Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips
Portable Playtime: Don't Fly Without One of These
When I received one of these Portable Playtime backpacks, I had one of those moments. One of those "why didn't I think of that?" moments. I also thought how incredibly handy this would have been on all the flights I have endured with my kids.
This fabulous backpack has all the necessary compartments to bring those must have toys on a flight. Books, action figures, crayons and paper, even snacks - all of it will fit in there and have a place to stay organized and keep your kids entertained. But that is not even the best part.
Everyone can find a bag for these things, but what makes Portable Playtime genius is that not only is it a great bag, it is also a perfect playmat to fit on the tray table. Yes, it open up and covers the germ infested tray table, stays securely in place, and gives your kids the perfect place to play with all the things they brought along for the trip.
Easy to keep clean, kid-tough, and in great colors and patterns, the award winning Portable Playtime backpack makes flying with kids so much easier, you will wonder how you managed without it.
To make this product even more appealing, Portable Playtime is offering Car & Caboodle readers 20% off through the end of the year, simply use the code "caboodle" when you check out.
November 6, 2008 in Gear Reviews, Giveaways,Coupons & Deals, In Car Entertainment, Luggage & Travel Accessories, Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips | by Anne | Permalink | Comments (0)
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On Tray Makes Supermarket Snacktime More Sanitary
Want a place to keep snacks handy for your kid while shopping? Check out OnTray. Just make sure to wipe down the handlebar before attaching the snack tray! This snap on storage container comes in four colors and includes a lid so you can fill it with healthy snacks or small entertaining toys before you even leave home. You might want one for yourself to use as well - it works great as a coupon organizer.
October 17, 2008 in Baby Gear, Gear Reviews, Snack Attack, Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Go Racing with the Family
When most people think of Motorsports, the thoughts either run from glamorous Formula 1 cars, the Prime-time excitement and personalities of NASCAR, or modified stockers running around a dirt track in the middle of nowhere. Spectating big races is certainly a family affair, but one doesn't get the vibe that participation is. To those with some knowledge of the sport, racing is widely regarded as a rich man's game, but neither of those assumptions has to be true.
I have spent a weekend at Summit Point Raceway the past two summers helping crew for (read: watching) my good friend Chris Ridgley race his 1991 Honda CR-X Si in the ITA class. This is SCCA regional amateur racing, under the MARRS chapter, and they have 8 races per year.
Improved Touring racing is one of the least expensive classes to enter. Cars must be 7 years old or older, and run the gamut from shiny BMWs to old Rabbits and Datsun Z cars. On a typical SCCA weekend you are likely to see more Miatas and RX-7s than anything else. You won't see any big-name sponsors, if you see any at all. Chris estimates he has about $17,000 tied up in his CRX, but he had the car built himself. Most people buy race-ready cars of other racers. $10,000 will buy you a car ready to compete mid-pack.
Despite the amateur nature and friendly atmosphere, the racing action is very exciting. I enjoyed watching the Spec Racer and Formula Ford heats the best, along with Chris' ITx race.
Most everyone brings their families to camp at Summit Point, and my daughter Stella was happy to spend the day playing with friends in the back of Chris' Pilot. To a man the other car owners were friendly, approachable, and willing to talk about (and try to sell you) their race cars.
As we were heading across White's Ferry back into Maryland, Stella exclaimed it was the "best.day.ever!" and while I think that might have been for my benefit, I'm confident she'll have just as much fun next year.
Here is a full gallery of photos from our trip, but be warned, I'm far more amateur of a race photographer than Chris is a driver.
October 6, 2008 in Editorial, Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips | by Kyle Pike | Permalink | Comments (0)
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The Camera For Your Bag: Panasonic Lumix FX35K
My husband and I have found the perfect pocket camera with great picture quality - the Panasonic Lumix FX35K.
I realized lately that my 4 megapixel HP camera just wasn't doing it for me when I was taking pictures of the kids. I stopped taking it places and realized I was doing myself a disservice. It was time to upgrade. I would love to get a digital SLR, but our funds were not going to allow that. I really wanted to stay in the less then $300 range. I found the Panasonic Lumix FX35. It's super small and slim, the size of a deck of cards. The menus are easy to use and it takes great pictures.
One thing I was worried about was that the picture quality. Would the pictures be hazy? After reading too many reviews I finally settled on the Lumix. Many reveiwers kept emphasizing the picture quality on the great Leica lens. I had hit the jackpot, and to be honest they were right, it's picture quality is superb. I would say my biggest complaint is the camera's speed, but in truth I'd give that up any day for a clear picture of my boys. If you're looking for a great small point-and-shoot I highly recommend this one for your bag.
September 9, 2008 in Clutter Control, Gear Reviews, Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips | by Candice Kahn | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Music For The Road - Uncle Rock Saves the Day
A thousand miles, a carful of kids. It's no small undertaking. It's a situation that calls not only for some music, but for the right music. The perfect presciption to keep kids and parents both, in good spirits as the miles roll by. For this we needed a professional. We needed Uncle Rock. We're loving Uncle Rock's Road Trip Mix available on iTunes. Here's the playlist, just click through to itunes to download your own.
1. Rock Out - Uncle Rock
2. House Party Time - Dan Zanes & Friends
3. Dance Around - Ralph's World
4. I'm A Believer - The Monkees (or Smash Mouth)
5. One Little Slip - Barenaked Ladies
6. Alphabet Of Nations - They Might Be Giants
7. Peace Will Come - Dog On Fleas
8. Best Day Ever - Spongebob Squarepants
9. Yellow Submarine - The Beatles
10. Funkytown - Alvin & The Chipmunks
11. The Time Of Your Life - Randy Newman
12. What Goes On - Elizabeth Mitchell
13. Accidentally In Love - Counting Crows
14. Superhero Medley - Uncle Rock
About Uncle Rock: Before being dubbed "Uncle Rock" by his nephew, Robert Burke Warren performed as a bass player in many rock and roll bands, including international garage rock titans The Fleshtones, and spent a year portraying Buddy Holly in "Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story" in London's West End. His CDs "Uncle Rock - Here We Go!", "Uncle Rock Plays Well With Others" and "Uncle Rock U" feature catchy, funky, raw rock songs for kids and their families and have recieved rave reviews from the LA Times and Cookie Magazine.
We're looking forward to rocking out more with Uncle Rock on Car and Caboodle, and can't wait to hear what he has in store for us for back to school and upcoming holidays.
August 6, 2008 in Travel Tunes, Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Safety Tuesday: Shop and Plan Ahead for Child Safety
No one wants to plan for an emergency, but a little bit of planning goes a long way towards making the most of your vacation days and can help prevent a tragedy. Worth the effort!
If you are planning a trip then you will want to check out some of the offerrings at the Chicks and Cubs website. Some picks to consider:
1. Physical IDs for children to have all the information they need, ON them, to get back to parents quickly if they become lost. ID bracelets, Shoe Stickers, Shoe Tags, Dog Tags, Temporary Tattoos, Electronic Child Locator ($8.00-$30.00)
2. Wallet IDs These are great for putting all the important information in one place. Parents carry the card and hand it over to authorities if you child is lost. Also great for giving to other caregivers (child care on a cruise, playdates,...). This can also be a physical ID for tweens/teens - since they don't have a drivers license yet. ($10.00 for 5 cards)
3. Parking Pal Magnet This is a magnet that you put on your car. It gives children something to do while you get babies and/or other gear out of the car so they don't dart out into traffic in a parking lot. (set of 2 magnets for $16.00)
4. Information for before you go on a trip (to busy, crowded places!!). Kid Escape! from Child Abductors DVD - teaches kids physical moves to try there very best to ESCAPE from an abductor. ($12.00)
5. Mini First Aid Kit This first aid kit is great for little scrapes. Great size for diaper bag, camera bag, purse. ($6.00)
August 4, 2008 in Editorial, Safety, Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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In the Bag: 5 Essentials for an Overnight with the Grandparents
The Trip: It may not be over the river and through the woods, but an overnight with Grandparents can still be an adventure.
The Bag: Trunki is a great suitcase. Trunki can hold all the overnight essentials and provide extra ride-on fun, holding up to 110 lbs. Flying? It is the perfect carry-on size.
Tunes For The Road: Make the plane, train, or car ride fly by with an MP3 player. Is your little one not ready for an iPod? Try this one from from Disney.
Need a Craft Project? This adorable Cuppa Knitting To Go from Madallie is a great way to bring a craft project on the road. All you need to make a scarf (yarn, knitting needles, instructions) is packaged in the to-go cup.
A Baking You Will Go: Surprise Grandma by bringing a baking kit with you. The kits from Kid Central Kitchen make baking easy and nutritious.
Document the Journey: This Kid Tough Digital Camera will make it easy for the littlest photog to make a scrapbook or their trip. Put together an album and send it to Grandma and Grandpa once you get home.
How Memories Are Made: Time with family is always a treasure. With a little planning, an even more amazing trip with Grandparents is in the bag.
July 30, 2008 in Gear Reviews, Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips | by Anne | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Sweet Treats for Western Travellers
In a world where schools no longer allow cupcakes in the classroom for birthday celebrations, sweets have been getting a bum rap. And yet, the more we marginalize our treats, the more we long for the simple pleasures we remember from our childhood - the penny candy, the bubblegum cigarettes, the technicolor gummy worms. It's so bad. But so good.
Forbidden fruit tastes all the sweeter and throw in a little nostalgia and you've got sugar shock in a good way. Powell's Sweet Shoppes turn everyone into the proverbial kid in a candy shop, serving up sweets, toys and novelties for just about every age and gender.
Got a hankering for an obscure, novelty, foreign or oldtime sweet? Chances are you will find things here that noone else has. Zotz, Flying saucers, Mary Janes, Aero Bars, Violet scented gum, Flicks, Crows, Pez and hundreds of others took us on a stroll down memory lane. Meanwhile our kids delighted on newer novelties like Grilz and browsed the gummy bins for everything from gummy letters to gummy fried eggs. With scenes from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory playing on a wide screen tv at the back of the shop and a custom candy themed soundtrack piped through the aisles, we knew we'd entered a magical place.
Not a candy person, I enjoyed the fresh gelato at the newly opened Powell's in Laguna Niguel, California. We were delighted to discover that this shop also stocks a grand assortment of boutique and old fashioned sodas and a very impressive collection of sugar free confections that just about anyone can enjoy. Even if none of the edibles tempt you, the collection of retro lunchboxes and old timey toys and games will win you over.
If you are travelling out west, make one of these shops a destination and your kids will remember this as the best trip ever. It's definitely worth going out of your way. For a complete listing of all the locations, see the Powells Website.
And don't forget to say "Thanks for the Memories!"
July 25, 2008 in Editorial, Snack Attack, Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Safety Tuesday: Everybody Buckle Up - Retro Safety
July 22, 2008 in Safety, Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Safety Tuesday: Pedestrian Safety
A compelling reminder of the importance of protecting your kids around other drivers.
July 15, 2008 in Safety, Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Safety Tuesday: Humorous Review
Car safety is a serious subject but you're gonna be tempted to laugh when you watch this!
July 8, 2008 in Safety, Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Safety Tuesday: Backup Dangers
This report shows some sobering footage about the lack of visibility behind large vehicles and suggestions for what you and your family can do to minimize the dangers.
July 1, 2008 in Safety, Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Safety Tuesday: Creating an Emergency Auto Kit
Have you put any thought into putting together an emergency preparedness kit for your car? Here's some suggestions for what you need and how to do it!
June 24, 2008 in Safety, Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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In the Bag: 5 Essentials for a Trip to the Beach
The Trip: It's that time of year! Pack up the kids, the cooler, even the family dog and head for a day of fun in the sand and surf.
The Bag: The Saltwater Canvas Whale is the mother of all beach bags. From the seemingly never-ending pockets to the mesh fabric that allows sand to fall through before you load it in the car, this truly is the last beach bag you'll ever need.
Don't Bug Me: Dr T's Supergoop SPF 30 Deet Free Bug Repellent Spray will keep you burn and bite free. Not only will it keep you and yours comfy, it's organic formula is safe for marine life and not tested on animals.
Keep 'em Under Wraps: What kids wouldn't want to be wrapped up in this groovy tie dyed towel from Lands End? These quality towels will dry the kids off and provide a place to lounge.
If You Build It: The Sand Ball and Brick Maker is a great way to take your sandcastles to the next level. This is a great toy for the kids, but just as entertaining for mom and dad as well.
How to Get the Wet Stuff Home: The answer to getting your wet suits home is the Wet Happened? wet bag from MiniMe BabyGear. With great pattern choices and and two different sizes, MiniMe BabyGear allows you to transport your wet gear in style without worrying about leaks.
One Last Thing: With some drinks and a few snacks, your day of fun in the sun it set. Just add the family, because all you need will be in the bag.
June 20, 2008 in In The Bag, Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips | by Anne | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Top 12 Kid-Friendly Destinations in Baltimore
Spending some time with the Family in Charm City? Car and Caboodle writer Kyle shares his picks for family fun in Baltimore
Shopping:
- Bediboo 4321 Harford Road, Lauraville
Did anyone think I wouldn't pick this as my number one destination?? Seriously cute baby and kids clothes, toys and gear. Note: Kyle's wife owns this fabulous store! - Red Canoe 4337 Harford Road, Lauraville
While you're at Bediboo, a stop at this great children's bookstore and cafe is in order. - Baltimore Farmer's Market Holliday & Saratoga Streets, Downtown; Sundays from 7 AM - Noon thru 12/21
Simply the best farmer's market I've ever been to. Lots of friends and their kids to see, terrific sausage and pit beef sandwiches, and Zeke's Coffee taboot! - Belvedere Square Belvedere Ave & York Road, Govans
The Belvedere Market has a handful of awesome vendors, and the shops that flank it such as Bratt Decor are great as well. Atwater's soups make the trek worth it alone.
Dining:
- Clementine 5402 Harford Road, Hamilton
This brand-new restaurant, opened by Sobo Cafe alumni, is both ridiculously good and family friendly. More kids than adults on some nights, a freshly stocked play area and mac and cheese to die for keep the kids happy. - Golden West Cafe 1105 W. 36th St., Hampden
Long been our favorite restaurant in the city, menu items like PB&J French toast and chocolate chip pancakes never disappoint. Spirographs in the kids menus are a nice bonus. Be sure to turn off your cell phone! - Paper Moon Diner 227 W. 29th St., Remington
Diner food with brains. Thousands of toys plastered to the walls, ceilings, and every available surface. You'll love it. - Amer's Cafe 7624 Belair Road, Fullerton
Amer's (pictured abover) is one of the many middle eastern brick-oven pizzarias in Baltimore, but it's the belly dancers, extravagant holiday decorations, and the fact that kids get to make their own pizzas what makes this place great. The friendly family service is a big plus too.
Play:
- Patterson Park Eastern Ave & Patterson Park Ave, East Baltimore
an oasis in the city, running from Butcher's Hill to Highlandtown. New playgrounds, a great fishing pond, a summer concert series, a newly renovated enormous public pool and an ice skating rink are just a few things this park has to offer. - Port Discovery 34 Market Pl, Inner Harbor
The "kid-powered museum" is really much more than a museum. However long you plan to be here, double it. It's that great! - Maryland Science Center 601 Light St., Inner Harbor
More of a traditional museum than Port Discovery, if your kid is into dinosaurs (whose aren't?) this stop is a must-see. Great toddler play area as well as an Imax theater for the grownups' enjoyment. - National Aquarium Pier 4, Inner Harbor
Despite my listing it 4th, The Aquarium is the best stop for kids in Charm City. From the sharks to the dolphin show to the puffins to the blue tangs (read: Dori) and clown fish (read: Nemo), the kids will be amazed throughout. The Australia exhibit is kind of underwhelming for the hype it received, but still worth 15 minutes of your day. There is a HarborPass available for all three Inner Harbor attractions as well.
June 18, 2008 in Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips | by Kyle Pike | Permalink | Comments (0)
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In the Bag: 5 Essentials for a Trip to the Doctor
The Trip: Whether for an annual check-up or an unexpected illness, visiting the Doctor is something that no one can avoid. Here are a few essentials to make the trip a little easier.
The Bag: The Petalonia Tote Bag from the William Wegman Collection for Crypton Super Fabrics. Not only is this bag incredibly fashionable, the fabric is resistant to stains, spills, odors, and bacteria. That means whatever your bag may run into, and at the doctor's office the possibilities are endless, you can be confident your bag won't bring it home with you.
Keep it Straight: The Ticket Tango Travel Wallet by Lug is an essential for holding all your important travel documents. When you are visiting the doctor, use it to keep immunization records, physical forms, referral forms and even appointment cards right at your fingertips.
Got Snot? Boogie Wipes are gentle yet effective at cleaning up, well, boogies. Moisturizing and lightly scented, these are way better than the standard issue tissues in the waiting room that usually feel like sandpaper.
Bring a Friend: Sophie the Giraffe is made of natural rubber, has non-toxic paint and is loved by kids all over the globe. Easy to grasp, safe to chew on and fun to squeak, my little guy played with her for the entire 45 minutes we were in the waiting room.
Keep 'em Covered: If your infant is yearning for the comfort of a swaddle, or if your toddler has a fever but wants the comfort of a blanket, aden + anais muslin blankets are exactly what you are looking for. Lighter than air, these are sure to comfort your little one when they need it most.
One More Thing: Don't forget to throw in some children's tylenol, especially if immunizations will be a part of the visit. All you will need to keep your little one comfortable and yourself organized will be in the bag.
June 13, 2008 in In The Bag, Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips | by Anne | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Themed Roadtrips Part One - I'm With the Band!
We're heading into the summer months and although the price of gas is at an all time high, many of us are still planning on heading out on a road trip at some point between now and Labor Day. And in anticipation of the trip, you may be thinking about what dvds to buy/rent to keep the kiddos amused.
But wait! Before you plug them in - check out our suggestions for fun family themed travel. Themed travel you ask? What the heck is that? Well consider it the equivalent of the themed party. Just like leis and beverages with paper umbrellas make a barbecue less boring, themed travel can turn an ordinary roadtrip into an extraordinary adventure.
The Theme: Concert Tour.
Before the Trip: Let your kids pick their favorite artist/popstars. Buy or lend them some oversized sunglasses and have them make a sign for the car window discouraging the paparazzi. Compile a playlist of their favorite songs by the artist(s) and don't forget to pack their ipods.
Games for the Trip:
- Lyrics Challenge: Think your kids know every word to "Life's What you Make It?" by Hannah Montana or whatever your kids fave star is? Put that knowledge to the test by challenging them to sing the song in a round robin, one word at a time.
- Band Campers: Score a point for every RV you spot that may or may not contain your fellow rockers.
- Famous Friends: One person picks a person at the next table at a restaurant, or in the tollbooth and decides what celebrity they think the person looks like.They write it down and everyone takes turns guessing.
Other Activities:
- Fan Mail - Send out postcards to your adoring fans describing life on the road
- Song Writing - Because travel inspires you to write a song
- X was here - Take a picture of your rocker(s) in costume at landmarks. Bonus points to anyone holding a mic or musical instrument.
Additional Optional Accessories:
- Themed pajamas, bedding, etc (for night travellers)
- Themed Stationary and Travel Activity type books
- Disposible Cameras
Most of all don't forget to pack your sense of humor!
Got a themed roadtrip idea or pictures/amusing blog posts of your own themed road trip to share with Car and Caboodle? Tell us about it in the comments!
June 9, 2008 in Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: road trip
Kids Off to Camp? You'll Need This...
Most camps want you to clearly label all your kid's possessions. Finding the right supplies can be tricky but we've had great success labelling our kid's possessions with custom labels from Mabel's labels. These are essential for camp but great for daycare kids and kids in elementary school as well - our motto is "label it or lose it" and given the many trips we have made to lost and found (finding our labelled goods) in the last few yrs, these labels have more than paid for themselves.
Watch the video for some pointers on how to get all your camp gear labelled and ready to go.And don't forget to order some stationary for those priceless letters home.
May 15, 2008 in Luggage & Travel Accessories, Quick Picks, Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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In the Bag: Keep 'Em Quiet in Church
The Trip: Sunday Church Services
The Bag: Built NY Medium Market Tote. You want the kids to have easy access to their stuff and get in and out of the bag fast - so don't put items in a bag with 47 different zippered and velcroed compartments.This tote from Built NY is made of cushy neoprene (which may dampen the noise when the kids inevitably drop it on the floor) and keeps drinks cool and all their items in plain view. It's also machine washable.
Hungry Kids are Noisy Kids: Snacks are often the first line of defense, but keep in mind that crinkly packages should be left behind. If you use a Snack Trap, noise and crumbs can be left at home. Drinks should be used with the understanding that the more liquid you put in, the more often you'll hear, "but I have to go NOW..."
Quiet Entertainment: Classic toys to keep 'em quiet are Magna Doodle and Etch-A-Sketch For another take on creative play, try those Automoblox Minis the kids have been drooling over. A new toy is as exciting to a child as new car smell to Mommy and Daddy!
Last Minute Addition: Toss in their favorite book (the one they can look at or read over and over and over...) and the service will be over before the kids have time to get bored.
May 9, 2008 in Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips | by Anne | Permalink | Comments (1)
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In The Bag: A Trip to the Park
The Trip: Your favorite neighborhood park
The Bag: Having all hands on deck to deal with the kids is essential, so a backpack is perfect. The Baby Sherpa Short Haul is a great choice. Comfortable and lightweight, it features a cooler compartment for snacks and assorted clips for extra sweaters, shoes, and whatever else you can come up with.
The Hydration: Nothing hydrates better during hardcore play than plain old H2O. Keep it tasting fresh and cool in aluminum containers from Sigg.
The Responsible Parent Packs: A small first aid kit like the Boo-Boo Box from Medibag for cleaning and covering up scrapes and cuts. Toss some tweezers in there – splinters happen!
Perfect Plaything: The Lets Explore the Neighborhood Deck by Cranium Bloom.
Listen to Mom: Pack a lightweight fleece or hoodie in case the clouds come rolling in and your little ones start to get chilly but aren’t quite ready to call it quits.
April 23, 2008 in Trip Planning & Family Travel Tips | by Anne | Permalink | Comments (0)
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