A former design, art and fashion editor, now advertising and marketing writer and mom. I started this site for parents like me—those who love to travel, and don't want to dumb it down just because I have kids. Kiddieup is all about inspired and inspiring vacations the whole family will love. Kiddieup and go!
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Ahhh, stuck in the car for days on end with whiny children, watching as the next layer of Nutter Butters gets ground into your floorboard (only to be sealed with a juice box). The joys of a family road trip are truly beyond compare.
In all actuality, road trips are still one of the best, and most fun, forms of the family vacation. Sure, things have changed— I certainly didn’t get to watch SpongeBob until my mind turned to mush. We looked out the window at nothing but highway and we liked it.
Okay, enough of my rambling, what I’m really here to say is to champion the road trip along with Lonely Planet. Now through Labor Day, they’re offering free downloadable road trip itineraries on their Facebook page in honor of the release of their upcoming book, USA’s Roadtrips: 99 Themed Itineraries Across America. I’ve downloaded several already and have been plotting the torture of my small children for many summers to come. They’re going to love the Wet & Wild West Coast trip. Even if takes them 20 years to realize it.
Start downloading your road trip itineraries HERE.
And while you’re at it, become a FAN of Kiddieuptravel.
Relaxing at Tranquility Bay, Florida. Just one of the Gulf area getaways you’ll find in Kiddieuptravel’s latest newsletter.
I’ve rounded up some of my favorite Gulf Area getaways in my late summer ‘10 newsletter. If for some crazy reason you haven’t subscribed to the kiddieuptravel newsletter, well, sign up below. And since you missed this one, you can read it here.
Although I guess the 4th should have me thinking about Philly (what with the Liberty Bell and all), my thoughts tend to wander northward on 95 towards NYC. So following this wonderful long, 4th of July holiday, there’s no better time for my review of the must-have guide book for any family planning on taking a bite out of the Big Apple.
Vacationing in NYC is a bit daunting for a family. As a parent (at least to younger children) you live and die by naps and bedtime. So just how does a vacation to the city that never sleeps fit in? Amazingly, with a little help from Fodor’s.
The experts in travel do what they do best in this easy-to-read and succinct enough-to-tote-in-the-diaper bag guide to NYC. But don’t let the smallish size of Fodor’s Family New York City With Kids fool you—there’s enough ideas to keep a family entertained and informed for days and days and days on end.
Covering everything from a general overview of the city to special recommendations grouped by a kid’s interest (dino buffs to princesses in training), NYC with Kids goes in depth on each major neighborhood and surrounding boroughs. The recommendations in each section are cross referenced with the chapters dedicated to museums, restaurants, hotels and maps. My personal favorite feature is the handy ‘Where can I find a …. ” for each neighborhood that includes not only parks but also the essential public bathrooms listings. Although, I have to say I have never gotten turned down at any restaurant when I walk in with a toddler in tow and ask to use the restroom.
While you don’t usually think of Fodor’s unless you’re thinking of travel, this is a great little book for visitors and residents alike, covering the well-known spots (Tavern on the Green, Rockefeller Center) to lesser-known gems (real fishing in central park, the Peanut Butter & Co Sandwich Shop). And they do it in a way that really works for parents—in-depth enough to be informed, but to the point enough to not tax a parent’s already maxed out brain cells.
You, and the kids, are going to flip over this deal.
We all know how kids and parents love the ideas of kids clubs. It gives kids a chance to be people who are actually fun, and it allows parents a break from entertaining the kiddos for a few hours. The down side is that all that entertainment can be a bit pricey. But there are bargains to be had. Like the fabulous deal at the Aston Kaanapali Shores where they’re offering kids clubs for $25 dollars per session. And with tickets running about $300-400 round trip to Maui (from the West Coast) this summer, it’s time to go hawaiian.
The kids club activities have a lot of island flavor. Activities on offer are hula instruction, ukulele lessons and lei making, as well as the usual beach activities and arts and crafts.
Yes, Kaanapali is a very touristy area. But it’s Maui, and in my opinion, pretty much any location is beautiful paradise or even more beautiful paradise. I stayed in this area on my honeymoon (in the big pink hotel) and was completely happy with the location. And there are swanker areas or more boho areas, but the condo/hotels are a great option for families. They’re not super fancy, but they’re big, they have kitchens, they’re a good deal and you can’t beat the views.
Okay, I know you’ve all probably been on kiddieuptravel’s FACEBOOK page already to see the winner of our first annual DILF contest, but it’s time to announce it here as well. Feast your eyes on this hot baby daddy, Mr. Phil Malcolm of Minneapolis, Minnesota, who wins an amazing KIMMELKIDS tote bag filled with goodies. I totally wanted to keep it for myself, but I am far too much of a professional for those sorts of shenanigans.
Our winner was chosen by photo director extraordinaire and my colleague from my *SURFACE magazine days, Victoria Kelly. Today she’s the kick-butt new media director for LA’s eco-friendly child boutique (and my fave store) THE LITTLE SEED. Be sure to check out all the bo-hunks at kiddieup’s DILF PHOTO ALBUM. Thanks to everyone who entered and be sure to start snapping your hotties in anticipation for next year’s competition.
I just started thinking…why should my husband be the only one having all the fun, parading around shirtless in the glory of that, “I used to have time to work out and cook amazing meals before I had kids and now am living on a steal-two-hours a week run and peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich diet bod,” on my postings. So now I’m asking you to send pics of your hot husbands (aka DILFs) in for a chance to strut their stuff on kiddieuptravel’s FACEBOOK page.
I’ll be taking submissions between now and Thursday JUNE 17 and announce the winner Friday, June 18th, in time for Father’s Day.
The lucky DILF, I mean, Dad, will receive a cool KIMMELKIDS tote filled with amazing eco/craft/cool kids stuff. Here it is:
The giftbag.
The bag flowers are a bit fluorescent, but not this bright, or this rippled around the edges…anyways, I took this picture because my dress matches the print. And now you can rip this amazing gift bag out of my hot little hands!
That’s more like it…you’ll get the awesome orange one on the right.
The bag is very similar to the one given away at the last KimmelKids craft weekend extravaganza at the ACE HOTEL in Palm Springs. Inside you’ll find:
Converse Sneakers/Undefeated t-shirt/Further liquid hand soap/Pop chips/Smart Water/Tasty Baby Gummy treats/Kind snack bar/Sun print kit/Envirosac reusable tote/Smith Row spin top/Yummy Fun Kooking DVD/Parents Magazine/Urbanic notepad & coupon/Two Plums crafting kit/Geoff McFetridge wallpaper/print by Pottuk/American Apparel adult tee/33 Things to Know About Raising Creative Kids
It’s practically ready to hit the beach. And the tote is really cool and super-sturdy. Yes, the print is a tad fluorescent, but in the best possible way. I can’t believe I’m not keeping this for myself. But I am indeed giving it away. Here’s how to win:
• Post your favorite hot daddy on facebook.com/kiddieuptravel
• The dad must be showing a bit of skin
• He has to have a kid in the picture as well—he’s got to be actively parenting or it doesn’t count
• Being on vacation can’t hurt your chances, but it’s not necessary
So send in pictures of your DILF for all the world—not just you, the kiddos and his mom—to love. One lucky person will receive this amazing gift bag!And I'll kick it off with my favorite DILF, here on vacation at the FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT CABIN in Wisconsin.
Still kicking yourself for missing the KimmelKids/Art of Exchange crafting weekend at the ACE HOTEL, PALM SPRINGS? Well, you should be. Check out these pictures. A fun, artsy time was had by all.
Succulent gardens in progress.
Potato print flags flying proudly.
Customizing the Converse. I was way less inventive when I was a kid, I just used a black sharpie.
I’m sure they’ll host another weekend of crafting, artwork, pool time and just Palm Springs fun. Another weekend crazy with macramé, disco pinatas, underwater photography, taco nights, more s’mores. Okay, enough daydreaming…click HERE for more info and updates on the next event.
AND WATCH THIS SPACE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A KIMMELKIDS GIFT BAG.
Movie night. Or a rave. No, wait, definitely movie night.
Confetti System pinatas. I’m semi-obsessed with these.
I’m thrilled, excited and very lucky to have a guest post here on Kiddieuptravel by an expert on vacationing on the Sea Islands, Nicole Wilberg. As founder of the SEA ISLANDS VACATIONS WEBSITE, she’s the go-to source for vacations on these beautiful islands off the coast of Georgia, South Carolina and Florida and for her post on KU, she’s written about an amazing sea turtle hospital on Georgia’s Jekyll Island. Be sure to check her site for other vacation ideas on these often-overlooked vacation treasures.
Still not sure if the Georgia islands are the exotic getaway you’ve been dreaming of? I say, it was beautiful enough to lure Bennifer Part I to their sandy shores, (remember Ben and La Lopez’s house down there?), I’m in.
Without further ado, NICOLE WILBERG unlocks the treasures of Jekyll Island….
Hola¡ I’m so excited to bring the second in kiddieup’s two-part Mexico reportage series. Following the RUBIN’S TRIP TO TULUM is a report from art director/designer/rock star AARON POLLOCK (and a former colleague of mine), his wife, his beautiful wife, award-winning fine art photographer, MICKEY SMITH and their adorable son Max. When Smith was awarded an artists residency in Puerto Vallarta, the whole family decided to tag along. They knew it would be a nice, sun-filled change from NYC while they waited out for spring to hit the city, but little did they know that it would be a baby such baby-friendly fun. I grilled them all the details for a special kiddieup exclusive.
KIDDIEUPTRAVEL IS HONORED TO POST THIS DISPATCH FROM ESTEEMED FRONTLINE JOURNALIST/PRODUCER (AND FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR) JOE RUBIN FROM HIS RECENT ESCAPE TO TULUM.
He and his beautiful family had such a fantastic, relaxing and amazing time there over spring break that I’m ready to jump on a plane to head over the border right this minute.
WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, JOE IN MEXICO
I love independent travel. Even when I’m making serious documentaries for FRONTLINE about the hunt for war criminals in the former Yugoslavia, I relish taking time out to discover a magical hat shop in old Sarajevo (which is becoming a wonderful city again) or to inhale herring sold by street vendors on an icy morning in Amsterdam.
So when our daughter Ginger was born both my wife and I vowed that we would share our love of international travel with her. Busy schedules, lack of funds prevented that from happening. Last month, with my wife Sarah closing in on six months pregnant, we decided, if not now, when?
