Air Travel Tips for Parents of Young Children

Are you the parent of an infant, toddler, or preschooler?  If you are, are you also in the process of planning a trip that requires air travel?  If you are, you may be dreading your upcoming flight.  After all, complications are all that many parents can think of.  With that said, there are a number of ways that you can make flying with your young children not only easy, but fun as well.

For children under two years of age, you will first want to examine the pros and cons of getting them their own seat.  Many airlines allow children under two to sit on the lap of an adult.  Getting an extra seat for a child under two will cost money, but you may be able to get a small discount when contacting the airline in question.  On the other hand, you will be able to have your own seat, which will be nice.  Most car seats can fit into airline seats.  Speaking of which, if you need to bring a car seat or a stroller, it will need to be scanned by airport security.

As for strollers, they are a good idea, even for children who can walk.  Most parents of toddlers are urged to give them a close look.  Most airlines will require you to handover your stroller before boarding a plane.  Once you arrive at your destination, your stroller should be waiting for you at the gate.  Using a stroller makes it easy for you to move around the airport and quickly.  This is ideal if you must hurry, like if you have short layovers.

Also, be sure to bring some formula, juice, and snacks for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.  Although you will find some restrictions, most airport security officers will allow a child’s drink to pass through, as long as it is a small quantity only.  As for older children, like toddlers and preschoolers, you should be able to buy juice, water, and snacks at an airport store past security checkpoints.  Doing so is nice, as they are no security concerns about doing so.

It is also important to bring a bag for your child.  This bag should be filled with items that interest them.  Depending on the age of your child, great items include books, stickers, coloring books and few crayons, small toys, and flash cards.  These items will have to be scanned through airport security, so try to leave anything, namely toys, at home that may cause complications or delays.

Speaking of airport security, it is important to talk about the screening process and prepare your child for it.  For many toddlers and preschoolers, the whole ordeal can seem a little bit overwhelming and scary.  Your child will likely have to walk through the metal detectors themselves.  If you are traveling with another adult, have one go through first, so that your child can walk towards a familiar face.  You may even want to arrive at the airport early.  This gives and your child the opportunity to watch others go through the screening process first.

As for the flight itself, toddlers and preschoolers may love having a window seat.  If someone in your traveling party is assigned a window seat, try to let your toddler or preschool sit there instead.  As for the bag full of goodies you brought, refrain from giving everything to your child all at once.  This is likely to reduce boredom.  For children who may have their own seats, portable DVD players and laptop computers are advised.  They are a great way to keep a fussy child occupied.  If using a laptop computer, be sure not to choose a movie that will exceed the laptop’s battery life, as this may result in a very unhappy child.

The above mentioned tips are just a few of the many that can help you, as a parent, when traveling by air with young children.  For addition tips, just use your best judgment.  As a parent, you should know what will help to keep your child interested and happy.

Take a Romantic Vacation in California

If you are looking to take a romantic vacation with your loved one this year, California should definitely make it to the top of your list.  One of the things that makes California a great state is the variety in geography and cities, and it’s this variety that also makes it a prime target for vacation.

If you and your partner pampering on your romantic vacation in the Golden State, a great destination is Palm Springs.  Between spa treatments and strolling around the golf course, there’s something for everyone in Palm Springs.  If you’re looking for a quiet get-away retreat to spend time reconnecting with your spouse whilst soaking up a little California sunshine, this is a great choice as Palm Springs is located in the Mojave Desert and it rarely falls below freezing – even in winter. 

If connecting with nature is more your idea of a romantic retreat, northern California may be just the ticket.  Yosemite National Park has it all: Beautiful scenery, lavish hotels, and if you seek them out, special offers that give you the chance to enjoy it all without breaking the bank.  Whether you want to be a hiker out in the daytime wilderness with your loved one, or whether you want to snuggle together at night next to a roaring fire, Yosemite may be just what you’re looking for.   If you’re looking for a romantic winter break, northern California has great skiing to offer to both novice and expert alike.

Of course, you can’t forget the tourist destination, Disneyland.  It may not sound romantic, but if that’s the reason for your vacation, you’ll find that you’ll have relaxed quality time during the day as you wander around the park, then at night you can relive the memories of the day over a candle-lit meal at one of the restaurants in the area – and what could be more romantic than watching a fireworks display with someone you love? 

So whether your idea of a romantic vacation is wanting to relax, hike, or sightsee together, you’ll love what you find in California.

Top Beach Vacation Spots

No matter what season it may be, taking a beach
vacation is both fun and relaxing.  There are many
beaches all over the world to pick from.  You can
choose from a white sandy beach, lava rock beach,
secluded beach, or a popular beach – as the choice
is entirely up to you.

1.  Polo Beach – Hawaii
The Polo Beach of Hawaii is a sandy beach with
clear water, making it ideal for swimming and also
snorkeling.  It’s located in South Maui and fronted
by the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, which is a luxury
beach vacation resort.

2.  Seven Mile Beach – Jamaica
The Seven Mile Beach of Negril is the longest stretch
of white sand in Jamaica.  Located near Negril on
the western tip of Jamaica, this beach is truly an
awesome sight to behold.  Here, you can find your
favorite stretch of the beach and coconut palm
tree and just relax near the ocean.  You can also
stay at the Caves, which is located very close to
the beach.

3.  Atlantis Paradise – Bahamas
Here, you can experience the white sandy beaches of
the Caribbean.  Atlantis Paradise gives you long
romantic walks on the beach or the chance to play
in the water at the resort.  This paradise offers
you tropical climate with your own personal slice
of heaven – something every beach lover will truly
appreciate.

4.  Heron Island – Australia
Located on the Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island
beaches offer excellent swimming and snorkeling
with truly amazing marine life.  The tropical
island of Heron offers scuba divers over 20
different diving sites.  You can forget the stress
of everyday life here and just immerse yourself in
wonder. 

5.  Madeira – Portugal
The beach here at Reid’s Palace Hotel is quite the
rocky beach, with sharp black rocks.  You can spend
time lounging by the pool taking in the views, or
swimming in the ocean.  The weather here is
pleasant most of the time, making your beach vacation
something you’ll remember for a long time to come.

6.  Miami Beach
A great spot for movie stars and fashion models,
Miami Beach offers plenty of sandy beaches, several
restaurants, and night long parties at one of the
local nightclubs.  If you are looking for the
ideal place to stay, The Tides is a luxurious
hotel with many spectacular views.  Miami Beach
is also popular in the United States – one of the
best beach vacations out there.

Day Spa Etiquette: What You Should Know

Have you just recently scheduled an appointment at one of your local day spas?  If so, have you been before?  If this is your first time visiting a day spa, you may want to first take the time to familiarize yourself with some important rules of etiquette.  When you know how you should act and what you should do, you are more likely to leave pleased.

If you have yet to make your appointment, you will want to do so.  You should make an appointment at least a week in advance.  Although there are some spas that do accept walk-ins, you will want to avoid this approach, as it can be considered rude.  Your walk-in appointment may have an impact on other guests, especially when employees fall behind.

When making your appointment, if you haven’t already done so, be sure to choose a convenient time.  This is likely to reduce your cancellation chances.  Speaking of which, if you must cancel, be sure to do so as early as possible.  At least twenty-four hours notice should be given.  The worst thing that you could do would be to just not show up.  In fact, you may still be charged for your appointment or you may be subject to a no-show fee.

It is also important that you make any special needs known ahead of time.  Are you disabled?  Do you use a wheel chair or need assistance getting around?  All day spas should be able to accommodate you, but notice is important.  As for other special needs, are you pregnant or breastfeeding?  If so, special steps may need to be taken by the staff to keep you comfortable for the whole day.

As for your day spa appointment, be sure to arrive on time.  In fact, you should arrive around ten to twenty minutes early.  Depending on the spa in question, you may have to fill out patient forms or sign releases.  If you do arrive late, know that you can have your appointment cancelled or shortened, while still being responsible for the full cost.

The goal of a day spa is to create a calm, peaceful, and relaxing environment for guests.  With that in mind, you should also know that you play an important role in this environment as well.  All guests are encouraged to leave their young children at home.  Try to schedule an appointment when you have a babysitter or a family member who can watch your children.  It is also a good idea to leave all cell phone, pagers, and PDAs at home or at least shut off and in your purse.

At the end of your appointment, be sure to give honest feedback.  If you were pleased with the level of service you received, as well as your results, be sure to let the staff, especially mangers, know.  If you were not pleased with your results, you will also want to make your dissatisfaction known, but please do so in a polite, non-treating manner.  As for tips, it may be a wise idea to ask ahead of time if they are included in your costs.

Of course, showing up for your appointment under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not advised, as is lewd behavior.  If you display offensive behavior, you may be asked to leave the premises immediately.  Remember that a day spa visit should be calm, cool, and relaxing for you.