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TRAVEL TIPS: Traveling With Tweens and Teens: 7 Tips for Success

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More than a decade ago, our young family embarked on our first travel adventure. Our boys were just 8 months old and 2 years old at the time. We packed our double Graco stroller, a suitcase full of diapers, a sippy cup or two and off we went. We spent a month in Greece navigating the cobble-stoned streets of Athens and island beaches. Did we face challenges? You bet’cha! It was exhausting and wonderful all at the same time, sort of like that early morning pilates class you almost pressed snooze on. Now those same two boys are in their tween and teen years. We have continued to travel the globe together and have explored 27 countries in the past 12 years. While many things have gotten a whole lot easier, it would be a lie to say that now travel is just easy-peasy all the time. Challenges still present themselves. A family trip without any trials at all simply doesn’t exist. Have you heard the quote, “Nothing easy is ever worthwhile”?… Well, traveling with kids (of any age) certainly f...
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TRAVEL TIPS: How to Keep Your Family Safe When Traveling Abroad

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It seems hard not to turn on the news and see or hear about another event related to terror in our world these days. From Manchester to London to Paris to Stockholm, we continue to see events unfold that are meant to cause harm and fear. For the many families who continue to travel domestically and abroad, it is of the utmost importance to do so safely and with exit and safety plans in place. Photo courtesy of MedJet I had the opportunity to visit via email with John Gobbels, the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Medjet. Medjet is based in Birmingham, Alabama. But their network of air ambulance and medical escort providers, and security experts, extends throughout the world. I learned more about how Medjet works and how travelers can focus on keeping themselves and their families safe while traveling domestically and abroad. John also shared more information on Medjet memberships, providing families and travelers with a global rescue service network at their fingertips...
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10 Best Vacations for Kids in Canada

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Canada is full of natural beauty, from mountains and glaciers to secluded lakes, beaches, and forests. It may be a little known fact, but Canada actually caters to children better than just about any other country, making this the best destination for families. While much of Canada’s allure revolves around exploring nature that’s unparalleled worldwide, the country is also home to clean and safe cosmopolitan cities that are also friendly for all ages, with zoos, aquariums, amusement parks, and rodeos. Kids can explore wildlife and nature, meet real-life cowboys, ice skate on mountain lakes, and search for dinosaur fossils on the plains. There’s something for everyone in Canada, and you may just find yourself making the journey year after year. Don’t search around for the perfect family-friend vacation abroad, here are the best vacations for kids in Canada. 1. Banff Beautiful Lake Louise located in the Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. Photo: Sandra Cunningham Regardless of...
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7 tips to help you teach kids to pack

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If you give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day. If you teach a man to fish, he’ll eat for a lifetime. Of course it would be easier to pack your children’s bags for them, but you won’t always be there to do it for them. Why not teach them how to do it for themselves? Here are some tips to help you teach kids to pack. 1. Understand the necessity of teaching children to pack Kids need to learn how to plan ahead and stay organized. Teaching children to pack for themselves gives them a sense of responsibility that is important in their development. 2. Choose the right bag for your child Keep in mind that kids can only carry about 25-30% of their body weight, so choose a backpack or suitcase that’s appropriately sized. 3. Have your child help you pack your bag first This is a great way to get them comfortable with the concept of packing. Guide them through the process, showing them how to know what to bring and how best to organize items. They should help you fold socks, close zip...
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The Ultimate Family Beach Vacation Packing List

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So you’ve planned a fantastic vacation on the beach to spend time with the whole family, finding the absolute perfect destination and hotel. Now all you need to do is pack, and hit the road! Make sure you don’t forget anything with this helpful family beach vacation packing list. Photo: Maksym Topchii
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How to Avoid Bed Bugs When Traveling

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Creepy crawlies make most people uncomfortable. But what about those that are invading our personal space… like bed bugs? These tiny critters are hardy little things, and while we may be in control of our bed cleaning regime at home, what about when we go on vacation? Here’s how to avoid bed bugs when traveling. 1. Google your hotel name along with “bed bugs” Simply type your hotel name into the popular search engine, and then add “bed bugs” on the end. Hit search, and you’ll soon see if the hotel is renowned for unwanted residents! 2. Spray your luggage Any guide on how to avoid bed bugs has to include prevention methods. While you may be packing insect repellents for you and your family, don’t forget to spray your luggage with bug deterrent or repellents before you travel. 3. Inspect the hotel room and furniture This won’t take long, but is a vital part of any arrival ritual. By pulling back the bed covers and inspecting the mattress and its seams, any specks or little bl...
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The Top 25 Destinations in the World

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As part of TripAdvisor’s annual Travelers’ Choice Awards, the travel ratings site recently released its list of the Top 25 Destinations in the World , according to its users. Check the list below to see which places travelers loved visiting the most. 1- Bali, Indonesia Bali is a living postcard, an Indonesian paradise that feels like a fantasy. Soak up the sun on a stretch of fine white sand, or commune with the tropical creatures as you dive along coral ridges or the colorful wreck of a WWII war ship. On shore, the lush jungle shelters stone temples and mischievous monkeys. The “artistic capital” of Ubud is the perfect place to see a cultural dance performance, take a batik or silver-smithing workshop, or invigorate your mind and body in a yoga class.
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