Planning for the pitfalls when traveling with your children

You might not give the baggage handlers at airports a lot of thought until that perilous point in your day when you are waiting for your suit cases to drop onto the baggage belts and for some reason, they don't.  Or, you can wait in the special claims area section for your car seats and stroller, only to have them come down the chute with a seat missing or a stroller that has had the wheel ripped off. At that point, you can make your way over to the baggage office for your airline and stand in line with others who are waiting on their luggage as well.  It's a frustrating end to a long day, or a unhappy beginning to a long awaited vacation.

Unfortunately for those in this situation, this happens more often than you would like to believe. In the crush of miles of luggage, our precious items can be misplaced and our expensive strollers can be crushed. If you plan on taking your children's safety seats and your stroller along on your vacation, there are a few ways you can protect them:

• Place labels on car seats. Include your name, the dates of your travel, the hotel name where you will be staying, and your cell phone numbers. If your seats are lost, this will make it easier for them to be returned to you. 
• Put your car seats together in a large plastic bag. Often the airline will provide these bags, but bring your own just in case.
• Fold your stroller up to it's most compact position and zap strap the wheels down. The wheels of a stroller are often the most damaged area, and many parents have their equipment returned to them with a missing wheel. 

Even with the utmost precaution, accidents will happen. Anyone who has experienced the irritation of having to fill out a claim form for a $1000 stroller will tell you that it's a frustrating experience. Your best bet for protecting the necessary gear you need to keep your children safe is to leave it at home.  Travel BaBees has locations across the the USA, and can provide you with a clean, sparkling stroller or car seats of any size.  Before your next vacation, give us a call!

Want to spend more time with your kids? Work from home!

There are so many moms who struggle with their career and raising their children. It's difficult to manage on one income these days, especially since so many have lost their jobs and the economy is still rebounding. If you are one of the mothers who wishes that they could work from home, look no further than a Travel BaBees franchise. 


Despite the pressure that the economy has placed on the Travel industry, there are still families heading out in droves to places of interest across the USA. More than 71% of those who are traveling use baby services. There is nothing that takes away the stress of travel than knowing that a nice stroller or fully set up crib is waiting for you at your destination.

Starting up a Travel BaBees franchise doesn't require a lot of capital and you can work from home. You have access to training and support along the way, whenever you need it. It's a great way to continue on your career path and still be sure that you aren't missing important school functions and those baby firsts that you will never see again. 

For more information, visit Travel BaBees today! http://travelbabees.com/Franchise-Opportunities.aspx

Traveling with your baby? Fighting boredom while on the road

If you are heading out on the road this spring break, you might be wondering what to bring along for your kids. Packing light with children is not an option, as they will always want to bring another toy or a beloved stuffy.

To keep them busy in the car this spring break, Travel BaBees has come up with a few tips for entertaining them along the way:

Movies - Whether they watch them on your iPhone or on a portable DVD player, movies will make your trip much more relaxing. If you have several children, consider loading a separate movie on to your phone for your toddler and another onto the portable DVD for your older child.

Road games - Counting the blue cars as they go by can be an entertaining game for a half hour. There are many driving games you can play with your children. Make a few up along the way and you'll watch the miles disappear.

Backpacks - Stuff your child's backpack with a new toy, coloring books, new markers, and a few other odds and ends that you've picked up at the bargain store before your trip. A backpack works very well if you surprise your child with it.

Books - Books are a no-brainer for long road trips, and they can make the time fly by. Be sure to put a pillow with your child so they can be comfy while reading, and don't be surprised if they doze off for a nap.

Your upcoming road trip doesn't have to be stressful. Be prepared for when they are bored and pack light, because Travel BaBees can supply you with everything you need once you arrive.

More Spring Break options from across the USA!

We had so many comments on Twitter about our list of fun things to do this Spring Break that we decided to add a few more. Travel BaBees has locations in major cities across the USA, so you can plan on us being wherever you are.

Here are some quick ideas if you are heading out into the great wide open this spring break:

• Atlanta - There is no better place to be a kid than Atlanta. If you have older children with you on your trip, the number one rated tourist attraction in Atlanta right now is Segway tours. It's a great way to view a beautiful city. 
• Orange County - At one time Orange County was full of orange trees. When Walt Disney bought up acres of land for his future amusement parks, he changed the face of Orange County forever. In California, there is no better place to spend Spring Break than Disney. It's kid friendly and great for adults as well. 
• Orlando - On the opposite coast, Orlando is much more than another city in Florida. Per capita, this vibrant city has more amusements per capita than almost anywhere else. Visit DisneyWorld, with four parks in one location or Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. Whether its Tigger and Pooh or Spiderman that your kid loves, it's all in Orlando.
• Dallas - Put your cowboy boots on and take your kids out in this bustling city full of fun. Visit the world class Zoo, where you and the kids could spend the day exploring new vistas under the bright Texas sun. 

Spring break is fast approaching! Get our your to-do lists and start making your plans. Your kids are only young once, and you don't want to miss your opportunity to show them the world. 

Spring break is on it's way! Need ideas for a fun week?

With Spring break and Easter on it's way, parents are throwing their hands in the air and wondering how to entertain their kids for the duration. If you have the means, this is the best year to take your little ones on a trip of a lifetime. Travel deals are at record low, and you can definitely get more bang for your buck if you pack up the family and go this year.

With locations across the USA, Travel BaBees knows the best places for you to take your kids this break. Check out these great places at our different locations:

• San Jose - For those with older kids, the Winchester Mystery House is a must see in the San Jose area. This house was built by a heiress who loved the mysterious and eclectic, so expect stairways that go no where and secret passageways. 
• San Francisco - Six Flags is reopening at the beginning of March, and with it comes an amazing choice of rides, characters, and kids activities. It's truly a great place to spend a few fun days with the kids. 
• Washington, DC - Beyond the White House and the Lincoln Memorial, there is a hub of educational and fun activities for families in Washington. No where else can you see the Smithsonian, a string of fantastic museums that house artifacts from space satellites to Kermit the Frog. 
• Phoenix - The Valley of the Sun will captivate you when you visit Phoenix. Enjoy the great weather, and visit local attractions like Rawhide Western Town. Your little cowboy or cowgirl will not be disappointed. 

Our franchisees know their local areas like the back of their hands, so when booking your next Travel BaBees rentals, be sure to ask for tips on what to see and do. 

Have a great spring break! 

In a jam? Travel BaBees is great for much more than travel

Travel BaBees aims to make travel with your children as stress free and easy as possible, but did you know that we also have solutions for your life that have nothing to do with traveling?

The Stork Craft recall is a prime example of where a major inconvenience can turn into a stress free experience. When Stork Craft advised that parents immediately stop using their cribs, many were in a bind. Stores pulled cribs from their stock, and in many cases there were not enough replacements to go around. Travel BaBees was able to step in and provide a safe, secure sleeping environment through crib rentals. With a Travel BaBees crib rental you get economical weekly rates, and set up is entirely taken care of, saving you the hassle of putting together a new crib until your repair kit came.

Yet another benefit to renting from Travel BaBees? Trying out new baby equipment before buying. If you've had your eye on a double jogging stroller but want to try it before you buy, rent one from Travel BaBees. You'll get a good feel for the stroller, as well as find out how it works for you before making a huge investment.  A stroller rental is also great if you are watching a niece or nephew or a grandchild for a week or two.

No matter the bind, Travel BaBees is there to make sure your baby is safe and comfortable.

Cabin fever relief for the snowbound

It's hard to believe that some parts of the country are experiencing spring like weather conditions when the other half is completely snow bound. If you are one of the unlucky few who have experienced a harsher than average winter, you are probably ready to explode from cabin fever. I'm sure you've run through every activity you can think of for your kids, so instead of posting arts, crafts, or games, here are a few web sites you might not have visited to get some fresh new ideas to keep you sane this winter:

• Do you have a budding astronaut on your hands? Spend some time on the Nasa kids club. You and your child can build a rocket or explore deep space. The best part? There are a variety of levels so your child can play solo. 
• The Smithsonian is out of reach for everyone who doesn't live in the area, but you can still visit the museum online by spending some time at Smithsonian for kids. Their interactive walkthroughs take you and your child through virtual exhibits. It's fascinating, and they can learn at the same time. 
• How Stuff Works is interesting for adults, but when you are trying to answer the endless questions that come out of your child's mouth, this is a great web site to find the answers. 

Although it's difficult to be cooped up in the house with your children, it's best to take advantage of the time you have together and make the most of it. The snow will melt eventually. Happy winter!

Traveling can keep your kids in shape, if you do it right

One of the little known benefits of traveling with your kids is the fitness aspect of it. Depending on where you go and what you do when you get there, you can turn almost any vacation into one that focuses on family fitness.

Fitness is at the forefront of the news as of late. Michelle Obama has taken on the task of slimming down USA children. In recent years there has been a growing problem with young children and obesity, whether that is due to personal diet, poor food in schools, and busy lives causing parents to prefer to line up at the drive through rather than prepare a home cooked meal.  Children are spending more time being babysat by the television and less time running around outside.  It's a formidable problem that the First Lady has taken on, one that affects all aspects of a child's life.

As a parent, when you take a vacation you'd like to kick back and relax. No cooking, no cleaning, and no stress! You can still have all of that, but you can also do yourself and your children a favour by incorporating a proper diet and exercise no matter where you plan on taking your vacation:

• DisneyWorld/Land - Yes, Disney is a mecca of food, fun, and sweet treats, but it's also a huge place. There are endless opportunities to walk and many places for your children to run and play. It's easy to avoid bad food choices at Disney by purchasing fruit and plain water at the various kiosks. Many of the restaurants also sell healthy food choices. 
• Road Trips - Plan stops for driving breaks. Map out your route and find playgrounds along the way so your kids can run and play. Bring your own food to avoid stopping at fast food resturants. If you must stop, avoid sugary sodas and purchase fresh juices instead.
• Beach - The beach is a great place to relax, but it can also be a wonderful place to excercise.  If your family is staying right on the beach, get your kids out for a run each morning. There is nothing so beautiful as a run along the ocean.  Play beach volleyball with your children or have a lively game of frisbee.  BBQ fare is healthier than frying, and BBQ vegetables are often a hit at a beach picnic. 

No matter where you travel with your family, you can find ways to trim the fat and add some exercise. Taking a tip from the First Lady, we can all do our part to ensure our children have a long and healthy future. 

Pack light on your next family vacation by renting from Travel BaBees!

Unplanned side effect of the Apple iPad: Stress-free travel with your kids

Although we still can't get our hot little hands on an iPad right now, we are definitely on the pre-order list. It's not because of the iBook (but that is such a huge bonus) or the fact that those of us who still have BlackBerry phones have been dying to get our hands on the apps who always see in the iTunes store (BlackBerry apps are NOT apps at all). No, the main reason that you should pick up an iPad as soon as you possibly can is because they will de-stressify your life. How you may ask? An iPad is the perfect, must have accessory for those who are traveling with their children. If you've ever sat on an airplane with your kids for 4 hours, while they squirmed, wailed, and tried to run up and down the aisles, you will realize that spending $499 so you can just READ A BOOK is the best gift you can give yourself. Other wonderful reasons to purchase an iPad before your next trip with your kids:

• You can get all touchy feel-y with it. The number one thing that drives me nuts about my kids coming near my computer is that they always touch the screen. With an iPad, you HAVE to touch the screen. You can chase after them with a cloth if you want, but the smears on the screen are necessary for playing. 
• 10 hours of battery life. You can travel on an airplane, car, train, or all the way to Grandma's with it and it won't run out of battery. After years of Nintendo DS's and their limited battery operation, this is a breath of technological fresh air. 
• Apps. Apps are wonderful little pieces of software that could be games, maps, self-helping software, etc. You can't access Apps on anything other than an iPod Touch or an iPhone, leaving most of us frustrated because we haven't taken the leap into that technology yet. You can take your iPad on your next trip to Disney and download an app for ride wait times and the best routes to get to where you want to go. It's unbelievable, but it's true. 
• Kids are movers and shakers. With the iPad, if they are playing a racing car game and they turn the screen sideways when they are playing, the screen turns with them. Kids imitate real life, and so does the iPad. 
• It's not just for games. Did you see the demo of how iBook will revolutionize the way we read? Yes, there is Kindle and Sony e-Reader, but the iPad is going to bring books to life for both adults and kids. Think stories within the stories. 

Although some are saying they are going to wait for the second generation of iPads to come out, I don't plan on. I believe it will be much the same as the 1st generation MacBooks, which I am still loving as much as I did when I bought it in 2007. The only drawback I can see to taking an iPad on vacation? Getting it away from your kids. 

A word of advice: if you are out by the pool, soaking in some sun and reading your favourite iBook, remember that you are holding technology and not paper. On a real book, the paper will get soggy but you will still be able to read it. On an iPad, you drop it in the pool and it's game over. 

Myths mothers believe about booking travel with their kids

When it comes to traveling, it is so difficult to research everything you need to research. When viewing online, you find such a plethora of web sites that a variety of choices in airfare costs, tickets, and accommodation.

How do you narrow down the true offers from the misleading? Simply by knowing myth versus fact with regards to traveling.

Myth #1 - The "Kids Free" programs: Have you ever seen an offer that says "Kids Fly Free" or "Kids eat free?" Chances are, the cost of your kids flying or eating is worked into the price of the overall package.  When your kids fly free, you must purchase hotel and airfare accommodations together.  Often you can also choose a rental car with your package or catch a break on theme park tickets. The catch is that most of the kids free hotels can be booked at a better rate directly through the hotel, or the room you can get is completely wrong for staying in with small children.  Do your research prior to booking these packages.

Myth #2 - Travel Web sites will get you the best deal on airfare - Nope, not even close. Occasionally you will find a great deal on airfare through these sites, and many of them no longer charge booking fees, but the logic is that they have to make money from somewhere.  Find a flight on these sites that looks appealing, then go straight to the airlines web site for a better deal. Often you'll find it, and more flexibility with time and dates as well.

Myth #3 - Hotel rooms that are labeled "Kid Friendly" really are - Have you ever booked a junior suite in a hotel and thought it would be perfect for you and your two children? You can watch TV while they sleep and the morning noise will be diminished. When you walk into these 'Suites' your hopes are dashed as you see a simple half-wall between the couch and bed, while still allowing direct view of the bright TV screen.  Junior suites are not designed for privacy. If you want quiet for your baby, book a one bedroom suite in a hotel that caters to those with children.

Yes, it's difficult to narrow down your travel choices because there is such an amazing amount of web sites who want your business. Ask your friends, do some research, and try not to stress when you finally do decide on a package. Vacations are meant to be fun, even when you are traveling with your children!

For the best baby equipment rentals on the web (and that's a fact), visit us at Travel BaBees.

Traveling Bug but kids have you putting on the brakes? Travel BaBees can help

If you are a mama with the bug to travel, you might have felt suddenly 'restricted' when you took your first trip with your child. My first trip with my 3 month old was on a 6 hour flight across country, and I was a bundle of nerves not only because I had her with me, but because of all the extra luggage and crippling cargo I had to take.

Yes, it's harder to travel with your kids than it is to fly solo. Going through security alone is a breath of fresh air compared to lugging children through those scanners. Unfortunately, once you have kids, if you still want to see the world you are going to have to bring them along.

Here are a few tips for making travel with your children ever so slightly easier on you:

• Get rest the night before - Traveling is draining, not only on you but on your children as well.  Be sure everyone gets adequate sleep the night before. Everything seems more stressful when you are exhausted.
• Pack snacks. Although many airlines will not let you bring a bottle of water, soda, or juice onto an airplane any longer, there are approved snacks you can still bring. Alternately you can purchase juice or milk once you have gone through security, but don't be surprised if you are restricted from bringing that on as well. It is up to the airline whether or not you are able to bring any outside items on board with you. 
• Give your children a flying gift - If you want to occupy your kids on the plane, get them a gift that you give them right when you take off. A colouring book, video game, or new barbie doll will give you some much needed peace and quiet while flying. 
• Rent your travel accessories - If you need a crib at your destination, don't bring along the playpen. Need a stroller? Leave yours at home and rent a brand new, spiffy stroller that will get your baby around in style. Travel BaBees is set up so your baby can be pampered wherever you travel. 

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Grandchildren on their way? Be prepared!

Grandparents love when their grandchildren come for a visit.  If you struggle for activities that everyone will find fun, here are a few quick ideas for you:

•  Play dough.  Licensed character kits such as Littlest Pet Shop, Barber Shop, or Chunky Monkey are a must have when the grandkids are over, and they can entertain the kids for hours.  Play dough is generally non-staining and low mess, so you don’t need to worry about your furniture. 
•  Crayons and coloring books are a staple, and you would be amazed at the variations that Crayola has come up with in the recent past.  You can purchase extra large coloring books that are almost the same size as the child, or character coloring books like Disney Princess, Bob the Builder, or the Wiggles.   The differences in crayons is significant, and you can get them for little fingers, big fingers, liquid form that only comes out when you shake them, and markers that dissolve with water.   
• No need to run out and buy a bunch of toys when the Grandkids come and visit.  Rent a tub of toys from Travel BaBees. The tub includes books and videos, and are from varied brand names like Fisher Price.
  

A great visit with your grandchildren starts with being prepared. Rent them a comfy bed, a safety gate, or a double stroller for walks from Travel BaBees.

Winter Cold Snap? Time to take the kids on a ski vacation!

If you've ever thought about taking a ski vacation with your family, you probably picture a roaring fire, days spent effortlessly gliding down the slopes, and buckets of hot chocolate.   If you have small children, the odds that your ski vacation will be as effortless as what you picture is slim to none.  Skiing, although a great sport for your family to enjoy, it is not as easy as it looks.  If you plan on taking your children for a ski holiday, here are a few tips to get you on the right track. 

You have their equipment on and they are ready to go.  How do you teach them?  The answer is:  YOU don’t.  The best thing you can do for your children is to avoid teaching them to ski yourself.  Not only is it difficult if you’ve never taught anyone to ski before, they can also pick up on any bad ski habits you may have.  Ski school is especially formulated to teaching young children the ins and outs of beginning to ski, and they include games and fun. 

If your child is slightly older and has been to ski school, you may want to hire a personal instructor or sign them up for group lessons.  Professional ski instructors know the ins and outs of progressing ability levels and can assist your child to overcome any obstacles that he or she may be experiencing.  

Ski hills are often out of the way from major cities.  Traveling light is your best bet! If you want a backpack for wandering through the resort in the evenings, rent one from Travel BaBees. Skiing is exhausting, and that afternoon nap will ensure your continued energy on the slopes. Be sure that your baby will have the best nap as well, but renting a full crib with organic linens.  

Enjoy your time swooshing down the slopes!