Crossing the Canadian Border with Kids

Getting there and...Waiting

If your planning a trip North to visit our good neighbors, the Canadians, be sure you're ready to cross the border.  If your crossing to Canada via I-5 in Western Washington you have two options for crossing - the Peace Arch or the Pacific Highway crossing also know as the "Truck Crossing", but don't let the name fool you, cars and other vehicles are welcome to use this crossing as well.  You will come up to an electronic display sign as you near your options.  Hopefully it will give you an accurate reading of the wait times at each crossing for you to choose which one to use.  When we arrived it stated 45min Peace Arch and 20min Pacific Highway crossing time.  We chose Pacific Hwy and it was probably more like a 30 minute wait, but still not too bad for a Saturday afternoon.  Many people have complained that the accuracy of the sign is off and a 90min wait can realistically lead to a 3hr wait, so just be prepared.

A typical border crossing can take an hour up to several hours depending on traffic and if you have any delays in having the pleasant opportunity of a random search.

Crossing with Kids
If your traveling with children, use this time for maybe a fun lesson on borders and the differences of Canada and the U.S.A and why we must stop to provide identification.  After stopping for the border my daughter quickly set up a lesson of her own asking many questions about Canada and why we had to go through security, etc.  So you may want to brush up on your Canadian/U.S. knowledge before taking the trip, your kids may put you on the spot as a History teacher!

Also take this time to explain that crossing is a serious time and once you get to the booth (or "policeman" as we described to our 6yr old) that being loud or saying anything without being asked is not appropriate.  I once crossed the border into Mexico with a group of teens and after one "jokingly" said he was from Mexico as we were entering back into the U.S, it quickly prompted a couple hour delay in our crossing.

Items you will need to Cross:

• First and most importantly: Everyone's PASSPORT!  This is a new requirement within the last couple of years that you must have a Passport to cross to Canada, no matter how you get there.
• If your a single parent, divorced or just crossing solo with the kids, get written permission from the other parent of your child to make crossing easier.
• If your taking children that are not your own, you will definitely need written permission from the child's parents to cross. 
• If your bringing your "other child" the family pet you will need signed and dated certificates from a veterinarian verifying that they have been vaccinated against rabies within the last three years
• Knowledge of where your headed, why your headed there and how long you will be staying.  As the travel planner of the family I have to remind my husband before we pull up to the line what hotel we are staying at and how long.

Packing some Extra
Whether your expecting a long border crossing wait or not, consider your travel time and whether you could be held up during lunch or dinner time.  If lines are hours long you will be asked to turn off your vehicle while you wait, so pack some games or a lunch/dinner and get out of the car if it's nice.  Stay near by so once the line moves you can move along with it.  There is plenty of grassy area and bathrooms for your use while you wait. 

For more technical crossing information you can visit http://www.blainechamber.com/border.html ShareThis

Do you travel while the kids are in school? Back to School tips!

School is in session and trips are put on the back burner for many families.  Learning means sitting at a desk, reading books, taking tests, and doing homework.  Do you only vacation during breaks and summer time?  Many families follow this routine in fear that their child's education may be at risk for missing school days.

I was raised in a family where school was the number one priority and received the "perfect attendance" award almost yearly up through middle school.  Now having my own children I find this to be a battle within myself to decide what I consider most important in my life.  Does it hurt to allow my kids to miss a week or two of school to travel abroad?  For my husbands line of business, winter time and colder weather means more time off and summertime is a challenge for longer trips.

Travel can be educational, in fact I believe any sort of travel is true hands-on education.  From learning to ride local transit, to visiting museums, learning to swim or snorkel and the simple task of listening and following directions.  In my adulthood I have learned so much more than I ever have in any classroom by traveling.  New cultures, history and the art of getting lost in new places. 

While not every family believes it is OK to remove children from school to travel, I've had many discussions with other families and compiled a list of tips for taking those school days off to travel.

Tips for School friendly travel

1. Keep your child's teacher informed.  Speak with them prior to making plans and make sure your travels don't interfere with any "major" school activities

2. Most parents I spoke to believe that traveling while kids are in Elementary and Middle school has less impact on education. High School is considered a more important time since future colleges and employers take these four years for applications.

3. Check out your school districts limits or rules on "excused absences".  Even though you may be allowing your child to take the time, your district may have their own allowance and can even hold your child back a grade if they miss too many days.

4. Plan a specific educational outing during your trip. A museum, zoo, aquarium or any place that offers new sightings for your child.  Planning a trip based on something they are learning in school would be even more amazing!  Even for a young child learning ABC's you could spend the day at the park finding objects starting with each letter of the alphabet.

5. Use school time for more local travel. Trips within a 1-2hr drive from home. Take a three day weekend and that way your child only misses one day of school.  Want to go farther? Check out your local transportation.  See if there is a train that can get your farther, faster!

6. Use school time for solo or couples travel! Leave the kids home to stay in school while you spend a four day weekend or even a week long trip away.  No guilt about school and more playtime for the adults!

7. Does your childs class provide the opportunity for "show and tell"? Talk with the teacher to see if your child can share with classmates what they learned during the trip.  This builds up speaking skills for your child, as well as assure your teacher that your child is in fact learning while he/she is gone from the classroom.

8. Listen to your children, ask them if they want to travel and if they are feel caught up in school.  If your child is struggling, maybe it's not the best time to take them out for a trip to Disneyland.  Hold off on vacation until you feel your child is ready. Saving cash to travel in the off season isn't worth putting your child behind in education.

9. Have a child headed for college? Traveling with your children young may lead to future educational trips of their own, such as doing a semester at Sea. Something I wish I had done myself as a young adult.  What a great opportunity for learning and traveling all in one!


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What toy kept my kids most entertained on our Road Trip?

A couple days before our road trip across the State of Washington, I stopped in at Target for some kid entertainment.  They have a dollar spot at the front of the store where I grabbed a few items in hopes to gain a couple hours of cheap distraction on the road.  I purchased the following items for $1.

1. Math book for my daughter
2. Learning numbers book for my son
3. Flarp! - Farting putty
4. Sidewalk Chalk
5. Cotton Candy, for that moment of desparation

In addition to these items I let the kids bring a few of their own toys from home. My daughter brought her Barbies and she packed a couple tractors for her little brother and some Crayola Color Wonder Color books and markers so the kids could color without me worrying about the mess my two year old might be making.

Out of the list above, which item do you think was a hit? I'll make it easy and tell you that offering the cotton candy didn't phase them and I think neither of them took more than two bites.  They were too busy farting up a storm in the back seat!

I had purchased Santa brought my daughter Flarp last Christmas and she loved it.  It only lasts a few days before it gets too dry to make anymore fart sounds.  I know, this sounds disgusting, but you have to admit, who doesn't giggle over farts?  My kids love this stuff and it's cheap entertainment.  My son was old enough this time to play with it himself, so I got them each their own Flarp can. 

The rest of the trip was mostly spent playing with their favorite toys from home and we didn't even take the time to use the chalk on our rest stops.  We were more interested in eating, stretching our legs and getting back on the road as quickly as possible.  The planned 6hr drive turned into 8 hours, but it was a great trip overall.  There were definitely trying moments of frustration for both the kids and us parents, but we made it through and want to do the trip again sometime. 

Want to see some cute kids making some not so cute Fart noises? Here is a candid kid review of Flarp! My daughter was making googly eyes for some reason, but I swear I didn't tell them I was posting this or ask them to say anything about it. Just them having fun in the back seat.  Wait for the end to really hear the Flarp working.

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This tip could save a childs life - Travel Tip Tuesday

Today's Travel tip comes from my sons Pediatrician.  During our last 2yr check-up he recognized that we do alot of family travel and gave me some wonderful advice. 

About 20 years ago our Pediatrician experienced loosing Three of his toddler patients. All separate incidences and separate families.  All three were on vacation, two visiting hotels and one at Grandma's house.  The toddlers were able to climb out of their beds and cribs and got out the door to the pool.  Sadly their rambunctious toddler curiosities led them to drown in pools during what should have been a fun family vacation. 

Block the hotel door, or any place you stay that's not home - with a chair, dresser or anything you can move to prevent tragedy.  Even if you think your child is unable to climb out of bed, neither did the parents who lost their children.  Our children amaze us by learning new tricks every day and maneuvering their way out the door in the middle of the night is not one we'd like to let them teach us.

I was even a little shocked thinking back on my last trip to Maui and having the EXACT issue with the entry door unlocking when my son pulled on the handle.  I was just generally frustrated that I was having to chase him down the hall every five minutes, but it never occurred to me that the pool was literally just steps away around the corner with no fencing, no locks and literally a straight walk into it at ground level off the grass.

This can happen to anyone, anywhere!  I hope this advice helps just one family to take this simple step to prevent tragedy from happening again.

Do you have any SAFETY tips for traveling with kids?  Please share! ShareThis

Marriott introduces "Tots Travel Too"

Searching for your next hotel stay with your toddler?  Marriott hotels are stepping up to make your trip a little smoother and hopefully a little nicer for your little one!  They are welcoming toddlers with open arms to their more than 2,500 Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites hotels in the continental U.S. and Canada.

Marriot has teamed up with "Coverplay" in order to provide guests with a very nice, clean and even Chic crib slipcover to ensure your "Traveler-in-training" can rest comfortably.  Their Tots Travel Too program includes a complimentary playard with a laundered slipcover and bath time animal toy during your stay.  You can also request outlet covers, nightlights, baby shampoo and baby lotion from the front desk. 

I cannot tell you how many times I've gone to a hotel or condo and requested a crib for my children and was less than happy when I saw the dirty, used and sad product they considered a crib.  I've found myself having to clean the crib before my children could use it and requesting extra sheets to cover it up.  This COVERPLAY is a great product for a hotel and I wish I would of thought of it myself!  Once a child uses it, it's removed, washed and no need to worry about what child used your child's temporary bed the week before.

Marriott sent me a package with information on this new program along with a sample Coverplay Slipcover and let me tell you, this is not just some cheap product to lure in guests.  The slipcover is quality made and I am using the items for my own little "pretend Marriott stay" at Grandmas this week while my husband and I travel to Maui for our 10 year anniversary. I have always kept my old playard at my mom's for overnight stays and the slipcover gives my otherwise dated playard a whole new look.

I have always enjoyed Marriott hotels and now having a hotel that not only welcomes children, but is working hard to include them during my stay, definitely gives them a huge thumbs up in my book.  Traveling with children is hard enough as a parent, but to know you have someone on your side makes it just a little bit more comforting! ShareThis

Leaving the kids behind - Why, When and how

Have you done it yet? Left your child at home while you travel? I am often surprised at how many parents answer "No" to this question. Many who are just completely mortified at the thought of leaving their child behind for any amount of time and then there are those who just maybe don't travel much, let alone without their children.

My first trip away from my daughter was unexpected when she was 9 months old. My grandfather passed away and I left her home with daddy to fly to California with my parents. I remember how sad I was at first and being it wasn't the happiest of situations in the first place it made it even harder. The trip was quick and I remember getting home feeling like I had missed so much.

Taking the leap - Like a Band aid

A few months later my husband and I decided it was time for a trip without our daughter to have some much needed couple time. We didn't wean ourselves into the process; we just took a week long cruise thousands of miles away from our baby girl. She was home with Grandma - happy as can be. We had a good time (except for those moments I cried on the phone listening to her babble) and she had a great time being spoiled at Grandma's for the week. Taking that trip without the kids, you may find they are having a better time then you are!

Why without the kids?
A few years, several trips and one more child later we have found that our trips away from our precious children are just as important as the ones we take with them! Taking the time to be alone and away from the sometimes stressful routine of diapers, ballet, soccer, school, and work is beneficial to our marriage. We get to spend time together that we may not find at home and experience new things together, reminding us of those more simple times before our children came along. Then, when it's time to come home we miss our children dearly and appreciate our time with them even more.

Cover the bases

So you're considering the first big trip, or maybe you've made a couple already. Have you created a Will? Not something we parents like to even think about, but it's something I guarantee you'll feel better about once it's done. For us it was simple and we used a program we purchased at Costco to state our wishes of who will care for our children and how the property is to be divided if something should happen. A horrible thought, but I felt relieved to know my children would be where I wanted them if anything happened. If things are more complicated in your household, speak with an attorney to have one drawn up for you.

My little "good-byes" left behind

No matter how much I travel I can NEVER seem to get over this slight fear of flying I have. I spend my nights before a flight awake and sadly playing over the flight instructions for an emergency landing in my head. It's a feeling I can't help and usually once I'm at the airport my nerves get better. With those fears comes a thought of my children and ever since my first time leaving my daughter at home I always write a letter before I leave. This is a private letter especially for each child that I seal and put in our safe that is to only be opened in the case that I don't return. I know this all sounds sad and makes vacation sound more like a funeral arrangement, but really it's not! I know that horrible things happen in our everyday lives and it's just that flying sometimes reminds me that life is not infinite and I want my children to remember me forever. So, I have a few letters in my safe right now, I think I had thrown away the first couple I did, but have since just kept them in there. I figure if anything they will be something to read years from now with my children when they are older. The process of writing them can be difficult, but if they were ever to be read, I wouldn't of wanted it any other way.

Tips to make that first trip Easier

• Leave them with a family member or someone they are very comfortable with and if they are not used to babysitters, begin taking them for occasional daytime stays before you plan a trip, then when the trip gets closer they will be used to you being away. 
• Try a one night sleep over night before the trip if you're unsure that your child or YOU may not be ready
• Leave your child with pictures of you and/or your spouse and take some of your own with you
• Write a letter like the one I described above, it helps to get things off your mind and assures that they will always know how much you love them
• Start with a short trip if you're not ready for the big leap, even just a getaway in the next town is a good start
• Provide your babysitter with a list of eating habits, sleep habits, favorite toys, activities and those little quirky things they may not know about your child. This is even more important if your child is not yet talking and can not express themselves to others.
• Be sure to also provide emergency numbers and a letter of authorization for your babysitter for medical care (simple peace of mind)

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When should you leave it home? Ways to travel without packing the nursery!

I still remember my very first trip with my daughter. We took a weekend to Seaside, Oregon and I recall taking a picture of the back of our huge suburban just Packed full of stuff.  It seemed I had taken her entire nursery along for the ride!  Another child and many trips later I have learned that there are many items you don't need to pack when traveling with young children and there are ways to minimize your luggage. 
What you choose to pack truly depends on where your going, where your staying and for how long.  But for many trips there are several items you can most likely leave at home that will save you a lot of stressful moments of lugging them around. 
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Is your baby a Traveling baby? A few signs they may not be

My first child Lilly was an amazing little baby.  She rarely cried, didn't mind car rides and ate and drank her bottles without a fuss.  Having her do so well made it easy to travel with her but little did I know this was not the case for every child. 

Along came my son Logan, and he showed us that not all babies are made for traveling.  I think he may have even cried on his first ride home from the hospital.  I should have taken his inability of short distance travel at home as a sign that any sort of long distance wouldn't go well.  Unfortunately it took us a couple difficult trips to realize that he was not a traveler and it would be a while before we could go over night in a hotel without being up all hours of the night with a crying baby.  He was picky at what he ate, where he slept and didn't care for being in his car seat.  I hate to discourage any sort of travel, but had I known what I know now I may have postponed some of those trips we took with our son.  They didn't make for much of good memories, just a well deserved lesson to share with others. 

Here are a few signs that your child may NOT be a good traveler:

• Picky Eater
• Doesn't do well in car seat
• Needs to be held alot
• Gets sick often (i.e ear infections, colds, allergies)  When your traveling you are susceptible to so many MORE germs and viruses that you may not have at home.  If your child tends to pick up illnesses often (like my son) then they are Highly likely to get sick on your vacation.  No fun for the rest of the family or your sick baby.  And if your traveling with a sick child, medical care can be a stressful thing to worry about.  
• Picky about where they nap during the day, prefers crib - This may be a great routine at home but on vacation you'll find that if your child is not in the comfort of their own crib, they may wake up several times at night and keep you up, thus making you extremely tired and unable to enjoy the daytime of your trip. Even having a full sized crib on some of our vacations didn't cut it for our son.
• Not Easily Entertained - Going out of town you might think this would give your baby some new scenery to excite them, but this isn't always the case.  If your stuck in an airplane for 2+hrs, or in a long car ride, or maybe in a new place that they just don't like.  Some babies may be bored at home or hard to entertain, but being at home gives them certain comfort level they can't get anywhere else.

I'm happy to say our last trip to Maui as a family was AMAZING, he is now almost 2yrs old and getting better each trip we take.  Not to say he doesn't still have his moments, but if you have a baby who doesn't travel well, just know that they are very likely to grow out of it and it gets easier! ShareThis