tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61650838093332015852024-03-13T18:16:51.120-07:00Traveling With KidsA family travel blog. One mom's tips, advice, and experiences. MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.comBlogger442125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-23696946078032379562017-08-07T16:36:00.000-07:002017-08-07T16:36:15.772-07:00A walk in the woods<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o9glAlea1HQ/WYj5IFBEKOI/AAAAAAAAG9A/o1lYht5yTHAhO6sCaUbyIR1oG8Wv6k6OgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170806_130642_294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="648" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o9glAlea1HQ/WYj5IFBEKOI/AAAAAAAAG9A/o1lYht5yTHAhO6sCaUbyIR1oG8Wv6k6OgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170806_130642_294.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's BC-Day long weekend here in British Columbia, and even though the skies are still hazy (because of the smoke from the tragic fires in the interior), the weather has been beautiful.<br />
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On Sunday, I headed out for a hike in the woods of North Vancouver with the family, and we ended up having a great time in Lynn Headwaters. All told, we hiked about 8 km, some of that up some steep hills on the Lynn Loop Trail, and yes, my legs were rather tired afterwards!<br />
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Lynn Headwaters is a great destination with both kids and dogs: some challenging hikes, but also some trails that are easy to walk for young kids.<br />
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<a href="http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/parks/parks-greenways-reserves/lynn-headwaters-regional-park" target="_blank">All about Lynn Headwaters</a>.MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-42491782828664427352017-08-07T09:11:00.002-07:002017-08-07T09:11:48.400-07:00Hello again!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SJOIrM3X5jE/WYiQntj5k_I/AAAAAAAAG7Q/4LzbKy3Oxwk5bdrf2TR_mhlQy9uzcrIdQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170727_124631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SJOIrM3X5jE/WYiQntj5k_I/AAAAAAAAG7Q/4LzbKy3Oxwk5bdrf2TR_mhlQy9uzcrIdQCLcBGAs/s400/20170727_124631.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the beach in Gotland.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hi there! It's been a long time since I posted here at Traveling With Kids. I've been busy doing many other writerly things (if you're interested, you can catch up with that side of my writing on my wordpress website: <a href="https://mariahaskins.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Maria Haskins - Writer & Translator</a>).<br />
<br />
My plan is to post more regularly here again, and I am also working on a book based on the tips and advice I've shared here over the years.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotland-skies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In travel-news, I just came back from another trip to Sweden with my kids (who are now 10 and 14 years old) - and as usual we had a great time. We swam in some rather cold water, enjoyed some terrific food and sunshine, visited the island of Gotland for the first time (a post is forthcoming), and also discovered the joys of fresh-pressed juice and smoothies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EAHdl73EvbA/WYiRDrnhSII/AAAAAAAAG7Y/sv7eVyNrtvQDrtiFO7S5hqF3woirXDgUgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170720_165000_761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1353" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EAHdl73EvbA/WYiRDrnhSII/AAAAAAAAG7Y/sv7eVyNrtvQDrtiFO7S5hqF3woirXDgUgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170720_165000_761.jpg" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Mjödvattnet, Sweden.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Thanks so much for reading. <br />
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<br />MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-71766992907601701922016-03-20T22:17:00.001-07:002016-03-20T22:17:42.065-07:00Stingrays, otters, and belugas - visiting Vancouver Aquarium<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BFDurkI89gY/Vu-Dc455iAI/AAAAAAAAGKA/w-LiAZ_mM5Y2WVVtYxuzNvZzIs5hFlRYA/s1600/rays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BFDurkI89gY/Vu-Dc455iAI/AAAAAAAAGKA/w-LiAZ_mM5Y2WVVtYxuzNvZzIs5hFlRYA/s400/rays.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
It's spring break right now for my kids: two weeks off school, and as usual we've been roaming around locally to entertain ourselves. My kids love the Vancouver Aquarium, so last week, that's where we ended up.<br />
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There's a brand new exhibit at the aquarium: Discover Rays Touch Pool, an interactive stingray exhibit where you get to put your hand in the water and actually touch the rays when they swim up to you and soar by. It was our first time experiencing this new attraction (it only opened on March 10th this year), but it was an instant hit with the kids. Judging by the crowd around the stingray pool, it was also a big hit with everyone else.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Z6IJiIFcRA/Vu-CvpujQLI/AAAAAAAAGJ4/4yq_8TXc3Z0xdlyFa3daQuTqtSSztMumw/s1600/20160317_131524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Z6IJiIFcRA/Vu-CvpujQLI/AAAAAAAAGJ4/4yq_8TXc3Z0xdlyFa3daQuTqtSSztMumw/s400/20160317_131524.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peekaboo, sting ray!</td></tr>
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Of course, there are some ground rules for this exhibit: you rinse your hands and arms (up to the elbow) in the provided faucets, you remove jewelry and roll up your sleeves, and you don't grab the stingrays. The advice is to just hold your hand flat under the water and let the rays touch you as they zoom and soar by. Worked a charm for us. You definitely want to wash your hands afterwards too, using some soap and water...<br />
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While the stingrays were definitely the highlight of this particular visit, my children also loved visiting with the otters (one of them was playing rather adorably with a ball at the time), and getting a real closeup look at the belugas in the Arctic exhibit below ground.<br />
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We had one very curious beluga come up and take a good look at us through the glass, giving me a chance to get some pretty great photos.<br />
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As usual, we ate our packed lunch on the lower floor next to the dolphin pool, looking in through the glass at Helen, the Pacific white-sided dolphin, and Chester, the false killer whale rescued from a beach last year.<br />
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It was a gorgeous sunny day and also a very busy day at the Aquarium. I learned one thing: you should renew your membership online or over the phone, <b>not </b>at the Aquarium itself - at least not during spring break... Let's just say the lineup for membership signups and renewals was not moving all that quickly!<br />
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Once inside, there is a lot to see for kids and grownups: the frogs, all the different kinds of jellyfish, the tropical gallery with its snakes and monkeys and parrots, and a lot more. The Vancouver Aquarium is not a cheap place to go, but it remains one of those local places my kids never really get tired of visiting.<br />
<ul>
<li>For hours and rates, visit the <a href="http://www.vanaqua.org/" target="_blank">Vancouver Aquarium's website</a>. </li>
<li>To avoid lineups, buy your tickets or memberships online, or get your tickets at the vending machines outside the Aquarium.</li>
</ul>
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<br />MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-46334010392024476312016-02-28T15:57:00.000-08:002017-08-07T09:29:19.290-07:00Protecting yourself & your kids from mosquitoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LXNb6Gpyxxk/WYiVO4u2_gI/AAAAAAAAG7k/hlhjf71CCy8kZL2FhfbdN0txqaFG5fnfQCLcBGAs/s1600/757px-Aedes_aegypti_biting_human.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="757" height="253" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LXNb6Gpyxxk/WYiVO4u2_gI/AAAAAAAAG7k/hlhjf71CCy8kZL2FhfbdN0txqaFG5fnfQCLcBGAs/s320/757px-Aedes_aegypti_biting_human.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There has been a lot of talk in the media and elsewhere about the mosquito-borne Zika virus. The virus is currently known to circulate in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific, and it is carried by one specific kind of mosquito. <br />
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<b>Here are some key facts from the <a href="http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/" target="_blank">WHO</a> about the Zika virus:</b><br />
<h3 class="section_head1">
</h3>
<ul class="disc">
<li>Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted by <i>Aedes</i> mosquitoes.
</li>
<li>People with Zika virus disease usually have symptoms that can
include mild fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain,
malaise or headache. These symptoms normally last for 2-7 days.
</li>
<li>There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available.</li>
<li>The best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites.
</li>
<li>The virus is known to circulate in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.</li>
</ul>
While the Zika virus is the one getting the most attention recently, there are many diseases that are transmitted by mosquitoes, including malaria. This is list is from the organization AMCA at their website <a href="http://www.mosquito.org/mosquito-borne-diseases" target="_blank">mosquito.org:</a> <br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.mosquito.org/mosquito-borne-diseases#Malaria">Malaria</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.mosquito.org/mosquito-borne-diseases#Chikungunya">Chikungunya</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mosquito.org/mosquito-borne-diseases#Heartworm">Dog Heartworm</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mosquito.org/mosquito-borne-diseases#Dengue">Dengue</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mosquito.org/mosquito-borne-diseases#Yellow%20Fever">Yellow Fever</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mosquito.org/mosquito-borne-diseases#EEE">Eastern Equine Encephalitis</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mosquito.org/mosquito-borne-diseases#SLE">St. Louis Encephalitis</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mosquito.org/mosquito-borne-diseases#LAC">LaCrosse Encephalitis</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mosquito.org/mosquito-borne-diseases#WEE">Western Equine Encephalitis</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mosquito.org/mosquito-borne-diseases#WNV">West Nile Virus</a></li>
</ul>
If you are traveling anywhere where these mosquito-borne illnesses are present, you should speak with your doctor about how to protect yourself, and possible vaccines you should be aware of before heading out on your trip. <br />
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It's always a good idea to protect yourself and your children from mosquitoes: if only to avoid getting itchy and annoying mosquito bites. The three key words are: avoid, repel, treat. Avoid getting bitten, repel the mosquitoes, and treat the bites.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010EXXY5A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B010EXXY5A&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=SCZ2QVKWUJWL5CMJ"><img border="0" src="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B010EXXY5A&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B010EXXY5A" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013IRR1A8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B013IRR1A8&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=FFODGB2NKKQMJCGC"><img border="0" src="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B013IRR1A8&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B013IRR1A8" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>1. Avoid.</b><br />
You can avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes by wearing clothing that covers your skin (light coloured clothing is said to be best for this purpose), and by using mosquito netting for beds, playpens, and strollers.<br />
<br />
Use a net to cover your baby when they're in the stroller or sleeping in a crib. Covering up to avoid getting bitten is also a simple solution (though it can be a challenge if it's hot), and there are even special brands of light-weight clothing that helps keep the bugs away. For example:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013IRSQAM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B013IRSQAM&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=YGASGLPVEGWCZIAS">Bug Smarties Micromesh Performance Pants with Insect Shield</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B013IRSQAM" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EVQYB5O/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EVQYB5O&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=2CF5TPGELQLZJTB4">White Sierra Youth Bug Free Long Sleeve Tee</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00EVQYB5O" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FAN8F22/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FAN8F22&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=5IKUIPRBZOE64NIS">ExOfficio Women's Bugsaway Damselfly Jacket</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00FAN8F22" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</li>
</ul>
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0030EK6HU" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0121TZIHW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0121TZIHW&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=PNJ5T3IO6RHAJ7ZA"><img border="0" src="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0121TZIHW&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0121TZIHW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>2. Repel</b><br />
Using mosquito repellent is a must if you're in mosquito-filled areas. Even when we're visiting Sweden in the summer (where we worry more about itchy bites than diseases), repellents are a must if we're heading into the woods. For babies and young children, you do want to pick and choose which repellents you use: certain chemicals - especially DEET - should be avoided, especially for very young kids.<br />
<br />
There are mosquito-repellent bracelets you can use, but I haven't had much luck with these myself. Maybe my blood is just too delicious!<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007S9UESY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007S9UESY&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=NBBGFS4RXJYLN5SF">Off! Mosquito Repellent Liquid Lotion for Kids</a>
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001ZWPI4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0001ZWPI4&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=WKLUQGULLXCKYZ4F">Avon SKIN-SO-SOFT Bug Guard PLUS</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0001ZWPI4" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EJXEHI0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EJXEHI0&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=FVVV6VTA4LEHXMP4"><img border="0" src="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00EJXEHI0&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00EJXEHI0" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054QBBEE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0054QBBEE&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=QQJVFEXOGTXTQ6EA"><img border="0" src="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0054QBBEE&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0054QBBEE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<b> </b><br />
<b>3. Treat</b><br />
If you do get bitten, a bit of relief is always nice. I've been using After Bite since the kids were babies, and I really like their products. Here are some other products that can help stop that itch:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CXUMHQ0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00CXUMHQ0&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=4PJOYUMSD5QITK24">Itch Be Gone All Natural, Kid Safe Anti-itch Spray</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00CXUMHQ0" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M9OOL00/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00M9OOL00&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=SRCHPUR763AL3LXA">Mitigator Sting & Bite Scrub Treatment</a>
</li>
</ul>
MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-49415868918767341302016-01-20T22:12:00.002-08:002016-01-20T22:12:41.843-08:00Sun-screen & coral reefs - protecting kids & the environment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-avSUx2WvuT0/T3tIl8XUI_I/AAAAAAAAB9U/-nExuxpxeng/s1600/suits2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-avSUx2WvuT0/T3tIl8XUI_I/AAAAAAAAB9U/-nExuxpxeng/s320/suits2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Last year, a scientific study released last year showed that oxybenzone, a common ingredient in sunscreen, can damage coral reefs. To quote <a href="http://today.ucf.edu/lathering-up-with-sunscreen-may-protect-against-cancer-killing-coral-reefs-worldwide/" target="_blank">a report on the study</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The researchers found that oxybenzone, a common UV-filtering compound,
is in high concentrations in the waters around the more popular coral
reefs in Hawaii, and the Caribbean. The chemical not only kills the
coral, it causes DNA damage in adults and deforms the DNA in coral in
the larval stage, making it unlikely they can develop properly. The
highest concentrations of oxybenzone were found in reefs most popular
with tourists.</blockquote>
And:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Cells from seven species of corals were killed by oxybenzone at
concentrations similar to those detected in ocean water samples. Three
of the species that the researchers tested are currently listed as
threatened under the US Endangered Species Act.</blockquote>
This is bad news for the environment. Coral reefs around the world are threatened by many things: development, fishing practices, and pollution - including, it seems, oxybenzone.<br />
<br />
Anyone who has gone swimming, snorkeling or diving with or without kids in places like Hawaii, the Caribbean, Australia, and elsewhere knows that coral reefs are home to a mind-boggling number and variety of sea-life. Protecting coral reefs, while also protecting ourselves and our kids from the sun, is an important task. <br />
<br />
So what do you do if you want to enjoy the ocean, and the coral reefs, without killing or damaging them?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IHVSNBM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00IHVSNBM&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=32V3JORUDEDRFE4C" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00IHVSNBM&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00IHVSNBM" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IHVSNBW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00IHVSNBW&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=XWYB5GK6UMSCMSM5" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00IHVSNBW&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00IHVSNBW" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<b><br /></b>
<b>1. Use clothing to cover up, even in the water.</b><br />
Rashguards are a great for both kids and adults to wear at the beach. For my kids, I like the ones that are long-sleeved, or at least 3/4 sleeves, and preferably with a little collar around the neck for extra protection.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DJDPZY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001DJDPZY&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=F5V2D27ITAD2RTN7" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B001DJDPZY&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001DJDPZY" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BYC1RBE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BYC1RBE&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=RPR5I3GC7WNKECGW" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00BYC1RBE&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BYC1RBE" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<b>2. Use sun-screens without oxybenzone.</b><br />
Sunscreens with titanium oxide or zinc oxide do not damage coral, and I'm thinking there will be a lot more "coral friendly" sunscreens on the market soon.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BTHOFKE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BTHOFKE&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=CADE4SVTKGTTDNXC" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00BTHOFKE&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BTHOFKE" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014I4TYA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0014I4TYA&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=4TKTDAGYIW4BBDO2" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0014I4TYA&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0014I4TYA" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<b>3. Find some shade</b><br />
Even if you're not going in the water, sun-screen residue can still end up in the water, through run-off
and sewers. This means that avoiding sunscreen products with oxybenzone even if you're just hanging on the beach is probably a good
idea. Some ways to reduce the need for sunscreen is to use hats, cover-ups, parasols, beach umbrellas and beach-tents for shade and sun-protection.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Read more about sunscreen: <a href="https://vacatia.com/family-vacation-blog/post/9-burning-questions-about-sunscreen-and-your-kids" target="_blank">9 burning questions about sunscreen and your kids</a></li>
<li>Read more about coral and sunscreen <a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/10/20/450276158/chemicals-in-sunscreen-are-harming-coral-reefs-says-new-study" target="_blank">at NPR</a>.</li>
</ul>
MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-52997077861147041102015-12-23T14:44:00.000-08:002015-12-23T14:44:05.589-08:00Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings... all the best to you.I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday. Here's to more wonderful travel and adventures and experiences with friends and family in the future!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n4EjeAnrgFI/VnsjoeapDjI/AAAAAAAAF4M/3Gks3M0EBlc/s1600/greetings_2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n4EjeAnrgFI/VnsjoeapDjI/AAAAAAAAF4M/3Gks3M0EBlc/s400/greetings_2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-604754376710704852015-12-02T23:22:00.001-08:002015-12-03T23:13:19.187-08:00Three bookish gift-ideas for traveling (and non-traveling) kidsBooks always make lovely gifts, no matter what the occasion, and they also make great travel companions. Whether you bring along one or more paperbacks or hardcovers for a long trip, or whether you load up your e-reader or tablet with some bookish enjoyment, it's always a good way to pass the time: on board the airplane, at the airport, at the hotel, on the train, or wherever else you find yourself.<br />
<br />
There are so many good books out there for children, but here are three that have really caught my eye lately, and have also received a stamp of approval from my kids.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0113LYBMM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0113LYBMM&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=7DK6VQU3QWUN23CR" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0113LYBMM&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0113LYBMM" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<h4>
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0113LYBMM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0113LYBMM&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=7DK6VQU3QWUN23CR" rel="nofollow">The Fox and the Star</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0113LYBMM" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, by Coralie Bickford-Smith</b></h4>
<b>About the book:</b><br />
<i>"From the award-winning designer of the iconic Penguin Hardcover
Classics comes a beautifully illustrated fable about loss, friendship,
and courage."</i><br />
<br />
<b>My take:</b><i> </i><br />
This is an absolutely gorgeous book that should definitely be judged by its cover. The illustrations by Coralie Bickford-Smith are strikingly beautiful, and the story itself is touching, heart-warming, and wistful. This books is available in both ebook format, and as a hardcover, and it would make an amazing gift in any format, but the hardcover might be the way to go for this one: illustrations of this quality and caliber do look their best in actual paper-format. Its a book that would work well for kids who are reading by themselves or with some help, and it would also make a lovely book for reading out loud.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XzEo6IccOe0/VmE89K09DdI/AAAAAAAAFvw/hFG7CSISGFk/s1600/wingsoffire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XzEo6IccOe0/VmE89K09DdI/AAAAAAAAFvw/hFG7CSISGFk/s200/wingsoffire.jpg" width="129" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545855721/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0545855721&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=2QQOXTSUYDG6VQD4" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0545855721&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0545855721" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<h4>
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545855721/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0545855721&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=ZIZ6PXGYUHIZS6T4" rel="nofollow">Wings of Fire Boxset, Books 1-5</a>, by Tui T. Sutherland</b></h4>
<b>About the book:</b><br />
<i>"A war has been raging between the dragon tribes of Pyrrhia for years.
According to a prophecy, five dragonets will end the bloodshed and
choose a new queen. But not every dragonet wants a destiny. And when
Clay, Tsunami, Glory, Starflight, and Sunny discover the truth about
their unusual, secret upbringing, they might choose freedom over fate --
and find a way to save their world in their own way."</i><br />
<br />
<b>My take:</b><br />
I've just started reading this series of books with my 8 year old, and she absolutely loves them. At this point, she could read them herself (they are listed as being for kids 8-12 years old), but she still enjoys having her bedtime read-out-loud stories, and I'm not going to argue with that. The books are engaging, easy to read, and very well written: the dragons talk and behave much like human tweens and teens, but their struggles and their adventures all take place in the fantasy world of Pyrrhia, where dragons are the main characters and humans are only mentioned in passing as "scavengers". I would highly recommend these books to any and all young readers with an interest in fantasy, and especially for dragon-lovers! The box set contains the first five books: there are two more available right now, and an 8th one being published in early 2016.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q5LJFJA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00Q5LJFJA&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=HP3KTR6HO2MP4D7C" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00Q5LJFJA&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00Q5LJFJA" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<h4>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q5LJFJA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00Q5LJFJA&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=HP3KTR6HO2MP4D7C" rel="nofollow">Shadowshaper</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00Q5LJFJA" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, by Daniel José Older</h4>
<b>About the book:</b><br />
<i>"Sierra Santiago planned an easy summer of making art and hanging out
with her friends. But then a corpse crashes the first party of the
season. Her stroke-ridden grandfather starts apologizing over and over.
And when the murals in her neighborhood begin to weep real tears...
Well, something more sinister than the usual Brooklyn ruckus is going
on.<br /><br />With the help of a fellow artist named Robbie, Sierra
discovers shadowshaping, a thrilling magic that infuses ancestral
spirits into paintings, music, and stories. But someone is killing the
shadowshapers one by one -- and the killer believes Sierra is hiding
their greatest secret. Now she must unravel her family's past, take down
the killer in the present, and save the future of shadowshaping for
generations to come."</i><br />
<br />
<b>My take:</b><br />
This young adult fantasy novel set in present-day Brooklyn is a terrific read for both young readers and adults. Daniel José Older weaves in some amazing magic into this tale as the young and talented high-school student and mural painter Sierra Santiago begins to realize that she has some extraordinary powers. There are good and bad spirits on the loose, and also good and bad human beings: determining who is good and who is not so good isn't always easy for Sierra, but she has to learn fast or the entire city is in peril. The book is full of real and likable characters that are also complex, the dialogue is often fast and funny, and the relationships - friendships, family ties, and some romance - are all written in a way that feels real and true to life. Shadowshaper pulls you in from the first page and moves at a very quick pace: some of the scenes here are rather breathtaking. It would make a great gift for any young reader on your list. Or pick it up for yourself: I hugely enjoyed this story and will be checking out more books by Older.<br />
<br />
<h4>
For some more reading- and book-tips, check out these posts:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://traveling-kids.blogspot.ca/2015/09/kids-reading-and-books-5-tips-5-of-my.html" target="_blank">Kids, reading, and books - 5 tips & 5 of my favourite quotes </a></li>
<li><a href="http://traveling-kids.blogspot.ca/2015/01/10-favourite-books-for-my-growing.html" target="_blank">10 favourite books for my growing, traveling kids </a></li>
</ul>
MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-83344187204474236972015-11-28T22:14:00.001-08:002015-11-28T22:14:06.503-08:00Flying with kids - a collection of travel tips for the holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GmyhCbruH2k/UGsveWXaJCI/AAAAAAAADYg/-pqnbS-13OI/s1600/julesnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GmyhCbruH2k/UGsveWXaJCI/AAAAAAAADYg/-pqnbS-13OI/s320/julesnow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The holiday season is upon us, and anyone who has traveled by plane - with or without kids - during this busy season knows it can be a challenge. Long lineups, weather related delays, and security concerns can all end up turning your holidays into a stressful ordeal. I'm sharing several links to some of my gathered travel advice and travel experiences over the years, but my number one tip is this:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Give yourself enough time. </b>Arrive earlier than you think necessary at the airport. It's a lot better to be bored and have to spend time at the gate or sitting in a play area in the airport, than to run frantically to make it to your departure gate!</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YD9740sSB7g/UEl-K_yhAEI/AAAAAAAACfo/_cRfwVrI10g/s1600/DSC04090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YD9740sSB7g/UEl-K_yhAEI/AAAAAAAACfo/_cRfwVrI10g/s320/DSC04090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://traveling-kids.blogspot.ca/2014/12/tips-for-air-travel-during-holidays.html" target="_blank">Tips for air-travel during the holidays</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://traveling-kids.blogspot.ca/2011/11/flying-with-gifts-tips-on-how-to-make.html" target="_blank">Flying with kids: 7 holiday-travel tips </a></li>
<li><a href="http://traveling-kids.blogspot.ca/2011/11/flying-with-gifts-tips-on-how-to-make.html" target="_blank">Flying with gifts: tips on how to make it easier</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSKR8ekspGg/UfnmG8ucRjI/AAAAAAAAC6A/6H53MNaLn38/s1600/flight%2B003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSKR8ekspGg/UfnmG8ucRjI/AAAAAAAAC6A/6H53MNaLn38/s320/flight%2B003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And in case you're looking for a way to brighten up your time on board: <br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://traveling-kids.blogspot.ca/2011/12/flying-with-kids-9-festive-items-to.html" target="_blank">9 festive items to bring on board</a></li>
</ul>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RVjsOXK1EzA/Try45crtlzI/AAAAAAAABrM/78zN4iW7Vgs/s1600/swedishsanta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RVjsOXK1EzA/Try45crtlzI/AAAAAAAABrM/78zN4iW7Vgs/s320/swedishsanta.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
And if you're looking for some gifts for the traveling people in your life: <br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://traveling-kids.blogspot.ca/2013/11/10-gift-ideas-for-traveling-parents-kids.html" target="_blank">10 gift ideas for traveling parents & kids </a></li>
<li><a href="http://traveling-kids.blogspot.ca/2011/10/11-gift-ideas-for-traveling-kids-and.html" target="_blank">11 gift ideas for traveling kids and their parents </a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQf7TgB0IkA/T4TsBE8DvHI/AAAAAAAAB_I/z2AEEu4JYbQ/s1600/yvr%2B011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQf7TgB0IkA/T4TsBE8DvHI/AAAAAAAAB_I/z2AEEu4JYbQ/s320/yvr%2B011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And in case you end up delayed at the airport, here are a couple of posts with tips and advice:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://traveling-kids.blogspot.ca/2012/11/flying-with-kids-handling-flight-delays.html" target="_blank">Flying with kids - handling flight-delays </a></li>
<li><a href="http://traveling-kids.blogspot.ca/2012/01/flying-with-kids-when-15-minutes-turn.html" target="_blank">Flying with kids: when 15 minutes turn into 4 hours </a></li>
</ul>
Finally, whatever happens on board or at the airport, if your kids are driving you nuts, or if you're driving your kids nuts, or if your flight is stuck on the tarmac, or indefinitely delayed because of snow, fog, ice, rain, strikes, technical problems, or whatever else... try to take care of yourself and your family and not stress yourself out too much. Remember:<br />
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Happy travels this holiday season, and may all your flights be on time!MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-3342600127700355062015-11-05T12:20:00.002-08:002015-11-05T12:21:20.246-08:00Gorgeous kittens in Rismyrliden, SwedenGoing through my travel photos from our visit this past summer in Sweden, I came across these kitten pictures from Rismyrliden, Sweden. It's an old-time farm in the woods of northern Sweden, where visitors can see how people used to live in this part of the country, once upon a time.<br />
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My kids love visiting this place, and it's pretty easy to see why.<br />
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We also saw this absolutely beautiful cow:<br />
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I just feel that she's the supermodel of cows. Just look at that face!<br />
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Find out more about Rismyrliden on the <a href="http://www.rismyrliden.se/" target="_blank">official website</a>!<br />
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<br />MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-84390230895394768092015-10-21T23:39:00.000-07:002015-10-21T23:39:10.315-07:007 tips for flying with kids & electronics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I first started traveling (sometime in the pterodactyl-era), I didn't even own a cell-phone: no one I knew did. These days, things are very different: when I step on a plane these days, I usually bring not only my cell-phone, but my Kindle and probably my laptop, and my kids bring their tablets, too. Which is a good thing: technology helps us all stay in touch with friends and family, and can definitely help keep kids (and adults) entertained on long flights.<br />
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If you're flying with electronic devices, and especially if you're traveling abroad, there are some things to think about: here are 7 of my tips.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016MH3IJE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B016MH3IJE&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=2QYYIJ4UVSL32NPO" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B016MH3IJE&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B016MH3IJE" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>1. Check your data plan before you leave</b><br />
Most people know about this these days, but it is still good to think about ahead of time. Check with your provider how much it will cost you to use mobile data when you're traveling, just so you don't end up with an astronomical bill when you return home. Use wifi when possible (it's available for free in so many places these days, including many hotels, airports and restaurants), and also make sure you've turned off any automatic updates on your device that might cost you.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OQVZDJM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00OQVZDJM&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=VWUASWM5VYSJEAV4" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00OQVZDJM&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00OQVZDJM" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00746W9F2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00746W9F2&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=6QFK7WYXWKQ7XBIO" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00746W9F2&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00746W9F2" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>2. Fully charge all devices before you leave</b><br />
Seems obvious, but in the stressed-out mayhem that can reign before you go on a trip with your kids, it can be easy to forget charging your devices. Plug them in, and pack them fully-charged. You might still run out of battery power along the way, but at least you're as prepared as you can be. I know from experience that kids can really use up a lot of battery power if you experience a flight delay, or if you're on a long-haul flight.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N1OFU48/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00N1OFU48&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=PGLCMJFI4CNFKJDM" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00N1OFU48&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00N1OFU48" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015BFS4UQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B015BFS4UQ&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=FEOES4O6E5IPZCP4" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B015BFS4UQ&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B015BFS4UQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>3. Bring your cables with you - in your hand luggage</b><br />
While it's usually pretty easy to remember our actual devices, is can be easy to forget the cables that go with those devices: bring them all, and keep them close. You might need them to recharge your phone or tablet during your trip, for example, if you get stuck at an airport because of a flight delay. There are some very nifty cable- and electronics organizers for travel - some hold hard drives and USB memory-sticks, as well as cables.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00W0REF02/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00W0REF02&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=JME4RNR42LKVEOHD" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00W0REF02&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00W0REF02" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014WZ6U98/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B014WZ6U98&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=KUYCAES4V33C6LRI" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B014WZ6U98&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B014WZ6U98" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>4. Bring converters and adapters</b><br />
If you're traveling abroad, you might need to bring power converters or adapters in order to plug in all your various devices. I travel with several, and two of them allow for USB-charging as well. North American travelers: if your device (usually it's the laptop) has a three-pronged plug, make sure that you bring an adapter that allows for three prongs. Some converters and adapters only allow for a two-pronged plug.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TP1C51M/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00TP1C51M&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=6WMJY246273E5JEQ" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00TP1C51M&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00TP1C51M" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000J2EN4S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000J2EN4S&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=KB6WGLF4R6PK57JK" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000J2EN4S&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000J2EN4S" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>5. Bring a power strip</b><br />
This is something I hadn't really considered bringing until recently, but it makes sense and I will be bringing one on our next trip. Bring a power strip so that you can recharge several devices at once, using just one outlet. This can even be useful at airports: I've noticed people congregating around any and all power outlets at airports. At Keflavik Airport in Iceland, this meant a person sitting on the floor in the bathroom (of all places) to recharge her phone. If you bring a power strip, you might even make some new friends by offering others a chance to recharge their devices (if you have some extra space, that is).<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00INXO85O/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00INXO85O&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=HS23ZL7NEO7L6O64" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00INXO85O&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00INXO85O" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WUY94LK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00WUY94LK&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=J7UQJQHUUUTR2FC2" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00WUY94LK&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00WUY94LK" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>6. Get a good cover for your device</b><br />
It's an unfortunate reality that things you pack in your hand luggage might get squashed on a flight. Whether your bag goes in the overhead compartment, or under the seat in front of you, that bag might very well get flattened, crushed, and otherwise mauled. A good cover will protect your phone, tablet, laptop, or e-reader from damage. I have some nice and cheap travel covers for the kids' tablets, a neoprene sleeve for my laptop, and a little "cell-phone wallet" that protects my phone, and also holds a couple of credit cards.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QSXTK4K/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00QSXTK4K&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=WF55A7BU6LHGZMOJ" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00QSXTK4K&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00QSXTK4K" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O3GXXMO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00O3GXXMO&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=YTF2E73NRMY3ABH3" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00O3GXXMO&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00O3GXXMO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>7. Be ready to unpack your devices at security</b><br />
When you go through security at the airport, you will usually be asked to remove any "large" electronic devices from your bag. In my experience, this always includes laptops, usually includes tablets, and sometimes includes cell-phones as well. The devices are then sent through the x-ray machine separately from the rest of your hand-luggage. Just be ready to remove them all, and keep them readily accessible in your bag. A backpack or bag with a separate compartment for your laptop or tablet can really help speed up the process at security. It also helps keep your device safe, so it's a win-win.<br />
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<br />MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-86621516049993968812015-09-15T05:00:00.000-07:002015-09-17T07:47:23.535-07:00The Canadian Rockies with kids & a dog - accommodation, food & sightseeing<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d1774536.3241299605!2d-119.10335452927738!3d52.102386458875145!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sca!4v1442077257895" style="border: 0;" width="400"></iframe><br />
This summer my family went on a road trip from Vancouver, to the Canadian Rockies and back. 4 adults, 2 kids and 1 dog traveling in a van for a week: needless to say, it was a tremendous trip. Here are the places we stayed, and some things we dog- and kid-friendly things we saw and did along the way.<br />
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All the accommodation on this trip had to allow dogs, so I was a bit nervous about getting everything booked: especially since we were traveling in August, the busy season. I did manage it, but it was probably a good thing I made my reservations a few months ahead of time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="st"> Sightseeing at Craigellachie.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the cabins at Glacier House.</td></tr>
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<h3>
Day 1. Vancouver to Revelstoke</h3>
This was the longest drive we did in one day on this trip. It took all day with stops for snacks, lunch, kids and dog to stretch their legs and so forth. But the scenery is wonderful along the way, and though it was a bit of an ordeal, in the end we got there and everyone was still sane. One of our stops was at Craigellachie, site of "the driving of the last spike" for the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885. There's an old train car there and a memorial plaque, as well as a small museum. <br />
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<b>Accommodation</b><br />
We stayed the night in <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.glacierhouse.com/" target="_blank">Glacier House Resort</a>, up in the woods and mountains just outside Revelstoke.</span><br />
<br />
Our cabin was spacious with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a lot of space. There was even a hot tub on the deck! There's also a pool available for guests. It's all set in a beautiful area, and away from all the city lights there's a chance of beautiful starry skies if you're there on a cloudless night. As for wildlife viewing: there were bear warnings up, and though we didn't see a bear, we did see some bear scat the next morning. (The dog was most interested!)<br />
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<b>Food </b><br />
The restaurant at Glacier House was very good, and the included "deluxe continental breakfast" the next morning was very good. Nothing super fancy, but tasty yogurt, nice jams, good bread, and outdoor seating available.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DWuEpDFECxU/VfI3C230wBI/AAAAAAAAE-I/ppp_3ha4HAM/s1600/20150803_190803%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DWuEpDFECxU/VfI3C230wBI/AAAAAAAAE-I/ppp_3ha4HAM/s320/20150803_190803%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the stunning vistas on the way.</td></tr>
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<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Day 2. Revelstoke to Banff </b></span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">T</span>he drive from Revelstoke to Banff is pretty stunning and driving up into the Rockies makes for some grand scenery no matter what route you take. There are so many viewpoints and beautiful vistas everywhere you kind of have to let some of them go if you want to get somewhere in a day's driving...<br />
<br />
At the end of the day, our dog - and the kids - were getting a bit squirrelly from riding in the car for so long, but it turns out that Banff has a pretty great fenced in
off-leash dog park, which was a great bonus for us. Dogs are supposed to be on
leash in most areas of the national park, and with all the wildlife around this is no doubt the safest
option for dogs, grizzly bears, deer, elk, and whatever else you may
encounter. The off-leash park is located on Hawk Avenue in an industrial area on the
outskirts of Banff, but the park itself is rather large with lots of
trees, mountain views, and lots of friendly local and visiting dogs. (Map available <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.banff.ca/DocumentCenter/View/115" target="_blank">here</a>.)</span><br />
<br />
<b>Accommodation</b><br />
Our dog- and kid-friendly accommodation in Banff was a cabin at <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.tunnelmountain.com/" target="_blank">Tunnel Mountain Resort</a>. It wasn't as spacious as our cabin at Glacier House, but still good. There's a decent pool and a hot tub, a coin laundry on site, another coin laundry across the road, and a small grocery store nearby. You can walk into downtown Banff from the resort (it takes about 20 minutes), which makes for a good doggie-walk, just be warned that it's a rather steep trek coming back!</span><br />
<br />
<b>Food</b><br />
There are so many restaurants in Banff, but we finally decided on takeout from Chili's Grill & Bar. The food was very good, and the restaurant looked nice as well when we picked everything up. The entire menu is available for takeout, and it made for an enjoyable meal back at our cabin.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I4s6LmTqnS4/VfI3ezXECnI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/2TtOK98TKqM/s1600/20150804_184128%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I4s6LmTqnS4/VfI3ezXECnI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/2TtOK98TKqM/s320/20150804_184128%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marsh Loop Trail in Banff.</td></tr>
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<h3>
Day 3. In Banff </h3>
We had one full day in Banff and we started it off by going for a walk. The Marsh Loop trail made for a nice hike for adults, kids, and the dog. This hike starts from the Cave & Basin parking lot in Banff, so it's very easy to access. There are beautiful views of the mountains, and of lovely green Bow River. The hike itself is an easy walk with no elevation gain and plenty of spots to take great pictures of the scenery along the water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4XNTsTR8zdU/VfI3x7I53gI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/hqwlmZCiRQo/s1600/20150804_202517%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="97" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4XNTsTR8zdU/VfI3x7I53gI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/hqwlmZCiRQo/s400/20150804_202517%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the Banff Gondola.</td></tr>
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After that we took the <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.banff.com/banff-tours/banff-gondola/" target="_blank">Banff Gondola</a> up the mountain for some rather breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This is a very busy place, and there will be lineups, so it's a good idea to head there as early as possible in the day. The kids absolutely loved the ride up the mountain, and the gondola actually welcomes dogs, much to my surprise. Even better, it turned out our furry guy quite liked the ride.</span><br />
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After that, we visited the ever-popular <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/voyage-travel/sources-springs/banff/banff.aspx" target="_blank">Upper Hot Springs</a>, located very close to the gondola. No dogs are allowed in the hot springs pool, but the human travelers really enjoyed the visit. You can rent towels and bathing suits at the pool, or bring your own. Do bring your own soap and shampoo, though!</span><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Food</b><br />
We had been reading up on a few nice places to visit for dinner in Banff, but it turned out everywhere we had looked at ahead of time was either full or closed once we were ready to eat. Finally, we ended up at The Elk & Oarsman in downtown Banff. This is a rather busy and noisy place, but the service was friendly and the food was good, with a good kids' menu. Bison- and elk-burgers are available on the menu here!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a_UI4BOa5bA/VfI4Gf7DepI/AAAAAAAAE-g/Y9y7s9kfgE8/s1600/20150805_205938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a_UI4BOa5bA/VfI4Gf7DepI/AAAAAAAAE-g/Y9y7s9kfgE8/s320/20150805_205938.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columbia Icefields.</td></tr>
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<h3>
Day 4. Banff to Jasper </h3>
This drive along the Icefields Parkway is famous for a reason: it's a spectacular drive, going way up in the Rockies with amazing mountain and glacier views everywhere you look. We had some rain and cloud swirling around us, but the weather did clear up enough that we got a good look at the fantastic landscape. And of course we took a stroll up to the glacier at the <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/jasper/activ/explore-interets/glacier-athabasca.aspx" target="_blank">Columbia Icefields</a>! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3CphklmFHuM/VfJjdIcrYVI/AAAAAAAAE_w/pGUlJ9-r2Jk/s1600/20150805_195402%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3CphklmFHuM/VfJjdIcrYVI/AAAAAAAAE_w/pGUlJ9-r2Jk/s320/20150805_195402%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Crossing Café.</td></tr>
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Afterwards, we ate lunch at <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://thecrossingresort.com/crossing-cafe/" target="_blank">The Crossing</a>, a cafeteria style restaurant located on the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper. It's not a fancy place, but the food was great. Good sandwiches, good salads, and I'd also highly recommend the chili! There's also a very well-stocked tourist shop here, so if you're looking for souvenirs, you're in luck!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nNCMY-a-B_g/VfI4Gp_6WBI/AAAAAAAAE-k/y90RYAdFKQ4/s1600/20150806_022610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nNCMY-a-B_g/VfI4Gp_6WBI/AAAAAAAAE-k/y90RYAdFKQ4/s320/20150806_022610.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our cabin at Tekarra Lodge.</td></tr>
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<b>Accommodation</b><br />
In Jasper we stayed in a cabin at <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://tekarralodge.com/" target="_blank">Tekarra Lodge</a>. Tekarra Lodge is situated right outside Jasper (a short drive, or walking distance if you like a decent walk) and is surrounded by a nicely wooded area. It's a great place to stay if you're looking for something away from the town, and it is definitely both dog- and kid-friendly. There are all sorts of hiking trails around, the river is right there on one side, there are trees everywhere, and there was even a tantalizing "water hole"
right behind our cabin: needless to say, the dog loved it.</span><br />
<br />
The cabin itself was nicely furnished with a kitchen and small bathroom. No TVs at all - which can be a plus or a minus I suppose. However, the free wifi was definitely a plus. There's a coin laundry available on site, and the surroundings are beautiful.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Food</b><br />
Tekarra Lodge is home to <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://tekarrarestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Tekarra Restaurant</a>, a real gourmet establishment. The food was fabulous and it was nice to be able to just amble back to the cabin through the grounds when we had finished our meal. Even if you're staying elsewhere in Jasper, I'd highly recommend checking out this place.</span><br />
<br />
Like Banff, Jasper also has a fenced in <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.jasper-alberta.com/2253/Off-Leash-Area" target="_blank">off-leash dog park</a>. It's located near the railway crossing and the Home Hardware store. Not as big and fancy as the one in Banff, but great for giving the dog a good run if you bring a ball or other dog toy along.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kNclpkNYyhY/VfI4bK0CsDI/AAAAAAAAE-0/Kcrqn8rKKlU/s1600/20150806_190752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kNclpkNYyhY/VfI4bK0CsDI/AAAAAAAAE-0/Kcrqn8rKKlU/s320/20150806_190752.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jasper in the morning.</td></tr>
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<h3>
Day 5. In Jasper </h3>
Jasper's wildlife was on fine display the next day. We saw elk, deer, and even caribou throughout the town when we headed out the next morning. No bears (fortunately or unfortunately), but plenty of those beautiful elk in closeup.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sxrpLZApLuw/VfI4bqY1LKI/AAAAAAAAE-4/SdMSqpZjUdI/s1600/20150806_184729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sxrpLZApLuw/VfI4bqY1LKI/AAAAAAAAE-4/SdMSqpZjUdI/s320/20150806_184729.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jasper SkyTram.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YFxOz6GlzW4/VfI4bOjGh0I/AAAAAAAAE-w/T_PzRfc56Qg/s1600/20150806_174415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YFxOz6GlzW4/VfI4bOjGh0I/AAAAAAAAE-w/T_PzRfc56Qg/s320/20150806_174415.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ground squirrel.</td></tr>
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We headed out for a ride on the <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.jasperskytram.com/" target="_blank">Jasper Skytram</a> (dogs were allowed here, just like on the Banff Gondola), and wandered up the mountain a bit in the foggy weather. There are amazing views, of course, even on a somewhat foggy day, and there's also a lot of wildlife. We saw ground squirrels, pikas, and hoary marmots up close and personal.</span><br />
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In the afternoon the weather turned rather rainy and we decided to drive to <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/voyage-travel/sources-springs/miette/miette.aspx" target="_blank">Miette Hot Springs</a>. This turned out to be a longer drive from Jasper than we had really anticipated (the last bit on a very winding mountain road), but the hot springs pool was good once we got there. It is a rather busy place, but it is nicely laid out with two large hot pools, and a couple of smaller cold pools. The kids had a great time and had decided that hot springs, and gondolas (or skytrams) were definitely the way to go when you're on holidays.</span><br />
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There are also a lot hiking trails in the area (the dog did get a walk there), so the place is definitely worth a visit and it was an excellent way to spend a rainy afternoon.<b> </b><br />
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<b>Food</b><br />
We checked out <span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.evildavesgrill.com/" target="_blank">Evil Dave's Grill</a> for dinner and this was another foodie-hit. Yummy food, a great kids' menu, and the best brownie for dessert I've ever tasted. It was gluten-free and scrumptious.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PijfUasdoms/VfI4xQyIuhI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/ejtumV_9hs4/s1600/20150807_181920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PijfUasdoms/VfI4xQyIuhI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/ejtumV_9hs4/s320/20150807_181920.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View at Overlander Falls.</td></tr>
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<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Day 6. Jasper to Kamloops</span> </b></h3>
This was when we left the Rockies behind. The drive from Jasper to Kamloops was an easy breezy trip. We had hoped for a good view of Mount Robson on the way, but no such luck: the clouds stubbornly shrouded most of the mountain. Instead, we opted for a short hike to <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://valemounttrails.com/overlander-falls-trail/" target="_blank">Overlander Falls</a> near Mount Robson, and ended up with a nice forest stroll and a good view of the roaring river. It was a short and nice walk for kids, dogs, and adults.</span><br />
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As we drove through Valemount and eventually into the Okanagan area, it was amazing to see how the landscape, geography and vegetation changed along the way: British Columbia is a pretty spectacular place. And when we eventually got to Kamloops, it was really, <i>really </i>hot. No surprise in August!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Djd9jHczlmY/VfI4wgS02GI/AAAAAAAAE_I/3CmjcI7dwhI/s1600/20150808_031139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Djd9jHczlmY/VfI4wgS02GI/AAAAAAAAE_I/3CmjcI7dwhI/s320/20150808_031139.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going for a swim in Kamloops.</td></tr>
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For dogs, Kamloops turned out to be quite the paradise with lots of off-leash areas. We chose to take our fur-ball down to the river, to an off-leash area at Overlander Park Beach. It was a beautiful place with a great view of the city across the water and a wide stretch of sand for dogs to run around on nect to the water. With the warm weather, evening sunshine, and some friendly local dogs to play with it was definitely a hit with both the humans and the dog.<br />
<h4>
Accommodation</h4>
We stayed at the <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://bestwesternkamloops.ca/" target="_blank">Best Western Plus</a>
in Kamloops. This is a great hotel, and dogs are welcome in some of the rooms on the
bottom floor. Our dog-friendly room was spacious and sparkling clean. It
had a big bathroom, nice beds, and we were even able to borrow a food bowl for
the dog (he'd been eating off borrowed plates until then). There is also
a pool for guests to use.</span><br />
<h4>
Food</h4>
For dinner, we headed to the closest White Spot restaurant. Sometimes, an "old reliable" is the best choice, and everyone was pretty tired by that point. The service was good and the food was tasty, as always.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-71RKJi7-L-Q/VfI4_EizIsI/AAAAAAAAE_g/GOT-N8clGJM/s1600/20150808_185451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-71RKJi7-L-Q/VfI4_EizIsI/AAAAAAAAE_g/GOT-N8clGJM/s320/20150808_185451.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hill Top Gardens Farm and store.</td></tr>
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<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Day 7. Kamloops to Vancouver</span></b></h3>
Breakfast at the Best Western Plus was tasty and plentiful, though there was really not enough room in the designated breakfast lounge for all the people who wanted to eat. The biggest hit with my kids? A pancake machine. Yes, indeed: a machine that makes pancakes at the press of a button. They even tasted good, and I think I might want one for my kitchen now.<br />
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On the drive home to and through the Fraser Canyon, we stopped at the Hilltop Gardens Farm and picked up some fresh peaches. It's a wonderful little place to stop at right on the side of the road. and I highly recommend if you're there in peach season!<br />
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<i>All photos by me, Nils Gunnar Larsson, or Doug Haskins. </i><br />
<h4>
<b>The two guidebooks I had on my Kindle for this trip were:</b></h4>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IHGV8L4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00IHGV8L4&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=PNJFWZZMYQW3237F" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00IHGV8L4&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IHGV8L4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00IHGV8L4&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=IXSYRBE3QMDPVAKH">Moon British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway (Moon Handbooks)</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00IHGV8L4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00IHGV8L4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AR85SDE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AR85SDE&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=ZNY737RDCUDNYR4C" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00AR85SDE&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AR85SDE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AR85SDE&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=ZNY737RDCUDNYR4C">Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks (Travel Guide)</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00AR85SDE" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>
</li>
</ul>
MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-69817518282565903042015-09-08T05:00:00.000-07:002015-09-08T05:00:01.341-07:00Kids, reading, and books - 5 tips & 5 of my favourite quotes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X__2jF6cAIA/Ve5EMzNoVYI/AAAAAAAAE64/uBaZUCx3K68/s1600/20150713_162400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X__2jF6cAIA/Ve5EMzNoVYI/AAAAAAAAE64/uBaZUCx3K68/s400/20150713_162400.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Today is International Literacy Day, and to celebrate I'm sharing five of my favourite quotes about reading and books, paired with five tips for getting your kids into reading, and for enjoying reading with your children.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dr0ortwF34s/Ve5HqemN2xI/AAAAAAAAE7w/0ApvUnrGiXc/s1600/Seuss-quotes-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dr0ortwF34s/Ve5HqemN2xI/AAAAAAAAE7w/0ApvUnrGiXc/s320/Seuss-quotes-1.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">1. Bring books along when you're traveling</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Books are fantastic travel companions - I never travel without books in my hand-luggage - and audiobooks can also be a great way to make time for a story or two on a trip (they can be great in the car or on the bus if you're prone to motion sickness, for example).</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The last few years though, I've been partial to e-books. A <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OQVZDJM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00OQVZDJM&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=P4YN2JULWPZNJ3YQ">Kindle</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00OQVZDJM" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> or other e-reader (the <a href="https://ca.kobobooks.com/#ereaders" target="_blank">Kobo</a> and the <a href="http://nook.barnesandnoble.com/u/nook/379003208" target="_blank">Nook</a> are other options, for example) is a great addition to your luggage, no matter where or how you're traveling. An e-reader can be packed full of books for both you and your kids and still won't weigh down your bags! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AR31KMUgkdI/Ve5zJx4T4iI/AAAAAAAAE8Y/QO1IwRkHogg/s1600/l_f3544a00-aee3-11e1-a77b-dffd5e900002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AR31KMUgkdI/Ve5zJx4T4iI/AAAAAAAAE8Y/QO1IwRkHogg/s320/l_f3544a00-aee3-11e1-a77b-dffd5e900002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">2. Use a reading app on your phone, tablet, or other device</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">There are a lot of apps for reading and books available out there, including:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/digital/fiona/kcp-landing-page?ie=UTF8&ref_=kcp_pc_mkt_lnd" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">the Kindle App</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.kobo.com/apps" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">the Kobo App</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.audible.com/mt/Apps" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">the Audible App for audio books</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ebooks.ebookreader&hl=en" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Ebook Reader for Android</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.apple.com/ca/ibooks/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Apple iBooks </span></a></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M7OYhZASVGQ/Ve5Ev4KTWuI/AAAAAAAAE7A/bn78Izpy-WA/s1600/book_star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M7OYhZASVGQ/Ve5Ev4KTWuI/AAAAAAAAE7A/bn78Izpy-WA/s320/book_star.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">3. Let your kids explore fiction and non-fiction</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Non-fiction books can really get some kids hooked on reading: every child's taste in books is different, and learning about animals, cars, the human body, space, bugs, volcanoes, plants, dinosaurs, or some other subject can entice kids to read, even if they don't feel like diving into fiction.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qtdv38-1Gk/Ve5S04HBfMI/AAAAAAAAE8I/dVGAFtzTWTk/s1600/Maya-Angelou-Quotes-22-reading-wise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qtdv38-1Gk/Ve5S04HBfMI/AAAAAAAAE8I/dVGAFtzTWTk/s320/Maya-Angelou-Quotes-22-reading-wise.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">4. Don't worry too much about what your kids are reading, as long as they are reading</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Even if they're reading something that might seem less "educational", just the fact that they are reading means they are forming a reading habit, and are becoming better readers. In the end, that is worth a lot.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_G6l_69DlCA/Ve5Gq2ovl5I/AAAAAAAAE7k/Seut_K5sX5Q/s1600/C.S.-Lews-A-childrens-story.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_G6l_69DlCA/Ve5Gq2ovl5I/AAAAAAAAE7k/Seut_K5sX5Q/s320/C.S.-Lews-A-childrens-story.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">5. Read to your kids at bedtime</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Reading to my kids is one of my favourite things to do with them. Some nights it puts me to sleep as well as them, other nights I've been choking back the tears reading certain passages in certain books ('Charlotte's Web', I'm looking at you!.) My love of Tolkien goes all the way back to when my dad read both The Hobbit, and The Fellowship of the Ring to me as a child, so I know first-hand how important the parent-child bedtime reading habit can be. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Finally, here are a list of books that my kids have enjoyed, both more recently and when they were younger:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rsimJT3isW0/VaP3jaCbXBI/AAAAAAAAEak/RuqUZtdCFfs/s1600/20150713_162956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rsimJT3isW0/VaP3jaCbXBI/AAAAAAAAEak/RuqUZtdCFfs/s320/20150713_162956.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/187746743X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=187746743X&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=EBYV57ZZIDVO7H4J">Guji-Guji</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=187746743X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U6SVPIM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00U6SVPIM&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=ACMCYYEWQ74OUHUU">Adventure Time - the comic book</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00U6SVPIM" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0486291162/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0486291162&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=KQQR2NE4E2SIUUJP">The Wonderful Wizard of Oz</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0486291162" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399229191/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0399229191&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=3BGOLETGSIUVCXEC">The Very Busy Spider</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0399229191" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545162076/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0545162076&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=FHH74RJMQ7ZS7OAS">The Harry Potter Books</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0545162076" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547844972/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0547844972&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=VJVBCDPX76FK5AK4">The Hobbit</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0547844972" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375834958/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375834958&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=DSACQ3LNKSFNCVJJ">Green Eggs and Ham</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0375834958" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1442494034/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1442494034&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=V3ADCOHY43IEH6DV">Mooncake (Moonbear)</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1442494034" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003LNWEMU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003LNWEMU&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=O33MCVBLRZQJGMQI">The Chronicles of Narnia</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003LNWEMU" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008ALJN4U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008ALJN4U&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=BUQDGTM6GLRUX7XT">Strega Nona</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008ALJN4U" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</span></b></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004CFA900/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004CFA900&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=VVNCE3CYMV34K6WU">Not a Stick</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004CFA900" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b>
</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Find out more about <b><a href="http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/events/prizes-and-celebrations/celebrations/international-days/literacy-day#.Ve5DmJdUWHY" target="_blank">International Literacy Day</a> </b>from UNESCO's website:</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="bodytext">
<span style="font-size: small;">"Literacy is a fundamental human right and the
foundation for lifelong learning. It is fully essential to social and
human development in its ability to transform lives. For individuals,
families, and societies alike, it is an instrument of empowerment to
improve one’s health, one’s income, and one’s relationship with the
world.</span></div>
<div class="bodytext">
<br /></div>
<div class="bodytext">
<span style="font-size: small;">The uses of literacy for the exchange of knowledge
are constantly evolving, along with advances in technology. From the
Internet to text messaging, the ever-wider availability of communication
makes for greater social and political participation. A literate
community is a dynamic community, one that exchanges ideas and engages
in debate. Illiteracy, however, is an obstacle to a better quality of
life, and can even breed exclusion and violence.</span></div>
<div class="bodytext">
<br /></div>
<div class="bodytext">
<span style="font-size: small;">For over 65 years UNESCO has worked to ensure that
literacy remains a priority on national and international agendas.
Through its formal and non-formal literacy programmes worldwide, the
Organization works to realize the vision of a literate world for all."</span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
</blockquote>
MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-69059483267559245382015-08-25T06:30:00.000-07:002015-08-25T15:39:19.262-07:00School, special needs, and parenting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xdP9OOWW7jc/UIhN9tKPEnI/AAAAAAAACqA/k3bdTDyMV90/s1600/bekind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xdP9OOWW7jc/UIhN9tKPEnI/AAAAAAAACqA/k3bdTDyMV90/s320/bekind.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The school year is about to start, and if your child has special needs or faces other challenges in life, there can sometimes be added worries for both parents and children about school, and all the social activities that come with the school year.<br />
<br />
I'm very lucky that my son has a wonderful school to go to, and a class where his abilities are allowed to develop and grow. Before my son came along, I was a lot less knowledgeable and educated about the challenges children with special needs can face in school and society. One of the biggest things I've learned is that while "labels" for various conditions do matter to some extent, each child with special needs is unique: an individual and not a label. I no longer fear the "labeling" of my child as much as I once did, mainly because I now understand that no label can ever capture or limit who he really is.<br />
<br />
I follow Ellen Seidman's blog <a href="http://www.lovethatmax.com/" target="_blank">Love That Max</a>,
which is about her family, and her son Max who has cerebral palsy. A few years ago, Ellen compiled a wonderful list of tips titled: <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/babble-voices/ellen-seidman-1000-perplexing-things-about-parenthood/2012/02/29/what-to-teach-your-children-about-kids-with-special-needs/" target="_blank">What to teach your children about kids with special needs</a>.<br />
<br />
If you have kids, and even if you don't, this is a great read. <br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Please don't pity me</li>
<li>Teach your kids not to feel sorry for ours</li>
<li>Play up what kids have in common</li>
<li>Help kids understand there are many forms of expression</li>
<li>Know that making friends with a kid who has special needs is good for both kids</li>
<li>Encourage your kid to say "hi"</li>
<li>Encourage kids to keep talking</li>
<li>Keep explanations simple</li>
<li>Teach kids respect with your actions</li>
<li>Help kids see that kids who can't talk still understand</li>
<li>Kick-start the conversation</li>
<li>Don't worry about embarrassment</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li><b>Find Ellen's blog at: <a href="http://www.lovethatmax.com/" target="_blank">Love that Max</a></b> </li>
</ul>
I also highly recommend the following blogs, all written by parents
who have kids with various special needs. If you have
kids, whether they have special needs or not, and if you want to
broaden and deepen your knowledge of life and the world; if you want to
challenge your preconceptions about special needs parenting, and read
stories that will both teach you something new and touch
your heart, these are great places to visit:<br />
<ul>
<li><b><a href="http://mamabegood.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Mama Be Good</a></b> - written by Brenda who blogs and writes about (and I quote): "Parenting, Shoes, Autism, Coffee, Kids, Shoes, Unschooling,
Shoes."</li>
<li><b><a href="http://phoebeholmes.com/" target="_blank">Herding cats</a></b> - A wonderful blog about raising kids, including a child with special needs.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://alongcamethebird.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Along came the bird</a></b> - A great blog about raising kids and being a parent.</li>
</ul>
And if you're looking for travel tips for children with special needs, they are pretty much the same as for all kids, though each family and parent will probably need to tailor the advice and tips to their special situation.<br />
<ul>
<li><b><a href="http://traveling-kids.blogspot.ca/2011/05/traveling-with-kids-with-special-needs.html" target="_blank">Traveling with kids who have special needs</a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://traveling-kids.blogspot.ca/2012/10/flying-with-child-who-has-special-needs.html" target="_blank">Flying with a child who has special needs - my experience and tips</a></b></li>
</ul>
MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-74657983609874488492015-07-28T05:00:00.000-07:002015-07-28T05:00:07.725-07:00Little adventures with my traveling kids in Västerbotten, Sweden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
When we're away on holidays in Sweden, we always head out on excursions and adventures around the area. There's lots to see and do where we spend our summers, and you can read about some of our adventures this year <a href="http://traveling-kids.blogspot.se/2015/07/great-adventures-with-my-kids-in.html" target="_blank">here</a> on the blog.<br />
<br />
However, there are also smaller adventures going on every day, right on our doorstep. Here are some of those little adventures.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkH5WAN4R38/VaVWvoW0W-I/AAAAAAAAEbc/LVUTEnTZc0w/s1600/RIMG0658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkH5WAN4R38/VaVWvoW0W-I/AAAAAAAAEbc/LVUTEnTZc0w/s320/RIMG0658.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Finding a bonafide five-leaf clover in the grass. I could hardly believe it when my daughter brought this over. She just spotted it, right in the lawn and plucked it out. It's currently being dried, and will be mounted on the wall!<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JdCcUkKbFtA/VbJQtbQ9syI/AAAAAAAAErQ/chxS1hh18FA/s1600/RIMG0985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JdCcUkKbFtA/VbJQtbQ9syI/AAAAAAAAErQ/chxS1hh18FA/s320/RIMG0985.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Enjoying the calm and the scenery on the lake in Mjödvattnet, outside Skellefteå. My son really loved relaxing on my aunt and uncle's raft. It was a sunny day, and the water's edge was populated by tiny water-striders running along on the surface. A great day, especially as long as the mosquitoes stayed away...<br />
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Admiring my aunt and uncle's door-knocker. Best invention ever, according to my kids.<br />
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A trip to "Hällorna" (roughly translated: "the smooth rocks") in Burvik, Sweden. This smooth rocky shoreline is a favourite picnic spot for locals and tourists. There are great views of the water and surrounding coastline, and over by the docks there's a great space for swimming. It can be reached by boat or by walking from the road.<br />
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Catching a baby pike off the dock. My daughter likes to catch (and eventually release) little fish from the dock, but this year was a first: she managed to catch several baby pike! They looked exactly like miniature versions of the adults, including that long, crocodile-ish snout and mottled green-grey skin!<br />
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Swimming! The water wasn't exactly warm here in Burvik when we arrived: 14 Celsius! But, the temperature can change pretty quickly depending on the weather and the currents, and towards the end of our stay it was 18, 19 Celsius. The kids love splashing around and jumping in from the dock. They even tried out the Swedish sauna a few times, though they weren't quite convinced that it's a good thing to sit in a super hot and steamy room for so long...MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-13317221579246544972015-07-21T03:55:00.004-07:002015-07-21T03:55:54.341-07:00Great adventures with my kids in Västerbotten, SwedenOur trip to Sweden has been a lot of fun, as usual, this year. None of the crazy heatwave weather we had last year, but some very enjoyable days, and a lot of fun activities.<br />
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We are just outside Skellefteå in the county of Västerbotten in northern Sweden, and here are some of the fun things we've experienced so far!<br />
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<b>"Loppis" </b><br />
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Flea markets, auctions and second hand-shops of all kinds are a big thing in Sweden, especially in summer-time when you can see signs for "loppis" (flea market) almost everywhere: some more larger and more established places, while others are smaller ventures in people's yards or houses. You can find a lot of junk, and some treasures at a loppis! My daughter found this gorgeous necklace at the small "loppis" in <a href="http://burea.se/" target="_blank">Bureå</a>, Västerbotten, Sweden. '<br />
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<b>Bjuröklubb Nature Reserve</b><br />
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We also visited <a href="http://destinationskelleftea.se/en/Destination/Product/Bjuroklubb_Nature_reserve/438941" target="_blank">Bjuröklubb nature reserve</a>. This is a great place to visit: there's an old lighthouse at the top of the cliff, there's a café, historical landmarks, trails, and beautiful views of the water from almost every angle. In the harbour near the lighthouse, there's a place to buy fresh and smoked fish from a local fisherman, located on a small boat. A highly recommended treat: the smoked prawns!<br />
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<b>Björn Larssons Krukmakeri / Pottery</b><br />
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On the road to Bjuröklubb, you can also find a fantastic pottery shop: <a href="http://www.larssonskrukmakeri.com/" target="_blank">Björn Larssons Krukmakeri</a>.<br />
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This local craftsman makes gorgeous cups, bowls, platters, and other items.<br />
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His small shop is worth a visit all on its own: the kids got to pick a shard of pottery each to bring home! I bought a new tea-cup and have been enjoying my morning tea even more since!<br />
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<b>Fällfors</b><b><br /></b><br />
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Fällfors is a small community near Byske on the coast of Västerbotten. It's located right on the river, and salmon fishing has been important here for a very long time.<br />
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There are two sets of fish-ladders to help the fish navigate the rapids and get up river, and once a year the local fishermen show off some old fish-capturing techniques here. The water is shut off for a portion of the fish-ladder and the salmon trapped in the pools are then taken out with a fishing-net. It's no longer used for large-scale fishing (only two salmon are taken out to demonstrate how it used to be done), but it's pretty exciting to see the huge salmon up close and personal!<br />
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There is also an old power-station to visit, with turbine and gauges still intact!<br />
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<b>4H in Moröbacke</b><br />
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The local 4H organization in Moröbacke, just outside Skellefteå, is a great place to visit if your kids like animals. It's called <a href="http://www.destinationskelleftea.se/sv/Destination/Gora/Familj_barn/4H-garden_Lilla_Lyckan/201208" target="_blank">Lilla Lyckan</a>, and there are lots of different kinds of rabbits, pigs, goats, sheep, and ponies to be looked at and petted.<br />
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<b>Rismyrliden</b><br />
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Another fantastic place to visit with kids is the old-time farm in <a href="http://www.destinationskelleftea.se/en/Destination/Product/Rismyrliden/202213" target="_blank">Rismyrliden</a>.<br />
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There are cows, sheep, goats, piglets... and a variety of old, traditional farm-buildings to visit and look at. You can learn how tar was made and how the houses were constructed. You can buy locally made dairy products, and taste some home-made bread and waffles in the small café. There's even a small gift shop with locally produced arts and crafts (and ice-cream!).<br />
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If you ask my kids though, the best thing about Rismyrliden are the kittens: this year there was a black one with a white "gem" at his throat, and a fluffy black and white one with a jaunty tail! You don't pay a cent to get in and enjoy the farm, but it's all powered by volunteer work and effort, so buying a coffee or ice-cream, or a bag of Rismyrliden-tea is a nice way to show your appreciation!<br />
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<b>Finally, a reading tip from my kids: </b><br />
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If you're looking for a funny and heart-warming picture book, you can't go wrong with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/187746743X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=187746743X&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=BT4K7I4KPVIEJ2M2">Guji-Guji</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=187746743X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, by Chih-Yuan Chen. It's sort of a twist on the old "ugly duckling" tale, and it brought laughs and smiles for my kids.
MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-48508497149549463172015-07-02T08:00:00.004-07:002015-07-02T08:00:41.335-07:00Jet-lagged in SwedenA couple of days ago I arrived with my kids in Sweden for our summer-visit. It's been wonderful as always, even though we are battling jet-lag: my daughter was up at in the middle of the night on the first night, and slightly later in the middle of the night on our second night. Still, we're not complaining and are trying to take the edge off the jet-lag beast with some naps: it seems to be working, and hopefully we will be "sleeping in" until 5 or 6 am in no time!<br />
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Coming over on the plane I had my first ever "blogger-fame" moment: I sat next to a lovely couple on the Reykjavik - Stockholm flight who recognized me from the website, and had been taking notes here for the trip with their 6 month old (a very charming little guy, I have to say!). Huge thanks to the lovely Swedish/Canadian couple (you know who you are!) for giving me the thrill of being recognized and appreciated! Also big thanks to my kids for behaving on that flight....<br />
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Here are some very early morning pics from our location in northern Sweden:<br />
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<br />MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-88831825722266397442015-06-16T05:00:00.000-07:002015-06-16T07:55:38.776-07:00It's that time of year again - strawberry U-picking with my kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Strawberry season came early this year to our part of the world (that would be just outside Vancouver on Canada's west coast). It's been a dry and sunny spring, so the berries were ready for picking a few weeks early.<br />
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Going to the U-pick for strawberries has become a family tradition. The kids love it: both the picking AND the eating, and it's a great activity to do with them. As an added bonus, we end up with a whole lot of fresh strawberries, freezer jam, and frozen berries.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picking our berries a couple of years ago.</td></tr>
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We usually don't pick for longer than an hour, and this year we ended up with about 8 kilos of berries: that's about half our usual haul, partly because the berries were smaller than usual (because of the lack of rainfall, though they were also very sweet because of all the sunshine), and partly because the fields were busy and it was probably a bit early in the season. Still, we brought it all home and enjoyed every berry!<br />
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As usual, we headed to Ladner's Westham Island, though we couldn't pick at our usual place (Bissett Farms) since they had been picked out the day before we got there. Still, we found a great place to pick at Ellis Farms, part of the Westham Island Herb Farm.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry fields forever.</td></tr>
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U-picks and farmer's markets are a great way to get outside with your kids, and get some tasty fruit, berries and veggies at the same time. You also do save some money compared to buying the produce already picked, but the main attraction is just the joy of doing something together.MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-8464360619311802422015-06-02T06:30:00.000-07:002015-06-02T06:30:00.952-07:00Our year with a dog - hikes, happiness & a lot of hair (and some off-leash park tips)In April last year we got a puppy. A mixed breed black dog with white markings: some labrador, some golden retriever, some border collie (probably), and who knows what else.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_gOCHC9jikk/U1gnhmkC-BI/AAAAAAAADCE/iliC2xB58No/s1600/jake%2B006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_gOCHC9jikk/U1gnhmkC-BI/AAAAAAAADCE/iliC2xB58No/s400/jake%2B006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His first day in his new home.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He's been a wonderful addition to our family (even when he put holes in every shirt my daughter owned with his puppy teeth!), and I wanted to celebrate his contributions to our happiness and health.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JJJvJUaWJUQ/VW1MS0Rb8ZI/AAAAAAAAD4o/39bvmq42x68/s1600/jakewalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JJJvJUaWJUQ/VW1MS0Rb8ZI/AAAAAAAAD4o/39bvmq42x68/s400/jakewalk.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking the puppy for a walk.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yes, I do believe he keeps us healthy as well as keeping us happy. We have always been a walking, hiking family, but now we are even more so: every day the kids come along for at least one dog-walk. Sometimes it's just to the local dog park, sometimes it's stroll around the neighbourhood, and sometimes it's a longer hike in the woods on Vancouver's North Shore. The kids also play with him in the backyard, giving both him and themselves a workout!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6HXktN3fLwA/VW1M2xLPvaI/AAAAAAAAD4w/W5-waRPbDaE/s1600/20150309_092632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6HXktN3fLwA/VW1M2xLPvaI/AAAAAAAAD4w/W5-waRPbDaE/s400/20150309_092632.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spot the dog.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He's been good for my health too: I take him for a walk most weekday mornings before I sit down to work, and I'm sure the increased activity for me is making me healthier than I was before he came along. Of course, the increased vacuuming has also increased my activity level, though I don't appreciate that quite as much as the walks in the woods!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dSxq_SJeHDA/VW1NDqduV4I/AAAAAAAAD44/CTrMdRHBnq0/s1600/20150528_094555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dSxq_SJeHDA/VW1NDqduV4I/AAAAAAAAD44/CTrMdRHBnq0/s400/20150528_094555.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dog selfie. Sort of.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since he's a big dog and loves to run and play and frolic, we like to take him to places where he is allowed to roam around off-leash. Here are three of our favourite off-leash places to go for walks and hikes around Vancouver:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JLyg2gZsSRg/VW1NRGiHs6I/AAAAAAAAD5A/MFNPtZLecuE/s1600/20140924_121728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JLyg2gZsSRg/VW1NRGiHs6I/AAAAAAAAD5A/MFNPtZLecuE/s400/20140924_121728.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><b><a href="http://www.delta.ca/parks-recreation/parks-trails/off-leash-dog-areas" target="_blank">North 40 Park Reserve in Ladner</a></b></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3qRyrAgDMEg/VW1NezydcPI/AAAAAAAAD5I/ifK-z0bp_lc/s1600/JakeWater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3qRyrAgDMEg/VW1NezydcPI/AAAAAAAAD5I/ifK-z0bp_lc/s400/JakeWater.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><b> <a href="http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/parks/parks-greenways-reserves/lynn-headwaters-regional-park" target="_blank">Lynn Headwaters in North Vancouver</a></b></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7xU8ym-wHvo/VW1Nu9-e6vI/AAAAAAAAD5Q/d1nnJW53-Og/s1600/20150417_095903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7xU8ym-wHvo/VW1Nu9-e6vI/AAAAAAAAD5Q/d1nnJW53-Og/s400/20150417_095903.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><b><a href="http://www.richmond.ca/parks/parks/about/amenities/park.aspx?ID=78" target="_blank">McDonald Beach Park in Richmond</a></b></li>
</ul>
</div>
MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-37920667051524353902015-05-26T06:00:00.000-07:002015-05-26T06:41:10.364-07:0012 items that will make your beach-time better<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-krRcsT4PS0s/TUMm7X5HDAI/AAAAAAAABLg/RJ0-T6rmTw8/s1600/suits.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-krRcsT4PS0s/TUMm7X5HDAI/AAAAAAAABLg/RJ0-T6rmTw8/s320/suits.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Summer time is coming closer every day in my part of the world, and for my family, summer usually means a lot of time at the beach. Here are 12 items that can help time spent at the beach, a little better and more comfortable.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004WZ91J0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004WZ91J0&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=QQ65V4TTG2HCZJRW"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B004WZ91J0&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004WZ91J0" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0029O9WS6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0029O9WS6&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=F3T4TECVR5RRIXXQ"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0029O9WS6&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0029O9WS6" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>1. Rashguard shirts and sun-safe baby suits</b><br />
While wearing sunscreen is important, clothing protects your child even better. A good rashguard shirt makes your life a lot easier at the beach, and you won't have to worry so much about sunburned shoulders and arms when your kids are playing at the beach. A one-piece sun suit for your baby is also a great idea.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NM8THG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000NM8THG&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=PHUOPH5JTAW5VL3L"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000NM8THG&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000NM8THG" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CS4H7ES/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00CS4H7ES&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=KFP5ARE2JPOYOKSX"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00CS4H7ES&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00CS4H7ES" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>2. A pair of beach shoes</b><br />
A pair of thin, flexible shoes that can be worn in the water are also a great idea for the beach. They protect feet and toes from sharp rocks and hot sand.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AW2QT8I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AW2QT8I&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=QSVHMWHMTKQUJ3HY"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00AW2QT8I&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00AW2QT8I" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ND6H3AS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00ND6H3AS&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=TVXRVZX3IOM5D3I5"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00ND6H3AS&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00ND6H3AS" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>3. A water-proof phone case</b><br />
Sand and water, sunscreen and messy snacks... there are a lot of things that can make a mess of your cellphone at the beach. A water proof case or pouch is a great idea to help protect your phone or other electronic device.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LBUYZK4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00LBUYZK4&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=4IROS2NW5FGXO4QC"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00LBUYZK4&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00LBUYZK4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002L37R1E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002L37R1E&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=S5VGIAZMDDQ7C3WA"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B002L37R1E&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002L37R1E" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>4. A sand-free bag for toys</b><br />
Carrying your children's supply of buckets, shovels, and other beach-toys can get pretty sandy and messy, but a mesh bag makes the chore a little easier. Leaving the sand at the beach is just a lot better than bringing it all into your car!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CAE9Z0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005CAE9Z0&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=6GHNA27GVJ32LX4C"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B005CAE9Z0&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005CAE9Z0" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JGZF0TG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00JGZF0TG&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=LP7TSWAHCHRYU64X"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00JGZF0TG&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00JGZF0TG" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>5. Beach towel stakes</b><br />
Towel stakes can help keep your blanket or towel in place at the beach. If you've tried in vain to pin a towel down with rocks, shoes, and assorted other objects, you'll appreciate this item!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007XAI7AU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007XAI7AU&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=PIZM65OVEKAK5OHT"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B007XAI7AU&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007XAI7AU" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0039GGUD8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0039GGUD8&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=MZ5MKTFEXP75UUG2"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0039GGUD8&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0039GGUD8" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>6. A dry-bag for wet stuff</b><br />
Keeping your wet gear separate from your dry clothes can be a challenge when you're packing all your stuff up at the beach. A regular plastic bag can come in handy, but a reusable dry-bag is also a great option.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0038JDUKC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0038JDUKC&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=FNMS4F3EOID7AT6E"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0038JDUKC&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0038JDUKC" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GB0NZK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000GB0NZK&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=IJV2GC74RSI476A5"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000GB0NZK&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000GB0NZK" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>7. Some handy snack cups</b><br />
Snack cups are great for bringing snacks along, and for kids to eat from with less chance of a spill or mess. A good lid, and grip-friendly container can make your life a lot easier at the beach and elsewhere.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EB8KMLO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EB8KMLO&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=ZGG62IYULWUBVGBY"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00EB8KMLO&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00EB8KMLO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KYC0DQU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00KYC0DQU&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=SCNXTDFVASVHKU3W"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00KYC0DQU&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00KYC0DQU" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>8. A good water bottle or two</b><br />
Staying hydrated is important in the sun and heat, and a good water bottle makes it easier to bring water along. It also helps avoid buying bottled water: the less we do that, the better, in my opinion!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001T1CB7O/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001T1CB7O&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=XHI2AETS7KCF2MTI"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B001T1CB7O&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001T1CB7O" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O7VRSZ8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00O7VRSZ8&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=T5YHXLRNQ3V4QOV6"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00O7VRSZ8&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00O7VRSZ8" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>9. A sun-smart tent</b><br />
Babies and toddlers can get too hot, and too sun-exposed rather quickly. A small tent or cabana can help give them some shade, and keep them cooler on a hot, sunny day. They also provide a safe spot for babies and young kids to nap.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AIFGF0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001AIFGF0&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=RMQGEBGKS64FVUXX"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B001AIFGF0&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001AIFGF0" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KHU7NRQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00KHU7NRQ&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=IVIEUZVFMQ455QU6"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00KHU7NRQ&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00KHU7NRQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>10. A beach blanket</b><br />
A sturdy blanket that is easy to bring along is a must if you're headed to the beach, or out for a picnic. The ones that roll up and come with a carrying strap or bag are especially practical. <br />
mini umbrella<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UXS2FSE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00UXS2FSE&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=IJ3TG3FIAHHLAFTO"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00UXS2FSE&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00UXS2FSE" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004CDRVB2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004CDRVB2&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=BV6EUQJIPKIS6AB5"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B004CDRVB2&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004CDRVB2" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>11. Sunscreen</b><br />
You can't go to the beach without sun screen! Pick a kind that your kids are OK with: my kids are both rather sensitive to both the smell and texture of sunscreen. Waterproof, fragrance free, and something that isn't too thick and difficult to apply evenly is a must. For the beach, a non-sticky sunscreen that won't make all the sand stick to your skin, might be a good idea.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I030EC8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00I030EC8&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=6LLPFCFT5EBFUPP2"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00I030EC8&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00I030EC8" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AJWN5PG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AJWN5PG&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=JZDYFPQQ4YI5AFLN"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00AJWN5PG&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00AJWN5PG" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>12. A waterproof wallet or pouch</b><br />
When you're at the beach, it really helps to have a small waterproof wallet or pouch to keep important stuff like your driver's license, money, credit cards, etc. safe from sand and water.MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-72756257256920533882015-05-19T06:30:00.000-07:002015-05-19T06:30:01.102-07:00Hiking with kids in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, North VancouverHiking with my kids is one of the most fun family activities we do. The kids love it, I love it, my husband loves it, and since we got our dog last year: the dog loves it, too.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PI9bt9We02g/VVqhaC2EVzI/AAAAAAAADts/V3sLAkIaOFs/s1600/RIMG0569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PI9bt9We02g/VVqhaC2EVzI/AAAAAAAADts/V3sLAkIaOFs/s320/RIMG0569.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Living just outside Vancouver on Canada's west coast means we have some spectacular mountains and forests, and parks that are just made for hiking and walking. One of our favourite places to go is on the North Shore, in North Vancouver's Lynn Headwaters Regional Park.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NHZ18tRxo2I/VVqiKRzt1DI/AAAAAAAADuM/4-9flwoEQE4/s1600/RIMG0582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NHZ18tRxo2I/VVqiKRzt1DI/AAAAAAAADuM/4-9flwoEQE4/s320/RIMG0582.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
This place has some fantastic variety when it comes to trails. Our go-to trail with the kids and the dog is the lower trail along the river. This is the Lynn Loop/Cedar's Mill trail, and it is a wide, almost entirely flat trail that follows the river. It's very easy to walk: you can bring a stroller here without any problems, for example.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DfMFUIyQ3_s/VVqh_5nlgKI/AAAAAAAADuE/jvL5HBW3Pjo/s1600/HeadwaterMay2015%2B074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DfMFUIyQ3_s/VVqh_5nlgKI/AAAAAAAADuE/jvL5HBW3Pjo/s320/HeadwaterMay2015%2B074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
There's plenty of scenery: swirling green river water, giant trees, skunk cabbage, berry bushes and flowers, and all sorts of dogs running around. This part of the trail is leash-optional, and it's a popular place for dogs and people alike. There's easy access to the river in many places, so you can go check out the freezy cold waters on a hot day: our dog loves going for a dip in the water!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ftvEpRkvKNA/VVqhnvHbJRI/AAAAAAAADt0/35ZQtqQEHWg/s1600/RIMG0574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ftvEpRkvKNA/VVqhnvHbJRI/AAAAAAAADt0/35ZQtqQEHWg/s320/RIMG0574.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the upper part of the Lynn Loop trail.</td></tr>
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This past weekend we went for the full Lynn Loop trail for the first time in a while. For us, this involves starting things off with a steeper, rougher climb up into the higher forest area, eventually coming back down to the river using several sets of wooden stairs and snaking trails in the steep mountain side, and then returning to the exit and parking lot via the trail along the river. It's not a super tough hike for the kids, but that first climb can be a bit hard on kids' and grownup's legs, and the steep descent can also be a little challenging for small kids (or those nervous about slipping and falling).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Zx0PSQMGgM/VVqh3jO6vII/AAAAAAAADt8/ddXAotJlE7M/s1600/HeadwaterMay2015%2B024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Zx0PSQMGgM/VVqh3jO6vII/AAAAAAAADt8/ddXAotJlE7M/s320/HeadwaterMay2015%2B024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't beat the forest scenery up here!</td></tr>
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The trail is gorgeous throughout, and well kept. If you feel really adventurous you can head out on some of the more challenging side trails, like the one heading up to Lynn Peak, or keep going all the way to Norvan Falls. Norvan Falls is a rather long hike and can be rough depending on the weather and time of year, so make sure you have enough time to return safely before dark!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sFIMDGOAhnc/VVqiW8qvt6I/AAAAAAAADuU/03UYO8lpshg/s1600/RIMG0579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sFIMDGOAhnc/VVqiW8qvt6I/AAAAAAAADuU/03UYO8lpshg/s320/RIMG0579.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up close and personal with an old log.</td></tr>
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Both the easy trail along the river and the slightly more challenging, full Lynn Loop trail are fantastic to do with kids. They make for a grand day out with lots of fresh air, beautiful trees, and fun things to see in the woods, on and off the trail.<br />
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<b>For more information about Lynn Headwaters Regional Park and the trails, check out:</b><ul>
<li>the <a href="http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/parks/parks-greenways-reserves/lynn-headwaters-regional-park" target="_blank">park's official website</a> </li>
<li>the <a href="http://vancouversnorthshore.com/what-to-do-outdoors/parks-and-recreation-areas/lynn-headwaters-regional-park/" target="_blank">Vancouver North Shore website </a></li>
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MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-80518389663382258392015-05-12T06:30:00.000-07:002015-05-12T06:30:00.963-07:0010 things my kids love about SwedenAround this time of year my kids usually start dreaming about our annual summer-trip to Sweden. We've been traveling from Vancouver, Canada to Skellefteå, Sweden pretty much every summer since they were babies.<br />
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Even though they don't really look forward to the actual journey itself - we usually end up with 3 flights and about 20 hours total travel-time when all is said and done - they do love going to Sweden. Why? Well, here (in no particular order) are 10 things they love about Sweden:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Foyszd1B8ZY/TmbtWrW941I/AAAAAAAADI4/NlIT_8DO194/s1600/boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Foyszd1B8ZY/TmbtWrW941I/AAAAAAAADI4/NlIT_8DO194/s320/boat.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<h4>
The boat</h4>
Both my kids, but especially my son, are absolutely in love with my parents' motor-boat. Can't say that I blame them!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3TM_08_-hhs/UfnoDctllkI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/5_NrVYM-2vE/s1600/burvik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3TM_08_-hhs/UfnoDctllkI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/5_NrVYM-2vE/s320/burvik.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<h4>
The beach</h4>
The small beach right outside my parents' cabin where we stay in the summers is a little bit of heaven on earth. Sand, water, rocks, sun. What more do you need? <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yNQXjalM-F0/VVFsK0R_DLI/AAAAAAAADho/7EIRH_Juoig/s1600/Bl%C3%A5b%C3%A4r%2C_Blueberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yNQXjalM-F0/VVFsK0R_DLI/AAAAAAAADho/7EIRH_Juoig/s320/Bl%C3%A5b%C3%A4r%2C_Blueberry.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo via <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bl%C3%A5b%C3%A4r,_Blueberry.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia</a>.</td></tr>
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<h4>
Picking blueberries in the woods</h4>
We are usually lucky enough to be around for at least some of the summer crop of wild blueberries. The kids love heading into the wood with a pail (and mosquito repellent all over!) to pick the berries. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hHsrohV5GE0/VVFplhbqtAI/AAAAAAAADhY/l9admBpXk5s/s1600/piggelin-500x638.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hHsrohV5GE0/VVFplhbqtAI/AAAAAAAADhY/l9admBpXk5s/s200/piggelin-500x638.png" width="156" /></a></div>
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<h4>
Piggelin popsicles</h4>
My daughter is obsessed with these green popsicles (flavour: tutti-frutti). It's a classic popsicle in a country that is pretty obsessed with ice-cream and popsicles: <a href="http://www.gb.se/produkter/piggelin/" target="_blank">Piggelin</a> has been around since 1972!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sj5Ia6MI1oE/Tj9QQOJgA4I/AAAAAAAADH4/id_f9PGY-fI/s1600/leoslekland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sj5Ia6MI1oE/Tj9QQOJgA4I/AAAAAAAADH4/id_f9PGY-fI/s320/leoslekland.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h4>
<a href="http://www.leoslekland.se/" target="_blank">Leos Lekland</a></h4>
This indoor adventure playground with slides, trampolines, and all kinds of other games is a favourite with my kids. It's especially good for rainy days, or if we're visiting in the winter instead of the summer.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DghFvaZxeHM/U_oo2mF3bbI/AAAAAAAADM4/L4R7-mXaCDc/s1600/phoneJuly2014%2B097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DghFvaZxeHM/U_oo2mF3bbI/AAAAAAAADM4/L4R7-mXaCDc/s320/phoneJuly2014%2B097.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h4>
Gröna Lund</h4>
This huge amusement park in Stockholm was a big hit with my kids last summer. Read all about our visit <a href="http://traveling-kids.blogspot.ca/2014/08/visiting-amusement-park-grona-lund-in.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KUbkqpa6y4c/U9ljlvL6OOI/AAAAAAAADJs/Shu4mqkKFUk/s1600/phoneJuly2014%2B062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KUbkqpa6y4c/U9ljlvL6OOI/AAAAAAAADJs/Shu4mqkKFUk/s320/phoneJuly2014%2B062.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
<h4>
<a href="http://www.rismyrliden.se/" target="_blank">Rismyrliden</a></h4>
This old-time farm located in the interior of the county of Västerbotten is a lovely place to visit in summer. There are farm animals, old farm buildings, a small café, home-baked traditional bread for sale (if you're lucky), and best of all (according to my kids): kittens!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCjaTFuBrsY/Tt21hs0akQI/AAAAAAAABtI/qRobjY7_EsQ/s1600/lillamarie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCjaTFuBrsY/Tt21hs0akQI/AAAAAAAABtI/qRobjY7_EsQ/s320/lillamarie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h4>
The baked goods</h4>
Visiting a "konditori", Swedish for patisserie or bakeshop, is a must if you're in Sweden. My kids love picking a treat from the shelves and trays filled with cakes, cookies, and glorious pastries. Lilla Mari in Skellefteå is a great "konditori" to visit if you happen to be in town.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6N6Dbxag7Gg/UFAOfqsVvVI/AAAAAAAACg8/gX2x4L9twF8/s1600/Stockholm2012%2B088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6N6Dbxag7Gg/UFAOfqsVvVI/AAAAAAAACg8/gX2x4L9twF8/s320/Stockholm2012%2B088.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from <a href="http://www.hotellkungcarl.se/" target="_blank">Hotel Kung Carl</a> in Stockholm.</td></tr>
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<h4>
"Staying in a hotel"</h4>
We don't always stay in a hotel when we're visiting Sweden, but occasionally we do spend a night or two before heading home in a hotel in Stockholm. My kids seem to think this is a pretty cool thing. Buffet breakfast, and strange new beds with strange new bedding: awesome, right? <a href="http://traveling-kids.blogspot.ca/2012/09/accommodation-for-traveling-kids-hotell.html" target="_blank">Read about our stay at Hotel Kung Carl</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GRYTvfftn6M/TddMzBQuauI/AAAAAAAADGE/CHgxme5ry1k/s1600/DSC07285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GRYTvfftn6M/TddMzBQuauI/AAAAAAAADGE/CHgxme5ry1k/s200/DSC07285.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XgA09V3PUw4/TWn95NHuNII/AAAAAAAABP4/cbRnyy9pu8Q/s1600/moose2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XgA09V3PUw4/TWn95NHuNII/AAAAAAAABP4/cbRnyy9pu8Q/s200/moose2.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<h4>
Mormor and morfar</h4>
Hanging out with grandma and grandpa are of course the biggest reason why my kids love Sweden. It tops my list, too.MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-91339643026299422402015-05-05T06:30:00.000-07:002015-05-05T06:30:01.076-07:00Air-travel with babies - 10 travel-gear picks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MB7O_eiH3xU/TThy0SRf_DI/AAAAAAAABJI/S1TZd0na9y0/s1600/babyairport.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MB7O_eiH3xU/TThy0SRf_DI/AAAAAAAABJI/S1TZd0na9y0/s320/babyairport.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Maybe it's because of the recent birth of the royal baby in England, or maybe it's because some close family members recently had their first baby, but I have had babies on my mind lately. Flying with an infant can be a challenge, but it can also be a lot easier than you might think - if you're lucky, your baby might just eat and sleep their way through the flight. If you're not lucky... well, my mantra for those situations is: "This too shall pass".<br />
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Here are 10 travel-gear items that are great when you're traveling with a baby:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007IERG0I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007IERG0I&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=67NFRXQTDFNUPO44"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B007IERG0I&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007IERG0I" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006WZZ2ZU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006WZZ2ZU&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=6QFLCLS4V7Y3J2HZ"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B006WZZ2ZU&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B006WZZ2ZU" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<h4>
1. Pacifier clips & toy straps</h4>
Keeping track of all your travel gear is hard enough when you don't have a baby, and with a baby: help is good. A pacifier clip helps keep your baby's soother safe and reasonably clean, and the toy straps can be used to secure various toys to your clothes, a carrier, the baby's stroller, and so on.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QA7OKBC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00QA7OKBC&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=RCNRMTZQU3B25CQL"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00QA7OKBC&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00QA7OKBC" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<h4>
2. A diaper bag</h4>
A good diaper bag will help you keep your items organized and within easy reach, even in a cramped airplane bathroom. It should also be easy to carry: a backpack model might be just the thing to look for.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SHQSFDI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00SHQSFDI&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=I2B3MSQE65MQTARZ"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00SHQSFDI&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00SHQSFDI" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000O1VMXE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000O1VMXE&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=PARBLIBJC5RERPF5"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000O1VMXE&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000O1VMXE" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<h4>
3. A portable change pad</h4>
Some diaper bags and backpacks include a portable diaper change pad, but if not, it's a good item to pack. Change tables in airport bathrooms and on board might not include any padding at all, and they might also be rather unsanitary!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BUBNZC8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BUBNZC8&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=RSXTBG6IRWFNCDW7"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00BUBNZC8&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BUBNZC8" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KWAU9NQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00KWAU9NQ&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=W2AWJUWN2CU45SA4"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00KWAU9NQ&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00KWAU9NQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<h4>
4. A nursing cover</h4>
Breastfeeding can be very convenient when you're traveling: no bottles to clean or formula to heat, and no need for clean water, for example. I'm a big supporter of babies being allowed to eat when and where and how they please - nursing cover or no nursing cover (full babies don't cry as much on board, for one thing). And for those who like using a nursing cover, there are some very nice ones out there.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004L2JJ6E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004L2JJ6E&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=DP3SXIXE2WFIEC34"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B004L2JJ6E&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004L2JJ6E" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BWIPBC6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BWIPBC6&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=ZK3VPKX2BDIF7EGJ"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00BWIPBC6&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BWIPBC6" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<h4>
5. A travel bassinet/bed for your room or the beach</h4>
I wish I'd had something like this when my kids were little. A portable bassinet makes it easy to put your baby down safely for a nap anywhere: in a hotel room, at an airport, wherever. And the portable bed with mesh cover is a great idea for the beach: it protects your baby from mosquitoes and the sun!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005SP2LWW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005SP2LWW&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=FEWWVV5G27DNIWRO"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B005SP2LWW&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005SP2LWW" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009JOSNM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0009JOSNM&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=CXM7SK7LVHEVJHTO"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0009JOSNM&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0009JOSNM" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<h4>
6. A baby carrier</h4>
Baby carriers are awesome when you're on a plane, and everywhere else. They make it easy to carry your baby comfortably, and many babies just love being close and snuggly with mom or dad. Pick the kind you find the most comfortable and easy to use.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004I110D8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004I110D8&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=2FO46GA35HKKPIAP"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B004I110D8&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004I110D8" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004B0VT32/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004B0VT32&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=ZLCAQZ3NT5HMQWVZ"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B004B0VT32&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004B0VT32" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<h4>
7. Travel-friendly baby bottles</h4>
If you're not breastfeeding, it really helps to have some travel-friendly baby bottles along. There are many good ones on the market, including several brands with thermos-features, or ways of heating up the formula quickly and easily.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OKNJA3G/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00OKNJA3G&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=PZ7WMHUJBEMVRMYX"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00OKNJA3G&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00OKNJA3G" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FP5O0X8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FP5O0X8&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=Q6S7LUVQB4DXGUWR"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00FP5O0X8&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00FP5O0X8" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<h4>
8. Comfortable baby pajamas</h4>
Comfortable clothing is a must on a plane, and that goes for babies too. Pick something that is comfortable and easy to change in and out of on board. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000A1Z3X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0000A1Z3X&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=4KJKN6G4576CLQBR"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0000A1Z3X&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0000A1Z3X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I2Q0F4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000I2Q0F4&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=SGQDQSTQJQWA2SFP"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000I2Q0F4&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000I2Q0F4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<h4>
9. Fun travel toys</h4>
A few well-chosen, easy to bring-along toys can help soothe and entertain your baby. Avoid anything with lots of noise or music, since it will probably end up annoying somebody on board...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NEHX7RY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00NEHX7RY&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=JQVX5BPXEKQLNY5A"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00NEHX7RY&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00NEHX7RY" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HOQOUW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002HOQOUW&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=PHXTB6PIWZZF2MBA"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B002HOQOUW&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002HOQOUW" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<h4>
10. A bag for wet stuff</h4>
Sometimes, you can't avoid little accidents. And just in case you end up with some wet clothes on your trip, a waterproof bag is great to bring along. Of course, you can just use any plastic bag for this purpose, but a washable, reusable bag is not a bad choice either. MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-22026663005954246122015-04-29T12:33:00.000-07:002015-04-29T12:50:18.850-07:00The Vancouver Aquarium - renovated and still a favourite!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8GGX_xvwg_k/U6yh5QKO9tI/AAAAAAAADC4/bOGULVecieA/s1600/20140623_101409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8GGX_xvwg_k/U6yh5QKO9tI/AAAAAAAADC4/bOGULVecieA/s1600/20140623_101409.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></div>
The Vancouver Aquarium has been one of my kids' favourite local destinations since they were babies. My husband and I have had memberships for so many years I don't even know how long it's been, and if I ask my kids on a day off school where they'd like to go, chances are the Aquarium will be mentioned.<br />
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Over the last few years, the Aquarium has undergone some major renovations and construction work is still ongoing, though a lot of the facility has now been revealed in its new glory.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kIPABKA0h4/U6yh6NR57dI/AAAAAAAADDc/jUva_P5x8qo/s1600/20140623_101740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kIPABKA0h4/U6yh6NR57dI/AAAAAAAADDc/jUva_P5x8qo/s1600/20140623_101740.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></div>
There's a new entrance area with a gorgeous display of the Earth, an expanded gift shop, and a brand new cafeteria (still haven't tried that out, since we mostly bring our own snacks for the visit).<br />
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<h4>
Favourite things to do for my children include:</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RlWMLDctnqs/T3FPiMI3tkI/AAAAAAAAB5g/fVkGpwvA00I/s1600/Aquarium%2B001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RlWMLDctnqs/T3FPiMI3tkI/AAAAAAAAB5g/fVkGpwvA00I/s1600/Aquarium%2B001.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pacific octopus habitat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
- Watching the Pacific octopus in its habitat - sometimes this creature is hiding, but often its out and about with all its glorious arms and suckers on display.<br />
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- Walking through the tropically warm rainforest exhibit: my kids just LOVE the big parrots, the tortoises, the black and white rays, and the sloth (occasionally visible up in the rafters).<br />
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- Observing the sea lions in the outdoor pool: this master swimmer with the big, loud growly voice is always a big hit with the kids. Its mustache is almost as impressive as its vocals...<br />
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- Eating a snack next to the dolphins - we usually head downstairs to watch the dolphins in the viewing gallery, and the kids like to eat their snacks while seated in the recessed windows there. It's a gorgeous spot with a small play area right next to it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UPvCC6Dt51Q/TUiA9zKmzrI/AAAAAAAABMs/F0R9wxHH1lY/s1600/DSC00083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UPvCC6Dt51Q/TUiA9zKmzrI/AAAAAAAABMs/F0R9wxHH1lY/s1600/DSC00083.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing with sea otters.</td></tr>
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- Watching the sea otters swim and swim and swim and ... swim! These critters are stars at the Vancouver Aquarium: they've got charm, superb swimming skills, fluffy fur and the cutest faces. What's not to love?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kNDrUWQxOI8/U6yh6kAluQI/AAAAAAAADDM/W9t2mLCB-GU/s1600/20140623_103321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kNDrUWQxOI8/U6yh6kAluQI/AAAAAAAADDM/W9t2mLCB-GU/s1600/20140623_103321.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterflies in the rainforest exhibit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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That's just a few things my kids enjoy at the Aquarium. And then of course there's the sharks, and the belugas, and not to be forgotten: the gift shop! (I always have to hold on rather tightly to my wallet as we exit through the aisles of that gift shop...)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JMdI2WPHtEg/U6yh5QLH0PI/AAAAAAAADC8/8jaQSUi4nDk/s1600/20140623_101339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JMdI2WPHtEg/U6yh5QLH0PI/AAAAAAAADC8/8jaQSUi4nDk/s1600/20140623_101339.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The re-built plaza outside Vancouver Aquarium, featuring the famous Orca-sculpture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Vancouver Aquarium is a busy spot, especially on holidays and weekends, but there is a good reason for that: it's a place that provides a lot of educational fun and hands-on exhibits and activities for kids. It's also located in Vancouver's beautiful Stanley Park, so if you're visiting the city, it's a great spot for an excursion.<br />
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MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-73339427608476992792015-04-01T10:54:00.000-07:002015-04-01T10:56:42.047-07:0010 quick tips when you're flying with kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7LVMVVLr4co/TTd1cib-TAI/AAAAAAAABI4/GPNIHXe82_8/s1600/atairport.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7LVMVVLr4co/TTd1cib-TAI/AAAAAAAABI4/GPNIHXe82_8/s1600/atairport.JPG" height="252" width="320" /></a></div>
Taking your kids on a flight, or a series of flights if you're doing some long-haul travel, can feel rather daunting when you're a parent. Here are 10 quick tips from me to make flying with kids a little easier, and a little less stressful:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0045XDGZ4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0045XDGZ4&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=PJHO2HPR7VKD6KUD"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0045XDGZ4&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0045XDGZ4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>1. Always bring antibacterial wipes & use them</b><br />
I keep repeating this advice to others and myself for one reason: it works. We used to always pick up some kind of germ or another in our travels, whether a stomach bug or a cold or the flu. Using the wipes after each bathroom visit and before each snack- or meal-time really, really helps. Anti-bacterial gel works too, but the wipes are handy and are not considered a liquid, which makes them a bit more convenient to bring on the plane. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002C6OPE2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002C6OPE2&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=KIA344X5RCIIRILR"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B002C6OPE2&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002C6OPE2" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>2. Use the bathroom when you see it</b><br />
I still try to hustle my kids into the bathroom whenever I spot one at the airport, even though they're older these days and usually able to tell me they need to go before it becomes an emergency. However, when you're going through an airport with young kids, it is a good policy to take them into the bathroom when you see a bathroom. Otherwise (if you're luck is anything like mine) you will be standing in some eternal lineup for immigration, check-in, boarding, or security when your child needs to go. And by then, all bathrooms might have magically disappeared...<br />
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On board it's a wise policy to take your kids into the bathroom before landing. My kids always seem to have "emergencies" right as we're approaching the airport, or when everyone is standing up, waiting for the doors to open. Not ideal for relaxed bathroom visits!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005U9Y2Y6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005U9Y2Y6&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=KF2D42HVWTX7N2GH"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B005U9Y2Y6&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005U9Y2Y6" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>3. If your child can stand up, bring pullups rather than regular diapers on the flight</b><br />
Diaper changes in an airplane bathroom are never fun. Yes, there are change-tables, but in the extremely cramped quarters it is never easy to change a diaper in the air. With my kids, I found it to be a lot easier to change a pullup than a regular diaper. Even if you don't usually use pullups, it might be a good idea to bring some on the plane, once your child is able to stand up.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0089OSG6E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0089OSG6E&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=OSDIYZHGMUEMJ3FJ"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0089OSG6E&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0089OSG6E" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>4. Always look back before leaving</b><br />
I got this advice a long time ago in my youthful backpacking days, and I still live by this rule. Whenever you've stopped or sat down for a break, a snack, to make a phone call, or whatever reason - look back as you're leaving to see if you've left anything behind. It's saved my sanity several times, because I've spotted dropped toys or blankets, or a cellphone or wallet.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DLLGHOI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00DLLGHOI&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=G27RWKH6OQ6V4EL2"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00DLLGHOI&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00DLLGHOI" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>5. Wear comfy pants</b><br />
Few things make me more uncomfortable on a flight than tight pants. Anything that pinches at the waist is awful. I don't like tight pants at the best of times, but when you spend hours sitting in a cramped airplane seat, and feel your body bloat and swell from the pressure... well, a loose-fitting waistband is a lot better than a tight one. I'm not the world's biggest fan of yoga pants, but if there was ever a place to wear them, the airplane is it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TV8NR2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000TV8NR2&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=M3RSRK4DGGJM5TBX"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000TV8NR2&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000TV8NR2" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>6. Chocolate + kids + planes = bad news</b><br />
Chocolate covered snack-bars, or candy is not a good idea for a flight. At least for my kids, we always seem to end up with chocolate everywhere, and that's not great when you're on a plane. Anything that "melts in your mouth, not in your hand" is a better snack-choice.<br />
<b><br /></b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KC6I06S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00KC6I06S&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=HHFZWRFOABF56D5F"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00KC6I06S&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00KC6I06S" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>7. Apps, games, and e-readers are great ways to pass the time</b><br />
Plan ahead and get some kid-friendly apps and games for your electronic devices (new ones if possible, to further battle travel boredom). If you get stuck at an airport, or on any long flights, it is a good way to pass the time. I always make sure I have some go-to kids' books on my Kindle as well.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K1MFSTK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00K1MFSTK&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=VETSEHCUEI3ZOBTI"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00K1MFSTK&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00K1MFSTK" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D48ZK3W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00D48ZK3W&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=SYH73P5654BVHIF6"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00D48ZK3W&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00D48ZK3W" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>8. Pen & paper is a must</b><br />
Entertaining your kids when you're on a long flight, or waiting for a long time at an airport can be a big challenge. And electronic devices will only last so long: I find my kids get bored with them eventually, or the devices may need recharging when there is nowhere to recharge them. Pen and paper, that old-school form of entertainment, can help. Draw pictures, write stories, play simple games like tic-tac-toe or Hangman... you can always do something with a pen (or pencil) and some paper.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N2KU4E2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00N2KU4E2&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=P2B5DBK33CF4SYJ2"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00N2KU4E2&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00N2KU4E2" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>9. Don't forget your charging cables</b><br />
It's easy to remember bringing your electronic devices, but sometimes (and yes, I am speaking from experience), it's easy to forget the charging cables. Bring them along in your hand-luggage: some airports and airplanes are starting to provide places for recharging.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GUSX5I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005GUSX5I&linkCode=as2&tag=trave002-20&linkId=TJ3ZIADRTQL42COU"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B005GUSX5I&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=trave002-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=trave002-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005GUSX5I" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<b>10. Pockets are good, and waist packs</b><br />
When you're traveling with kids, there are always things you need to keep track of: pacifiers, tickets, toys, snacks, money, cellphone... A waist pack or a good travel-purse can be a life-saver (and will hold your most important travel-documents securely), but it's also good to wear clothes that have pockets. Sweaters or cardigans with pockets is a favourite travel-gear of mine for this very reason.MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6165083809333201585.post-38468716435551452382015-01-19T06:00:00.000-08:002015-01-19T06:00:05.258-08:00Tips for shopping on board when you're traveling with kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Shopping while you're on the plane can be a lot of fun: there are some great deals to be had (especially if you're on an international flight where the goods are truly tax-free), and it can be a nice way to buy presents for people you know or yourself. However, when you're traveling with kids it's not always easy to find the time for shopping (or anything else), with the frequent bathroom trips, boredom, potential tantrums, sibling fights, kids experiencing ear-pain from the cabin pressure, and so on.<br />
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These days, most airlines let you browse their sales catalog online, and that can definitely be a big help. Another great service provided by several airlines is on-board delivery: you can shop online for the items available in the on-board shop, and then have those items delivered to your seat during your flight. This makes the shopping experience a lot more convenient for parents. A sample of airlines that provide this service is:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.sagashop.net/icelandair/" target="_blank">Iceland Air's SagaShop</a> - also has some great items for sale that are made in Iceland, and feel kind of exotic to anyone who isn't from that country.</li>
<li><a href="https://shop.klm.com/" target="_blank">KLM's Shop@KLM</a> - offers on-board delivery if you're flying out of Amsterdam</li>
<li><a href="https://www.worldshop.eu/home?5" target="_blank">Lufthansa's WorldShop</a> - offers airport delivery at Frankfurt airport, rather than on-board delivery.</li>
</ul>
Shopping at the airport can be one way to pass the time, but parents traveling with small children might not feel that comfortable browsing in a fancy airport shop with lots of expensive and fragile items on display. Still, those airport shops can look pretty enticing, and again, if the deals are truly tax/duty free then it can be a very good buy.<br />
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However, even if you do find a good deal, there are some things to think about when you purchase things on board or at the airport.<br />
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<b>Do you have space in your bags?</b><br />
If you're traveling with kids, your hand-luggage might already be rather full and heavy. Adding extra items, even if they're a good deal, might make your load even harder to carry to the next gate. Also consider how much your hand-luggage weighs: airlines don't usually weigh your carry-on (a lucky thing for me when my kids were babies!), but it does happen. And if you're over the limit, those new purchases could be a real problem.<br />
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<b>Will you be able to bring it on your flight/s?</b><br />
If you buy any kind of liquid products on board or at the airport, and are planning to bring them on your flight, you have to consider the airlines' rules about liquids on board. A container of liquid - for example lotion, perfume, wine, or beer - <i>usually </i>has to be 3 ounces/100 ml or smaller to be allowed in your hand-luggage. Sometimes, airlines do make exceptions for products bought on board, or at the airport of departure if the purchases are in a sealed plastic bag. However, if you have other connecting flights later on in your travels, you might have to put larger containers in your checked luggage.<br />
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This did happen to me once: I bought a bottle of body lotion in Amsterdam and was allowed to bring it on my flight from Amsterdam to Stockholm. But: when we went through security for our domestic Swedish flight with SAS, I was not allowed to bring the lotion (in a sealed plastic bag) in my hand-luggage on my next flight Luckily I was able to put the bottle in a bag and check that bag as an extra piece of luggage; otherwise I would have had to simply leave the gift at the security checkpoint.<br />
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<i>Ways to avoid this problem:</i><br />
<ul>
<li>Purchase items on your last flight/last airport stop.</li>
<li>Ask about the policies before you buy.</li>
<li>Put the item in your checked luggage.</li>
<li>Buy products that are no larger than 100 ml/3 ounces each.</li>
</ul>
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<b>Are there any customs restrictions?</b><br />
Depending on where you're traveling, customs might have something to say about your purchase. This is especially true for alcohol: many countries restrict how much alcohol you are allowed to bring with you across the border. Check the rules before buying too many bottles of wine!<br />
<br />MariaHaskinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05553651568874925337noreply@blogger.com0