I'm a writer and editor specializing in design, art and fashion, advertising and marketing and of course, travel. I started this kiddieuptravel as a resource for parents like me—those who love to travel and don't want to dumb it down just because they have kids. Kiddieup is all about inspired and inspiring vacations the whole family will love. Kiddieup and go!
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A LIVELY FOURTH OF JULY AT LAKE TAHOE
Everyone knows Lake Tahoe has amazing skiing, but summer’s spectacular as well. Warm weather, beautiful hiking, Lake Tahoe’s crystal blue (freezing) water and of course the casinos. For the Fourth of July Lake Tahoe also boasts one of the best fireworks displays west of the Mississippi. Yippee!
get your clown on at Kidsfest ‘08
I’ve always been a wee bit suspect of Canadian art/performance festivals (all those mimes and multimedia performances) but when it comes to Winnipeg’s Kidfest, a description like ‘zany’ doesn’t send a chill down my spine. Kids like zany. Actually, kids love zany. The zanier the better. Which is probably why the 4-day annual festival is in it’s 26th successful year.
OCEAN BLUE RESORT—A CARIBBEAN FAMILY RESORT OF THE VERY BEST SORT.
Ocean Blue is an all-inclusive, turn off your brain and relax sort of place in the Dominican Republic. So much so that it’s a bit like a cruise ship on land—in a good way, meaning plenty of activities for kids at the supervised kid’s club, nice pools, etc. And without the swampy-smelling rooms, seasickness and general sketchiness of many cruises (novovirus outbreaks, disappearing people…anyway, back to the good vacation). And for an all-inclusive, family-friendly resort, the décor is exceptionally tasteful. Much more Ian Schrager than Walt Disney.
AN INN THAT’S IN-IT TO WIN-IT FOR FAMILY FUN.
The Wildflower Inn
Generally, B&B’s and children don’t mix. Why? All those antiques (or fragile knick-knacks being passed off as antiques), lack of tvs, and most of all, lack of soundproofing plus a house full of couples who’ve checked in for a romantic/quiet weekend make for a less than restful if not downright harrowing time for parents with kids. Meet the exception to the rule, The Wildflower Inn set in northern Vermont. I guess if there were to be a kid-friendly B&B Vermont would be the place you’d find it…
a happy passenger in her CARES seatbelt for kids
Your our old choices for securing your kiddo on the airplane:
1. A bulky carseat that adds an additional 20lbs and 4 cubic feet to all the crap you already have to haul on the plane (and that the kid hates to sit in, anyways).
2. One of those kinda pricey stroller/seat combos (where do you use them outside of the airport?).
3. The flimsy airplane seat belt (I know my kids have little chance of staying strapped in).
Enter CARES, the ‘first and only harness-type Aviation Child Safety Device certified by the FAA’. Basically, it’s a belt that you attach to the existing seat belt. It’s made by a manufacturer of aviation seatbelts so it meets existing safety standards. You do, however, have to wrap it around the seat, so it will be visible to the person sitting behind your child…I know, I know, no big deal, it just basically becomes part of their seat but I’m just putting that disclaimer out there ’cause I’ve flown with some pretty fussy passengers before (and I’m not referring to anyone 18 or under).
Anyways best of all, the belt weighs only 1lb and fits into a 6″ stuff sack.
The only thing I can’t endorse is the name. (Hey CARES, If you need help with branding, let me know!)
Ready for takeoff!!
and it works great on private jets, too!
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photo credits: images taken from kidsflysafe.com.
Villa Beach Cottages
LOUNGE IN ST. LUCIA AT FAMILY-FRIENDLY PRICES.
The island of St. Lucia is one of the most popular spots in the Eastern Carribean. No surprise as it’s only a four hour flight from NYC. But popularity comes with a price: too many people! Not so at Villa Beach Cottages, a family-run small hotel right smack dab on an uncrowded (and usually calm) beach. There are all-inclusive resorts nearby, but the beauty of the less pricey Villa Beach is that you’re right by the action—so the family can visit those, or any of the island’s other gorgeous sites—and then return to a quiet spot right on the beach and cook dinner in your all-you-need kitchen or grill fresh island fish on the barbeque and eat al fresco. Made up of suites, cottages and one grand honeymoon cottage, all accommodations feature fully stocked kitchens and superb beach access. The hotel is located on the west side of the island so you can enjoy spectacular sunsets from your deck. And kids uner 12 stay for free.
portable pocket paint set
This gem of a kids store/art space in Minneapolis has put together a kick-butt collection of travel toys. Actually, their entire selection of kid items is curated to be heavy on the design and fun fator. And if your travels ever take you to the Twin Cities (one of my former cities of residence), be sure to visit the store. It feels like a gallery, but the kids can play with everything! Finally, a space that’s truly kid-proof. And profits go towards kids charities.
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photo credits: images taken from kiddywampus.com
The Resort at Paws Up
CAMPING DOESN’T GET ANY MORE LUXURIOUS—OR EXPENSIVE—THAN THIS.
Camping in tents with luxury sheets and electricity? A camping butler that will not only build your campfire but construct and deliver your s’more to you? Yes, Tent City at Paws Up is about as far away from roughing it as you can get and still technically be camping. But really, where’s the romance in trudging to a freezing communal park bathroom to conduct your evening toilette in a freezing communal bathhouse featuring rusty plumbing, jaundiced lighting and non-existent privacy when you can be soaping and moisturizing amid the heated slate floors, granite countertops and luxury showers at Tent City? Better to just embrace the what Paws Up refers to as ‘glamping’ and enjoy your time sleeping under ‘five stars’. And not to worry, if you find the tents a little too rustic, you can always check into one of the rental cabin/homes on the property.