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Where Would You Spend Your Last Year on Earth?

February 27, 2012 By 4 Comments

A few weeks ago I was asked to participate in a travel survey concerning the end of the world. Where would you go? What would you do? I was thrilled to find the infographic in my email today.

End of World Travel

End of World Bucket List Travel (Click for larger image)

Myself, and 21 other fabulous travel bloggers, weighed in. While I would choose to spend my final days in Ireland, other countries received far more votes.  But, as you can read in the press release below, family trumps travel (unless you’re a travel blogger, then it is a close second).  Thanks to First Choice for including me in this bit of fun.  Does this make me an honorary Brit?

FirstChoice survey reveals what Brits would do in their last year on Earth

  • Over a fifth would be travelling the world*

  • India is the number one destination on travel bloggers’ bucket lists

The ancient Mayan calendar ends on 21 December 2012 and many believe this signifies the end of the world. But what would Brits do with their last year on Earth? A new study has found out.

The independent research commissioned by First Choice questioned over 2,000 people and found that over a fifth of people wanted to jet off and see the world (22 per cent)*. According to a separate survey of 21 travel bloggers, India was the top destination on peoples’ bucket lists, with Iceland and China coming second and third. A third of those questioned also wanted to be in a beautiful place alone or with family, the moment the world ended.

Family is where the heart is for most Brits, as over half of the people surveyed (51per cent) chose spending time with loved ones as the number one thing to do in their final months. Six per cent wanted to party and surprisingly only seven per cent of people would most like to quit their job and relax, if 2012 was their last year on the planet*.

The second survey of travel bloggers revealed that 47.5 per cent of people would use social media to communicate with their friends, if they were the first person to know when the world was going to end.

Nathan Timmins, Head of Online Marketing for First Choice, comments: “There is a lot of speculation at the moment about the end of the world, so we decided to do a little research of our own. Although the response was surprising we are pleased to see that travelling the world is one of the priorities among UK residents.”

Filed Under: Travel Resources

Backpacking with Kids

February 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Going on a backpacking holiday can be one of the most exhilarating breaks. Going wherever your feet take you can lead to exotic scenery, discovering a part of the world that you never knew existed and being able to connect with nature in a way you never thought was possible. Backpacking can be fantastic for couples, but for parents who fancy going on an adventure, taking their kids without boring them to death is at best tricky.

When it comes to keeping them entertained while walking through mountain ranges, valleys and hillside towns and villages, it’s hard to know what to do to keep children happy. However, there are a few things you can do for them to take the tedium out of trekking.

If you have kids who are, say, less than ten years old, and you’re backpacking in rural England, it might be worth taking them to the nearest farm and teaching them about local animals as well as where food comes from. The best part about learning at that age is going on field trips, and, if it’s a tourist-friendly farm, they’ll be able to do as they would on a field trip.

Bookshelf closeup

Learn about a place through hiking & books

Teaching your kids about the history of the place you’re rambling in could also keep them occupied. If they have inquiring minds, they’ll be tempted to learn a lot more about the area when they return home.

It may be worth taking regular stops in case they get tired from all that walking. Backpacking somewhere that has a lot of towns and villages is perfect for having a rest in between walks. It might be worth their while going around the nearest town or village centre, exploring the shops. It’s also worth treating them by buying them whatever they would like to eat for lunch or dinner at a local café or restaurant.

Asking your kids where they would like to go is another way in which you can keep them occupied. They might want to go look at the nearest lake, mountain range or old building such as a derelict castle or church. Involving them will stop them complaining, and will help you to enjoy your holiday more.

When going backpacking, it’s worth looking out for cheap holiday insurance. In looking for the best-value deal, you give yourself the cover you need in order to travel safely while at the same time, you save money which you can spend on the holiday.

 

Disclosure:  This guest post was written for Family Rambling readers and does contain sponsored information.

Filed Under: UK

True Love Can Be Bought

February 17, 2012 By 4 Comments

project 52 p52 weekly photo challenge my3boybarians.comThis week’s P52 theme is “true love” to – obviously – coincide with Valentine’s Day.

Because this is a travel site I’m going to toss in a tip…  If your child has a favorite ‘cuddle buddy’ be sure to bring it when you travel.  No matter where you are it will feel like home with a best friend along.

My eldest, Brenna, had never formed a lasting attachment to any of the adorable ‘stuffies’ she had crowding the foot of her bed.  She didn’t really care about cuddling any of them…  Until we relocated to Scituate back in 2009.  Each day, as we took Doug to catch the train to Boston we passed an art studio.  One day we stopped and Brenna fell in love.

Brenna & BunBun

‘BunBun’ is a “velveteen rabbit” created by Donna Green, a spectacular artist whose illustrations of The Velveteen Rabbit are breathtakingly beautiful.  ‘BunBun’ sleeps with Brenna every night- no matter where we are- accompanies her downstairs every morning and patiently waits for her to return from school daily.  I have no doubt that she is so loved as to, one day, become real.

Filed Under: Packing Tips

Why “Easy” Travel Options Aren’t Always the Best- a Rebuttal to CNNGo “5 Rules of Traveling With Kids”

February 15, 2012 By 27 Comments

With the wealth of good family travel advice available online it is painful when bad advice is given a position of authority.

Hiking in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Hiking in Eureka Springs

As a family travel blogger I, with many others, share advice for great family travel, tips for making it easier and attempt to inspire families to venture out with their young ‘uns; to push their boundaries, if you will, and explore the world around them.  So it is incredibly frustrating when a reputable publication like CNNGo discounts the wealth of first-hand information available and publishes an article with the keyword title ‘hard truth about traveling kids its hell‘.

Family Rambling’s 5 Rules of Traveling With Kids

1) Take only the necessities; everything else is just stuff.  Of course you want to take your child’s favorite stuffed animal, but that is no reason to haul along half a dozen books and a small toy chest.  Children are incredibly adaptable- no matter their age.  If your children are in diapers take enough to get you to your destination + a few extra in case of delays.  You can buy more when you arrive.  If you really don’t want to purchase toiletries, consider shipping items ahead to save on the amount of luggage you’re toting through the airport.  To really maximize your packing space, invest in a few Space Bags.

2) Jet Lag Affects Everyone. Sure, a young child is likely to voice their opinion a bit more forcefully than an adult, but that doesn’t mean it affects them more.  My advice- let your child take a short nap.  If you’ve traveled far enough to experience jet lag you’ve probably planned a rather light first day.  Take it easy, let the young ones nap in the car or stroller, or even take a short rest at the hotel.  Though, in my experience, children sleep far better on airplanes than adults do; you may be surprised at how little jet lag affects them!

Lunch at Joe T Garcia's, Fort Worth

Enjoy the local cuisine

3) Experience the Local Cuisine. One of the greatest adventures of vacation is tasting local favorites.  Black Pudding?  Love it!  Bangers & mash?  Awesome.  Paella, beignets, buttered eggs?  Bring it on!   I have found that if you don’t tell a child they won’t like something they will, more often than not, try it and enjoy it.  Most menus will have something your child will eat, even if it’s not that adventurous.  And if not…  There’s another meal later- and probably a snack in between.  It doesn’t take an “abnormally educated palate” to appreciate good food.


4) Stop Trying to Entertain Your Kids All the Time.  Of course you want to have some entertainment for the flight, but over stimulating your child will only keep them awake and relying on you.  In my experience children under 9 months will sleep well on planes- especially with a full tummy.  For toddlers a few small, quiet toys, a pen and paper, clean snacks, and movies or games on a tablet will be plenty.  Children a bit older will do well with a coloring or activity book, a few action figures and an electronic game or tablet.  

Once your child is walking let them tote their own carry on- either a rolling backpack or fun Trunki ride on suitcase.  Let them help you pack a few activities, snacks and a favorite cuddle buddy.  By giving your child responsibilities and a say in the packing you are creating a good traveler; one who will want to impress everyone with how “grown up” they are.

Cold, Wet Day at Cliffs of Moher

Steep Walkways + Rain in Ireland = Saved by the Stroller!

5) Strollers are the Best Thing Ever for Traveling Families. That said, I don’t recommend traveling with the Cadillac version- which will not only be damaged in the underbelly of the plane, but will also be too cumbersome in all but the most modern cities.  Instead invest in a light umbrella-type stroller with sun shade and/or rain shield (should you be going someplace rainy) and a spacious basket.  We actually miss the stroller now that our girls have outgrown it- we actually have to carry bags and tote backpacks.  In case you do have kids young enough for strollers, try these exclusive Amazon promotional codes and save money on strollers, as well as any other things you might need on your trip.

6) Young Minds Absorb So Much. While I have nothing against amusement parks or all inclusive resorts I think it is a shame the author determined that those are the only “kids friendly” travel choices.  Sure, it takes more work and slows you down.  But what your family gains as you slow down and experience your travels is priceless- and it just might improve your child’s education.

As I mentioned earlier in this post, there are so many incredible family travel bloggers out there who share their knowledge about traveling with families in tow.  I invite you to visit them as we all come together to inspire more families to travel- together!

A King’s Life: The Surprisingly Easy Truth of Traveling with Kids

The “Secret” to Traveling with Children by Susan W

Debunking cnn’s rules for traveling with kids by Mary @Bohemiantravelers

How Do you Travel with Children? by Alisa @ Living Outside of the Box

5 Rules of Travel With Kids: A Traveling Child Responds by Jennifer Miller

CNN’s Ridiculous Rules About Travel With Kids by Corinne at Have Baby Will Travel

Shocking Tips on Traveling with Kids That Went Unnoticed…It is Time to Demystify The Five Rules of Traveling with Kids by Claudia Looi

5 Amazing Reasons To Travel With Your Kids

French fries and chicken nuggets are travel essentials: The worst family travel advice ever by Nancy Sathre-Vogel

More Than French Fries by lisa Shusterman

Rules are What You Make Them: Paving Your Own Way Through Family Travel by Jessica @Suitcases and Sippy Cups

 CNNGo Five Rules of Travelling With Kids Are You For Real

Myths, NOT rules, of traveling with kids by Kate Rehkopf, Experiential Family

My Reality (Not Rules) When Traveling with Kids by Keryn Means/Walkingon Travels

Forget the Rules of Travel – Try Backpacking with Kids in Yellowstone National Park by Sandra Foyt

5 Rules of Traveling with kids NOT to Follow

Worst Family Travel Advice I’ve Ever Read by Gabi Klaf @The Nomadic Family.com


In case you do have kids young enough for strollers, <a href=” http://www.promotionalcodes.net/amazon-com/“>try these exclusive Amazon promotional codes</a> and save money on strollers, as well as any other things you might need on your trip.

Filed Under: Travel Resources

Great Travel Camera: The Olympus PEN

February 13, 2012 By 2 Comments

It’s been nearly 6 weeks since I received my Olympus PEN E-PL1 camera for Christmas and I can honestly say it is the nicest camera I’ve used as a travel blogger. You can find the Olympus PEN E-PL1 and other cameras with this Promotional Code and receive great discounts.

Olympus PEN E-PL1 Camera

Olympus PEN E-PL1 Camera

Size Matters

Everyone wants to take amazing pictures when they travel but, let’s be honest, a full size DSLR is big and heavy. Even my last camera, a Canon PowerShot SX10 IS, was large enough that I didn’t carry it often and relied on the camera on my phone. The Olympus PEN is only a tiny bit larger than a point & shoot camera (with the lens off) and weighs just over 1 pound (with the lens on).

The amazing part is that the sensor inside this small camera is the same as you will find in a full size DSLR, putting the ability to take incredible photos, quite literally, in the palm of your hand. 

Interchangeable Lenses

The ability to change camera lenses is something every point & shoot owner wishes for- at least once in a while.  I currently have the “standard lens”, a 14-42mm and the 40-150mm zoom lens.  These lenses came with the camera kit I purchased and should be great for most shots, though I do have my eye on a digital 45mm lens specifically for shots with a shallow depth and blurred background.

Incredible Features

As I have been learning this camera I have been incredibly impressed with everything I have been able to do – the features are amazing!.  I adore that I can shoot in automatic modes, as well as completely manual settings.  There is a setting for practically every situation you will find yourself in, including candle light, night portrait and documents, as well as 6 art settings.  The art settings are especially fun as you can also shoot video from these settings; the grainy film is especially fun for street scenes.

The ‘live guide’ is helpful if you need a little coaching, and the ability to take multiple exposure shots just blows me away.  Photo editing and slideshows can even be done right on the camera. 

Final Thoughts on the Olympus PEN E-PL1

While the Olympus PEN isn’t as powerful as a DSLR, I’ve been incredibly impressed with its versatility.  The small size means I carry it with me more often, and the interchangeable lenses give me more range than my previous camera.  I believe this is the perfect camera for a traveler.

Filed Under: Recommended Travel Products

A Taste of the Irish

February 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment

project 52 p52 weekly photo challenge my3boybarians.comThis week’s p52 theme is “Drink Up!”.  While I thought about this I realized my daily drinks of choice are an lovely Irish Breakfast Tea in the morning and then water the rest of the day.  I rarely deviate from that but there are 4 drinks that are always in my house.

This is actually quite funny because only one of these is actually consumed as a beverage- the rest are used for cooking and baking!

A Little Irish

A Little Irish

Front and center is Magner’s, which, in Ireland is known as Bulmer’s.  Or, in my opinion, the best hard cider in the world.  That I drink, though not as often as I would like due to the fact that I can’t get it in Iowa and a 3+ hour drive to buy alcohol ceased being “cool” when I was in my 20′s.


Behind that is a lovely Irish Whiskey, Tullamore Dew, Ireland’s most popular export, Guinness, and O’Reilly’s Irish Cream, as smooth as the other stuff but not as expensive.  Those three items are used for baking my famous Irish Car Bomb cupcakes, in my Steak & Guinness Pie, or a delicious Irish Stew. (PS- want some great Irish recipes for St. Patrick’s Day?  Check out my Favorite Irish Recipes ebook!)

About the Image

I shoot with an Olympus PEN E-PL1.  I used the “art” setting ‘pin hole’ to achieve the darkness around the edges and edited the photo with Creative Memories Storybook Creator software, using the ‘fuzzy surfaces’ effect.

Filed Under: Ireland

A Family Golf Getaway

February 8, 2012 By 2 Comments

If they go wrong, family holidays are amongst the most stressful of all breaks. Something like a disagreement on which attraction to visit, poor-quality accommodation or boredom could leave you feeling more stressed when you return than you did when you started your holiday. Keeping everyone happy is the most difficult thing about going on holiday as a family, and as many destinations are designed exclusively with adults in mind, it can be hard to find a family-friendly hotel that meets everyone’s needs.

When looking for the right holiday destination, it’s worth checking a few things. Make sure your venue has some activities for children of all ages e.g. a play room for under-fives, sports lessons for older children. Find out if they have a crèche if you plan on taking babies or toddlers with you. Also, see if the resort has something for parents to enjoy.

Golf breaks are seen as the preserve of well-to-do childless couples who have no intention of starting a family, but more golf resorts across the UK are doing their best to provide a fun holiday package with something for visitors young and old. When it comes to golf breaks Scotland, particularly along the Ayrshire coast, has resorts which are becoming more family-friendly by offering activities that children of all ages can take part in.

Turnberry, which is home to the Ailsa golf course, a former Open venue, offers everything you could possibly want from a family holiday. While it has world-class golfing facilities and the popular Spa at Turnberry, there’s plenty for the kids to get on with. For toddlers and babies, there’s a play room, while older children can take part in a wide variety of outdoor activities such as clay target shooting, cycling and falconry. They can even have golf lessons.

Great family golf breaks aren’t just restricted to Scotland. The Belfry, another of the UK’s most famous golf courses, also has family breaks available. Lying just to the south of the beautiful Staffordshire countryside, it has a hotel, top-class dining facilities and activities for all the family, even for those who aren’t necessarily golf fans.

You can ramble around the surrounding hills, taking in views of the rural West Midlands, have fun at their AquaSpa and play on their tennis courts before retreating to the famous Belfry Hotel. Other golf resorts around the UK are striving to offer a family holiday package to remember, which makes it easier to enjoy a golf break without upsetting your kids.

 Disclosure:  This guest post was written for Family Rambling readers and does contain sponsored information.
Filed Under: Europe, UK

Heading to Sunny Arizona

February 6, 2012 By 2 Comments

Admittedly, Iowa has enjoyed a very mild winter this year.  We didn’t have any snow that lasted for more than a few days and when we did have the cold we’re used to, it lasted only a few weeks.  Somehow, winter had missed Iowa and, as recently as February 1, we here in the middle of the country were enjoy outdoor recreation like bicycling.

We were…  Until Saturday.  On Saturday we got the snow my girls- and most other Midwest children- had been missing.  Nearly 7″ of perfect snowman-making, down-hill sledding, massive fluffy white stuff, fell.

Iowa Winter

Iowa Winter

Which makes the timing of our next trip perfect.  Soon my eldest daughter and I depart for Sunny Arizona.  When we’re there we’ll visit a ghost town, the Phoenix Zoo, the Sea Life Aquarium, an indoor trampoline park and more fun family attractions.

Iowa Snowfall

Iowa Snowfall

If you’re thinking about a spring break trip to Arizona, or just want to know more about a certain aspect of the “Sunny Arizona” cities of Tempe, Mesa, Chandler and Apache Junction, be sure to spend some time on the Sunny Arizona website.  And if you see something you would like to know more about be sure to tell me- I’ll do my best to visit that site or attraction while we are there and report back!

Filed Under: Southwest, USA

February 1, 2012

February 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment

project 52 p52 weekly photo challenge my3boybarians.comI have to admit, I’m pretty thrilled that I’ve made it into the 2nd month of p52.  I’m not really a “joiner” and following themes is difficult for my overly right-brained self.  But this week’s theme was custom made for the weather we’ve recently experienced here in Iowa.

I took this image on Wednesday, February 1.  I had a couple hours to myself and no pressing appointments so I decided to enjoy the 56ºF day and go biking for an hour.  If you live in the Midwest you know how rare these days are in the dead of winter.

Biking shadow self portrait

Biking

I covered 15 miles- not bad for not being out on my bike since September. 

I took this image with my DroidX and, honestly, was afraid I was going to drop my phone and shatter it.  I don’t recommend biking and using a smartphone at the same time.

Filed Under: Midwest, USA

The Oklahoma Aquarium in Tulsa: An Afternoon of Family Fun

February 1, 2012 By 2 Comments

We often make the drive from Dallas to Des Moines in one fell swoop- 12 straight hours of driving with short breaks. After discovering the fun family activities in Tulsa we may never drive straight through again!

Visiting the Oklahoma Aquarium

Oklahoma Aquarium Tulsa

Oklahoma Aquarium

A family can spend most of an afternoon here. The Oklahoma Aquarium is one of the few Midwest aquariums with salt water fish and a walk through shark tunnel.

I recommend walking the long, nautical hallway to the sharks and working your way back to the entrance. The Oklahoma Aquarium has dozens of nooks to explore and this may be the best way to ensure that you see it all.

Top 10 Things to Do at the Oklahoma Aquarium

    1. Take a fun photo in the shark cage. With sharks “circling” above this is a fun photo opp! Then enter the shark adventure to let sharks “circle” you for real!

      Shark Tank Oklahoma Aquarium

      Shark Tank!

    2. Feed the turtles. For a small fee you can buy carrot shreds and borrow long sticks with clips at the end- you don’t want your fingers too close to the turtle’s sharp beak.
    3. Get touchy feel-y. Multiple touch stations get you up close & personal with sharks, rays, shrimp, crabs and more.

      Touch Tanks at Oklahoma Aquarium

      Touch Tanks of sharks, rays, crabs and more

    4. Giggle at the antics of river otters. If you can, be there for the daily feeding at 3pm. The Ozark Stream also has a camera that allows you to see inside the beaver’s den.
    5. Find the fish that breathes air!
    6. Listen closely for the electric eel’s current. Eels are fed Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 2:15pm- definitely worth seeing if you are there!
    7. Find Nemo. And Dory. Learn to say anemone.

      Colorful Reef Fish Oklahoma Aquarium

      Nemo, Dory & more Underwater Friends

    8. See the diver in the coral reef daily at 3:30pm.
    9. Find the starfish with more than 5 legs! Or find the starfish’s mouth- that’s really cool, too!
    10. Wrestle and alligator outside. OK, so it’s just a statue of an alligator, but it makes for some really great photos.

      Alligator Wrestling Oklahoma Aquarium

      Alligator Wrestling!

The Oklahoma Aquarium is just one of many fun family activities in Tulsa. We can’t wait to experience more in the future!

Have you visited the Oklahoma Aquarium? What was your favorite feature?

Thank you to Visit Tulsa for providing my family with aquarium tickets!

Filed Under: Midwest, USA

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