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Sometimes even the best laid plans go awry. We had planned to leave the cold of Iowa for a brief sojourn in Texas- first with stops in Dallas to visit family then down to Houston to relax at The Woodlands Resort.
Unfortunately the weather we wanted so badly to escape will actually be holding us hostage. After a snowstorm a week ago practically shut down our city for 2 days another one- this one with freezing rain and ice- is bringing "travel not advised" warnings, towing bans and dangerous conditions.
I don't care how much I enjoy travel, I'm not one to risk my family's well-being for a little sun. So no Texas for us right now, though we will be enjoying the Kansas City part of our adventure- if the weather doesn't get in the way of it, too!
A couple of weeks ago I received the HP Photosmart Premium TouchSmart Web Printer. I had played with it a bit at a conference in September so I was excited to actually have it in my home and see what it could do.
Let me tell you... It can do a lot! The touch screen is so easy a 3-year-old can do it! And set up was quick and painless. For a full rundown of this great printer I invite you to read my review at Iowa Geek.
What I want to share here is how this printer helps me travel. I made a quick video to show you how it works:
The most obviously helpful app is, of course, the Google maps. You can either touch the map to pinpoint your destination or you can type in the name or address. Right now the maps feature can only show you the destination, it can't map a route. But that ability is coming- which will make this an even more handy feature. Especially when I forget to map our drive before I put the computer away!
The feature that I think I will get much use out of is the fact that I can scan information to a thumb drive. No more reams of printed paper stuffed in a binder for reference.
Of course the apps for coloring pages, crafts and games will come in handy with the girls. And even for me.... Four levels of sudoku anyone?
Travel Goodies from HP
Even if you don't have an HP printer you can use these great freebies from the HP Creative Studio. Travel themed coloring pages, car scavenger hunt, car bingo, travel games, luggage tags, print at home scrapbook layouts and more.
Disclosure: I received the TouchSmart Web printer from HP to use and review.
I've been working on plans for the past few weeks for a winter getaway for us. Because Doug's family is in Texas it made sense to plan something in the south. We haven't been down in almost 3 years and it will, hopefully, be warmer there than our home in Iowa in late December. Here's the plans so far:
A bright and early departure and 12+ hour drive to Dallas. I'm not yet sure where we will be staying. Any recommendations for family friendly lodgings?
We'll spend 2 days in Dallas then head down to Houston to stay 3 nights at The Woodlands Resort. Hopefully it will be nice enough for the girls to play in the pool. We're looking forward to relaxing and enjoying the nature trails. Any Houston experts have a "not to be missed" attraction?
Our drive back will also begin early, but we won't do it in one day. We'll come back through Louisana and Arkansas with a stop in Ozark, Missouri at Lambert's- the home of the Throwed Roll. We've eaten at Lambert's once, years ago and can't wait to take the girls.
After filling our bellies we'll drive a few more hours to Kansas City for a good night's rest. Then another filling meal: Irish Breakfast at Raglan Road before we visit Chocolate: the Exhibition at Union Station.
We'll need the chocolate buzz for the drive home.
Look for individual posts about our destinations and activities coming soon! And be sure to give me some Houston tips!
Two miles south of the Iowa border along I-35 southbound sits a new rest area. It is rather over-named the Eagleville Welcome Center and Rest Area but it is a really nice rest area- especially if you have kids and the weather is nice.
It has all your "regular" rest area amenities: travel information, restroom facilities, vending machines, and picnic tables. And then it has a bit more...
The girls had a great time running through the grass and burning some energy after a couple of hours in the car- with a couple more to go.I wrote a guest post over at Road Trips for Families about my ten favorite geeky gadgets for road trips with kids.
You can view the article by following this link. Let me know what you think!
Ah, yet another product that I wish I had invented. An idea so simple, so needed and only now is it being addressed.
If you have a little one in a car seat you know what I mean. On any given car ride little ones tend to fall asleep. And very soon their little heads are so far forward they are practically touching their bellies. If your child is older, like Brenna, they may go sideways. Either way it looks uncomfortable.
I spent years trying to address this problem; Doug or I would lean into the back seat and straighten the girls' heads only to have them nod back down within minutes. I couldn't think of anything to solve the problem short of tying their heads down- and I'm pretty sure that wouldn't have been comfortable.
When I first saw the Head Snuggler I wasn't sure it would work. It's a really simple idea. I figured Caelan's little head would just nod right out of it. I should learn to not make judgements until I try something. Because it worked wonderfully.
It fit easily on the car seat (it also fits on strollers) and didn't bother Caelan at all when I put it on after she fell asleep. I even pulled it down to shield her eyes from the sun. Brenna, who rarely naps, has requested one for her booster- just to cover her eyes.
If your child naps in the car and gets "droopy" I highly recommend the Head Snuggler. It works.
You can buy the Head Snuggler online for $20.99 + s/h.
For Have Kid Will Travel readers: To receive a 15% discount simply complete your purchase at www.melrosekids.com
Melrose Kids has offered a head snuggler for one of my readers in the green with polka dots design.
To enter just leave a comment.
Want more entries?
I'll be honest, when I was first approached about trying No Throw I initially thought, "My girls are too old for that" and almost sent an email to decline their offer. After all my girls rarely use a stroller and if they throw something I make them retrieve it.
Then I remembered how often I have to turn when we are in the car to fetch a sippy cup or no-spill bottle of juice. Or how many times I have tried to maneuver myself into an impossible position to rescue a drink from under an airplane seat. I accepted the offer to try this product.
I was quite impressed with the item I received. It was very easy to use, made of quality materials and attractive in purple with butterflies. It's also "slippery" material which Caelan loved. She spent quite a bit of time just feeling it. It worked just as advertised; with the juice tethered to the car seat Caelan could easily pull it back. In fact, she would knock it off just so she could "go fishing". The only down side: she is also able to undo the velcro that holds the cup secure. Fortunately she is also able to tighten it again, which made for a fun game.
Because of how it is created No Throw can be used for more than just cups. Loop it around a favorite lovey or toy to keep it from falling from the stroller. Yet another "why couldn't I have thought of this" product.
More About No Throw
No Throw was created by twin sisters with young sons who loved to throw their cups. You can now find No Throw in Walgreens locations throughout the US as well as in baby boutiques and select grocery stores. It is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns (including trucks, princesses, zoo animals, numbers and letters) and retails for only $5.
This is a great item not only for travel but for every day with a little one!
Want to win a No Throw?
To enter leave a comment telling me how often you have to fetch cups for your kids!
Want more entries?
I got an iPod Touch a couple of months ago. I love it! Funnily enough I have no music on it. I also don't have any videos or movies. What I do have are some great apps- most of them free!
One of my favorites, which is great for travel (and education) is the USA Factbook Free app by ADS Software Group. You'll find it in the education category.
It includes
We were lucky enough to be able to accompany my husband to the Boston area while he was working out here. For 9 weeks we lived in a beautiful house just steps from the ocean in Scituate (pronounced sit-U-it).
We found Ocean Perch (I just love a house with a name) at HomeAway.com. After seeing the photos of the house and sending Doug on a scouting mission to make sure the photos didn't lie (they didn't!) we secured the house to be our "home away from home".
I am hesitant to use the word cozy to describe this house as it can tend to give off a "small" vibe. But this house is cozy. We settled in easily as this rental has all the comforts of home- comfy bedrooms, a washer and dryer, a fully equipped kitchen and a grill on the back porch. The only thing it was missing was internet access. Luckily we were able to take care of that ourselves.
There is one bathroom with a shower only. Pam (the owner), knowing we had small children, installed a very nice mounted removable shower head for us to use. All towels and linens are provided.
As are beach towels, lawn chairs, small coolers, beach toys, rafts and any other summer item you can think of (they are stored under the enclosed porch). Really, this house is stocked with whatever you may need. And Pam is just a phone call away if you ever need anything. She was a great help during our stay- suggesting sites and dropping off information (and brownies!) for us.
Ocean Perch can be difficult to find- especially if you try to map it online as the small towns run together. The easiest way to reach Ocean Perch is to take highway 3 south from Boston. Take exit 12 (Hwy 139) east. Turn left at the second stoplight (there is a Roche Brother's grocery store on one corner and a school on the other)- this is Furnace. Follow Furnace to Ferry. Turn left. Ferry is quite curvy; just stay on the main road. Ferry will end at Bridgwaye restaurant. Turn right, across the bridge. You are now on Humarock. Turn left at the 4-way (if you continue forward you will hit the ocean) and follow that road (Central) about a mile. Newport St. is well marked; you can only turn right. Ocean Perch is the second house. (This map can help you find your way.)
Obviously you will need a car if you stay anywhere outside of the city. I posted previously about car rentals outside the US but many of those tips work if you are in the US as well. Renting a car at Logan airport will cost you twice the amount of any other location in the Boston area. My advice: take the subway to Quincy Center or Quincy Adams or the harbor ferry into Quincy. Coordinate with the rental company to pick you up (Enterprise will do this, ask others as they may accommodate you.) To get to both the subway and the ferry catch the 66 bus at all terminals outside the baggage claim.
I have created a map to help you find the locations I mention below. Ocean Perch is marked on the map with a star, to help you get your bearings.
Things to Do
You're staying in a house only steps from the beach. My best guess is that you plan to spend much of your time on the beach.
But if you can tear yourself away from the ocean here are some great day trips and other fun stuff:
Dining
Quincy is an easy car ride away. The Adams National Historical Park opened the weekend we left. It looks amazing- if you like history (and we do!).
As I mentioned, Ocean Perch has a fully equipped kitchen. Almost as well equipped as my own; I was able to make our meals easily. (A few of the meals I made: Homemade Cheeseburger Pizza, Unfried Chicken & Popcorn Cauliflower, Grilled Chicken with Sesame Noodles and Finnish Baked Pancakes.)
To stock the kitchen we visited three grocery stores:
Of course you are on vacation... There are plenty of restaurants, a few within walking distance. The following restaurants are where we ate while visiting. There are, of course, many others.
Within walking distance:
A short drive:
Shopping
When you're on vacation shopping has a tendency to top the list of "must do". You want a souvenir or two, yes?
Getting into Boston
The very best way, in my opinion, to get into Boston is via the commuter ferry from Quincy Harbor. It's quick and relaxing and you land in the North End.
Closer to the rental house is the commuter rail station in Greenbush. This will take you into Quincy where you can catch the subway. For the greatest flexibility of return times drive into Braintree or Quincy, park and catch the subway there.
Wish You Were Here
Just behind the Sands End Cafe is the Humarock Post Office. John and Bruce, the postmasters, are a great wealth of information. They'll answer any questions you have. Stop in, mail your postcards and chat for a while.
Guides to the South Shore
Moms and Dads Guide
Kidding Around the South Shore
South Shore Visitors Guide
(that I bought when Brenna was just over a year old!)
The Iowa 80 truck stop opened in 1964 at exit 284 just north of Walcott, Iowa. Interstates did not yet spread across the country and the trucking industry was only a fraction of what is is now. Today the truck stop includes:
Being as I love adventure (of the travel kind) and I'm not one to pass up an opportunity when my husband began commuting to Boston every week I looked into a way for the girls and I to join him. First, it was hard on all of us for him to fly out on Sunday afternoon and fly back late Friday night. Second, I worked the numbers and realized that his company could save so much money if they
a) rented a small vacation house for a longer period instead of a hotel weekly
b) rented the car for a long period instead of weekly
c) Doug had a kitchen instead of eating out 3 times a day
d) didn't have to fly him back every week
And that is how we came to the decision to pack up a few things and transfer ourselves to Boston for 7 weeks. Corporate approved it last week (of course they did- it's saving them thousands!) and we leave Saturday. As in two days from now. Which is why I should not be on the computer right now.
But before I sign off, a few facts.
Because we'll be exploring for the next 2 months I am sure to have new destinations, tips and stories to share!
Straight from the Hertz website:
Now through March 31, 2009, you can enjoy one free weekend day, when PC#127595 is included in your reservation of Economy through Full-size class cars. Only one redemption per month is permitted.With this deal you could technically get two free days: one in February and one in March.
Sometimes keeping organized can be a lesson in futility. Especially when it comes to drawing and coloring supplies and children. When I was crusing etsy one day I found a great shop called Tika Kids that makes Crayon Bags. These fun and hip little bags have little "pockets" on the outside of the bag- specially designed for a couple of pencils and 8 crayons.
In Parent's Magazine's October 2008 issue is an article titled 29 Kid's Games to Play On the Go. A few of these ideas are really great for travel, too... And won't annoy your fellow travelers, which is always a plus...
Tell Secrets
Whispering has a great effect in a loud, crowded place. Simply whisper
a message in your kid's ear. The background noise will require him to
focus intently on your message, and he will undoubtedly want to whisper
a message in your ear next. Concentrating on hearing and delivering the
whispered messages is calming for your child -- and for you too.
Talk to the Hand Use a plain brown paper bag as a puppet, and
talk to your toddler with it. Give your toddler a bag too, and your
hand will have someone who speaks the same language. We use socks. My girls love "sock hand puppets" and will even do this at home.
Art Appreciation: Look around you. Is there a painting on a wall? Ask your kid
questions about the painting and, together, create a story. Who lives
in the house? Why does the man look so happy? If we are traveling we always have paper and crayons or markers. Have your child draw the picture as she sees it and then talk about both pictures together.
Tricks of the Eye Floating Hot Dog: Point the tips of your index fingers together
until they almost meet. Bring them closer to your eyes until it appears
that a hot dog is suspended in the air between them. Hole in the Hand:
Roll up a piece of paper and look through it with one eye. With both
eyes, focus on a distant object. Now hold your other hand right next to
the rolled-up paper. You'll see a hole in your hand.
How Big? Whip out a plastic retractable tape measure and your young surveyor can
get the measure of the land ... and the leg ... and the arm. When that
gets dull, challenge your kid to a "guess how many inches" contest with
your child's head. All kids love to have their head measured. I like a sewing tape measure... It's more flexible, doesn't have sharp edges and can be used as other things, too. Like a leash or a jump rope. And you'd be amazed at how often a kid can roll it up and then watch it unroll across the floor...
Budding Photographer? My daughters love my digital camera- or even the camera on my phone. And seeing things from their point of view makes you realize how much you miss. We love our VTECH Kidizoom camera. Or give them an old cell phone with photo capabilities. Let them take pictures and then talk about what they've seen.
In my house we love educational toys. They make learning fun! So when Caelan's birthday was coming up and I was being asked for gift recommendations one of the items I chose was the VTECH Write and Learn Letter Book.
Renting a car in a foreign country for the first time can be very confusing. What do you need? How do you get the best deal? Do you rent on your own or use a package deal? I have a few tricks for you to keep in mind.
1) Do your homework. You need to check all your options when you are traveling. You want to get the best deal but you also want a vehicle that will fit your needs. A cheap small car probably won’t work for a family of 4 with luggage for a week.
2) Always pay in your local currency when possible. It will keep you from paying foreign transaction fees and you will probably pay less than the conversion rate.
3) Try to pick up your vehicle away from airports. This is especially easy in large cities with great public transportation (London, Paris, Rome, Dublin, New York, etc). It’s simple supply and demand- more people pick up cars at airports, therefore the rates can be higher.
4) In a foreign country by the CDW (collision damage waiver). Your auto insurance won’t cover an accident and CDWs are relatively cheap.
5) Let a car hire company search the best rates for you. And then search for yourself. Use any discounts you may have (credit cards, AAA, etc.).
6) Know how to drive a manual transmission. You will most likely pay more for an automatic.
This is a really handy tip if you will be traveling in a country where you don't speak the language very well (because you should always speak just a bit- even if it's only "thank you").
AAA offices can set you up with an International Driving Permit for $15. It's valid in over 150 countries and contains your name, photo and driving information in 10 languages.
Hopefully you never need it but if you do happen to get involved in an accident having identification available in the native language of the country you are visiting sure can't hurt!
Our final days in Ireland were spent in the wonderful rooms of Harbour View B&B in Doolin.
Harbour View is a purpose built B&B and all I can say is: what a great job they did! You can tell just how much thought went in to making this an inviting guest house. The rooms are spacious and comfortable with large en suite bathrooms. All rooms are on the ground level and many have a great view looking over the town and out to the ocean. Cathy Normoyle, your gracious hostess, says you can see the Aran Islands on a clear day. (We didn't have a clear day when we were there so I can't claim to have seen them). Most of the bedrooms sleep two and a couple even sleep three. The beds were very comfortable and a cot is available upon request. All rooms have coffee and tea service and a lovely sitting area for gazing out the large windows at the breathtaking view.
5 deposit and a short history of the site is available from the innkeeper, Lily, for 2.50. Grab a copy of this guide before getting started. It will be invaluable as you wander through the buildings.
I believe you don't drive through Ireland so much as you hurtle. Merriam-Webster defines hurtle as : to move rapidly or forcefully. And, quite honestly, when you are driving down roads like this you don't have to be going very fast to feel like you are going way too fast.
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