’s ‘bucket list,’ Adventures By Disney offers a variety of intriguing opportunities to visit destinations in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America.  Download their E-Brochure and let the day-dreaming begin. – Jen R., Staff Writer [ad]