Kids Sail Free on Most 3 Night Disney Cruises

If you were thinking about booking a Disney cruise this may be the time to do it. Kids age 12 and under can sail free on most 3-night cruises from January 22 to May 28, 2009, when traveling with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom.

Of course there are rules and restrictions:
* Offer applies to new bookings only
* Offer applies to stateroom categories 4-12 only
* The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited
* Other offers, discounts or onboard credits do not apply
* See Disney Cruise Line® brochure for details and applicable terms and conditions

For more information, rules and charges (like government taxes and fees) visit Disney Cruise Lines. Cruises can be booked online, by phone or through your travel agent.

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United's Customer Service - First Class All the Way

The last flight I took was with my 4 year old daughter. Just her and I, flying home to test some products we had received. It was a great adventure for her to be traveling alone with me and it gave us some one-on-one time.

Because it can be very expensive to fly into our home airport from, well, practically anywhere, we had two parts to our journey. The first part was from Minneapolis to Chicago and the second from Chicago to Des Moines.

We flew United Airlines as they had the best rate. I have a Mileage Plus card, though I haven't flown with them in a few years. Checking in was a breeze with the Easy Check In kiosk. I swiped a credit card and was shown my itinerary and my seats. I was also shown upgrades that were available and the additional cost for those upgrades. They were a reasonable price but I passed because my flights were really just short hops. The staff at the counter were a great help when my very curious daughter decided to touch the screen and try to check luggage we didn't have.

As we were waiting I noticed that we were traveling to Chicago with a rather large group- the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra to be exact- and that my daughter was the only child that would be on the flight. As the orchestra members began requesting early boarding so they could stow their instruments one of the associates at the counter approached us. Because I had the only child on the flight she had noticed that our seats put us directly in the middle of the orchestra seating and asked is she could move us forward. I said, "sure," and handed her our tickets.

When she brought our tickets back she told me to be sure to preboard so I could have my daughter settled before all the instruments came on the plane. As we were boarding she came back to me and told me that she was moving us up to first class since seats were available and that would open up a bit more room in the back of the plane for the orchestra.

Alrighty then...

Let me tell you, those seats are so big and spacious. We were in the first row and the flight attendant was so attentive to my daughter (who was strangely fascinated with the warm cloth presented to wipe her hands). We also had two pilots directly behind us who were very nice and answered a lot of questions for a little girls who wants to know everything about everything. They all chatted with her and answered questions long after I would have told her to shush. She even came home with souvenir cards showing the airplanes the pilots behind us flew.

That flight was over much too soon and our second leg wasn't nearly so memorable. And I think that little taste of first class may nave spoiled me a bit. You can bet I'll be saving for those nice seats for our next overseas adventure. I bet I could actually rest on the plane!

Thanks, United, for the best domestic flight I've had in a long time (and it wasn't just the upgrade!).

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Luggage Tags as Unique as You Are

I know that your suitcase probably came with a generic luggage tag. And it looks just like every other luggage tagged suitcase out there... You've probably read all those tips about making your luggage different - colored tape, ribbons, etc. Why not customize a luggage tag?

While cruising thru etsy I found SparkleFactor and loved their customized luggage tags. So I contacted them, explained what I was looking for and what information I would like and here is what I got:

I absolutely adore the little girl with her luggage! And the monogrammed "H" is nice for me- why should my kids get all the cute stuff?

Luggage tags are completely customizable. Choose the background, a graphic (83 available but be sure to ask if you don't see what you want- they may have it!), choose what you want printed (both sides or just one) and choose your hook (climbers hook, plastic loop or ribbon for a bow). Four tags are $3- and they can all be different designs and hooks. That's less than $1 per tag- you can't make them yourself for that price! All designs are emailed to you for final approval before printing and mailing.

The lamination is nice and heavy so these tags will last through your travels- whether they take you to grandma's house or the Grand Canyon. These would also make a great gift tag that could be reused! No waste!

Sparkle Factor also has note cards, hair bows and fancy hair clips. The ladies are wonderful to work with and my daughter loves her special tags. One for the backpack, one for the suitcase, one for the diaper bag and one for mommy!

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Minnesota Children's Museum, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA

On a recent trip to St. Paul I had hoped to take my girls to Como Park and Como Zoo. Unfortunately the weather wasn't cooperating and the cold rain drove us to an indoor activity: The Minnesota Children's Museum.

The Children's Museum is in the heart of downtown St. Paul, on the corner of W 7th Street and Wabasha. Parking is available in the ramp across from the museum with a special lane reserved for Children's Museum visitors. You can access the museum at ground level or through the skywalk.

Remember to take your parking stub with you to have it validated (and save yourself some money. I forget and parking cost me $12!). Admission is a set fee of $8.95, no matter your age. But if you're a AAA member show your card and save $1 per person!

The Minnesota Children's Museum is four floors of activities, experimentation and exploration. The first floor is where you check in and hang your coats. There is also a seating area for eating snacks or sack lunches, Kid Spark for a little something to remember your visit (and snacks) and stairs or elevators to take you to the fun that awaits!

At the top of the stairs is the flying fish- you are in the second floor Atrium.

At set times there are activities here- story telling or Big Fun. We missed the story telling but we joined in Big Fun. It was big fun- but more kids than there were things to play with and some parents weren't so good at keeping an eye on their kids; we stopped playing after Brenna had things yanked from her hands- numerous times.

The rest of the second floor was great fun. The kids "worked" in World Works, loading conveyor belts and operating cranes, getting wet in the water room (bubbles, boats and floating balls) and exploring daily life in Our World (a bus, post office, music studio, doctor's office and more).

The Changing World Gallery is also on the second floor. Now thru January 19, 2009 is Hmong at Heart. See the Special and Traveling Exhibits page for information on exhibits after that date.

The third floor has a quiet book nook and the Creativity Center classroom which has various activities.

The fourth floor was, by far, my favorite. If you are visiting between May and September (and it's not raining) you'll want to go out and explore the Rooftop Art Park. This is hands on art, not "shhh, don't touch". Earth World is amazing. You step into a great forest and become an animal (Brenna was a robin and Caelan a wood tick). Learn what it's like to be a squirrel inside a tree or an ant in an ant hill. Be a beaver in a dam or a tortoise in a shell. Head up to the lodge and touch a snake or create a thunderstorm.

Just down the hall is the World of Wonder gallery. While we were there (and thru February 1, 2009) is Ball-O-Rama. This fun filled room shows physics, velocity, gravity, momentum and more in a fun way.

There is also a "tot spot" for smaller visitors with an eclosed ball "pit" and a maze to roll very large balls through. See the Special and Traveling Exhibits for information after that date.

Also on the 4th floor is Habitot for infants and toddlers to play without worry and a nursing room.

Each floor (except the 3rd) has two restrooms and classrooms with different "drop in" activities.

Eating While Visiting the Museum
If you are after more than a snack there are dining options around the Children's Museum. You can get a complete listing at the box office on the first floor. If you arrived through the skywalk you undoubtedly noticed McDonald's. I'm not sure how you could miss it with the life-sized Ronald just outrside.

Our kids, of course, wanted to eat there. It was crazy- packed. Luckily, right across the hall, is Asian Max, filled with fresh- and much healthier- Asian food. We adults enjoyed the food and the seating was much less crowded and noisy than McDonald's. Everyone was satisfied.

If you have any energy left after your time at the Children's Museum step out the doors onto Wabasha and walk down to Candyland. This wonderful little shop has been around for decades- and rightfully so. Just stepping in the doors you get a sugar high!

Their chocolates are made by hand and the popcorn is fresh. It's like walking into a penny candy shop- except the candies cost a bit more now. We got some licorice whips, popcorn and amazing chocolates. How I missed this shop all my years in St Paul I'll never know! It's certainly on my list of places to return to!

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CARES Child Aviation Restraint System

If you fly with a child who is out of a car seat but not quite big enough to be safe with only the lap belt you will love the CARES Child Aviation Restraint. The CARES changes the lap belt into a five-point safety harness and makes flying much safer for children.

Here’s what makes CARES such an invaluable travel solution:

• CARES is the first and only harness type Aviation Child Safety
  Device to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as
  an alternative to a car seat.
• CARES is an elegantly designed belt-and-buckle device that works in
  conjunction with the regular airplane seat belt and provides young
  travelers the same level of safety as a car seat.
• CARES weighs just one pound and fits into a 6" stuff sack! It is
  easily portable, simple to install, adjustable to every size airplane
  seat, and usable on any seat in the airplane, except in the emergency
  exit rows.

It was incredibly easy for me to use and kept Brenna from hopping around in her seat, which is a problem we often have when flying. The CARES Child Aviation Restraint System is available from Family Travel Gear and costs $62. The peace of mind is worth every penny!

Family Travel Gear is one of my recommendations when it comes to buying travel supplies. Their customer service is exceptional, their shipping is fast and if you have any questions that are happy to provide answers. I highly recommend them for all of your travel necessities.

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Trunki Ride On Suitcase

With a small child airports can be difficult to navigate. Everything around you stimulates them and stopping "to look" almost requires an extra hour of travel time. So when my daughters both showed great interest in the Trunki I received from Family Travel Gear I had a feeling our transit time across airports had gained momentum.

I'm sure "Trixie" (she's the girl Trunki, the boy is Terrance) wasn't meant to be a ride-on toy but my girls can't stay away from her! They play "travel" at home and she has added to the great fun! With her bright pink color and "horn" handles she's much more fun than a regular suitcase. She's sturdy, has side latches that are secure and a handle that allows you to pull her behind you or tote her over your shoulder. She's easy to pack and has two very tiny "hidden" spots for treats or treasure.

Trixie fit in the both the overhead luggage compartments and under the economy seats on our flights. She's not really handy to get into during a flight, but it can be done. But where Trunki shines is through the airport (or hotel hallways). Both my girls loved riding her. And we got lots of smiles and comments as we rolled along. The girls both enjoyed riding so much that they didn't have to stop and look at every little thing. It's also very easy to pull, even for kids. One tip- shorten the strap, it makes Trunki easier to maneuver and keeps you from getting in the way of other travelers. It definitely made our travels easier and more fun!

Trunki's Specs:

Holds up to 5 gallons of travel essentials

Weight is only 3.55 lbs.

Shipping Box Dimensions: 18.25"L X 8.25"W x 12.75"H

Carry's up to 110lbs.

Constructed of 100% polypropelene

Suitable for children from the ages of 3 to 6 years old (Our youngest is almost 2 1/2 and she loves it, too!)

Four-wheeled

Built in stabilizers and secure catches

As I mentioned, Trixie has a "brother", Terrence. He's just the same but blue with green trim. There is also a new addition to the Trunki family, the Deluxe.
This newly updated version of the Trunki suitcase includes several NEW features:

NEW Carry handle Quick to grab for a departure gate dash

NEW Locking catches Stop toys falling into the wrong hands

NEW Teddybear seatbelts Strap in the toys and stop them tumbling out when Trunki is open

NEW Internal pouch For keeping little things tucked away and easy to find

NEW Key Fixed to strap so it never gets lost.

NEW Trunki passport Your new Trunki suitcase will come with its very own passport, which can be filled
with exciting downloads, keeping tots entertained when Trunki has been
stowed away.

Photo courtesy of Family Travel Gear

We will be investing in a "sibling" for Trixie before our next travel adventure. This is definitely a dream come true if you travel with kids! The original Trunki sells for $34.95 and Trunki Deluxe for $44.95.

Family Travel Gear is one of my recommendations when it comes to buying travel supplies. Their customer service is exceptional, their shipping is fast and if you have any questions that are happy to provide answers. I highly recommend them for all of your travel necessities.

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TRAYblecloth for a Clean, Organized Flight

I had seen the TRAYblecloth on a few websites and thought (as I often do) "Why couldn't I think of that?" because it is truly a brilliant idea if you are flying. So when Cindy from Love to Travel Products, the makers of the TRAYblecloth, asked if I would like to review one I jumped at the chance.

Believe me when I tell you that they didn't miss a trick when they put this together. The fabric is fun and bright, there are three pockets that are easy to access whether the tray is up or down and another large mesh pocket on the underside of the tray. The top of the tray is covered in a clear vinyl pocket perfect for drawing or writing (and then wiping clean) and provides access for games and activity sheets. The TRAYblecloth even comes with 4 mini dry erase markers. The only thing it doesn't include is an eraser- but a tissue or napkin works well for wiping off the markers. Love to Travel Products even has a page of printable games to use with the TRAYblecloth.

The TRAYblecloth can be slipped onto your tray table at the beginning of the flight and can remain on until you land. The stretchy mesh backing makes it easy to use on almost any size tray table (except first class). And it is easy to fold and place in the reuseable bag it comes in when your flight is over.. It takes only a small amount of space in your carry on and weighs practically nothing.

Brenna loved this. The different activities I downloaded kept her occupied, the pockets kept the markers from escaping and kept a snack close at hand. I didn't have to worry about her setting food on the tray table because it was covered. It honestly made our flight more enjoyable.

The Kid's TRAYblecloth is available in a variety of fun designs and retails for $24.99. It's worth every penny. We'll be investing in another before our next family flight so my girls can each have one.

If you're like me you're thinking that kids get all the fun stuff... But TRAYblecloth was originally made for adults. The Original TRAYblecloth retails for $19.99 and the Executive TRAYblecloth for $22.99. I'll be picking up a couple of these, as well. Imagine not having to stuff everything into the pocket on the airplane seat! No more forgotten books! I'm practically giddy!

For more information see the YouTube video.

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