7 tips for flying with kids & electronics

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.

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.


1. Check your data plan before you leave
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.



2. Fully charge all devices before you leave
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.


3. Bring your cables with you - in your hand luggage
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.


4. Bring converters and adapters
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.


5. Bring a power strip
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).



6. Get a good cover for your device
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.


7. Be ready to unpack your devices at security
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.

Kids, reading, and books - 5 tips & 5 of my favourite quotes

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.

1. Bring books along when you're traveling
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). 

The last few years though, I've been partial to e-books. A Kindle or other e-reader (the Kobo and the Nook 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!

2. Use a reading app on your phone, tablet, or other device
There are a lot of apps for reading and books available out there, including:

• the Kindle App
• the Kobo App
• the Audible App for audio books
• Ebook Reader for Android
• Apple iBooks

3. Let your kids explore fiction and non-fiction
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.

4. Don't worry too much about what your kids are reading, as long as they are reading
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.

5. Read to your kids at bedtime
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.

Finally, here are a list of books that my kids have enjoyed, both more recently and when they were younger:

•  Guji-Guji 
• Adventure Time - the comic book 
• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz 
• The Very Busy Spider
• The Harry Potter Books
• The Hobbit
• Green Eggs and Ham
• Mooncake (Moonbear)
• The Chronicles of Narnia
• Strega Nona
• Not a Stick

Find out more about International Literacy Day from UNESCO's website:

"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.

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.

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."

12 items that will make your beach-time better

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.


1. Rashguard shirts and sun-safe baby suits
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.


2. A pair of beach shoes
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.


3. A water-proof phone case
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.


4. A sand-free bag for toys
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!


5. Beach towel stakes
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!


6. A dry-bag for wet stuff
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.


7. Some handy snack cups
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.


8. A good water bottle or two
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!


9. A sun-smart tent
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.


10. A beach blanket
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.
mini umbrella


11. Sunscreen
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.


12. A waterproof wallet or pouch
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.