Travel :: Beach Tips

Going to the beach? Here's some tips and "must have's" for your beach bag!

Get baby powder to remove sand:

• Pour ample amount of baby powder into hands.
• Rub hands together and “wash” them like you would soap and water.
• Tada! Great when taking kids along and when you snack, so you don't taste sand. It can also be used anywhere on the body to remove sand.

Beach Tips:

1. Always have plenty of sunscreen to reapply often, especially with kids.
2. Take a cooler full of cold drinks; water, juice.
3. Take some snacks - someone always gets the nibbles.
4. Use an empty container, like a cleaned out lotion bottle, to hold your phone/keys/etc - that way, they won't get covered in sand.
5. Don't forget the baby powder!
6. Have plastic bags or containers in the trunk to put the wet/sandy things when leaving.
7. Take toys, a music box, books - depending who all is going.
8. Take a first-aid kit - bandaids, lip balm, alcohol wipes, etc.
9. Use hats to keep your scalp from burning.
10. Chairs and an umbrella are nice to have.

Got any beach tips? Anything special you always need with you when at the beach?

Travel :: 10 tips for travelling with kids

Growing up, my parents traveled a lot with me and my two siblings from Florida to West Virginia. A long drive, and even longer for 3 kids under the age of 10. So my mom always tried to make sure we had plenty to keep us happy and cared for - even if we didn't have some of the things to keep us entertained like kids these days do. I actually use these tips myself with my two kids, sometimes even when we don't go out of the city. Never hurts to be prepared, just in case.

10 Tips For Travelling With Kids

1. Pack a cooler with plenty of drink (or milk/formula for a baby).
2. Take extra clothes - at least 2 sets for each kid.
3. Make sure batteries are fully charged, or you have extra batteries, for any game devices, dvd players, and so on. (Don't forget a few movies or games to last the trip!)
4. Always keep a first-aid kit, especially when travelling with young kids.
5. Pack food - things like gold fish, crackers, carrot sticks, etc.
6. Take breaks every so often - get out, stretch your legs, use the bathroom.
7. Take pillows for when the kids want to sleep - and blankets when it's chilly.
8. Point out what you see along the way - little kids especially love this.
9. Take along books for them to read, or you to read to them - and if you allow it, take some coloring books and crayons, or the aqua doodle, if you have one.
10. Make it fun! And don't forget the camera! Take pics along the way - take one at each state sign, at each airport (if you're flying), etc.

Travelling can be fun and enjoyable - maybe not with a newborn, haha. I always loved the travels my parents did with us kids. We always had fun, and have lots of great memories. I hope I can make travelling just as fun and memorable for my boys, as my parents did for us.

What do you make sure to pack or do during your trips with kids? I'd love to hear from you!