Separation Anxiety

Continuing off my post from last week about theme parks, if you decide to go, here is something to keep in mind, theme parks are huge and crowded, meaning it is easy to lose family members.

Part of the line for a Harry Potter ride

This summer my family went to Universal in Orlando and we lost my dad (we often loose him – arenas, malls, parking lots, etc). Because we were out of country, we had no cell phones to contact him. Luckily he is 6’1½ and we could spot him wandering in Harry Potter land. The point being, it’s very easy to become separated.

So here are some tips to help avoid that feeling of anxiety:

• Know what everyone is wearing. I’ve seen groups all wear the same shirt or jersey to easily locate group members.
• Practice the buddy system, especially with kids.

My buddy was my sister and I wore a bright colour

• If your child has a disability, I’ve seen people make shirts for the child saying what their disability is and if they become separated, they provide contact information on the shirt.
• Have a cell phone or walkie-talkies.
• Wear bright colours.
• Have a meeting place, incase anyone is separated.
• Carry a picture of everyone, you can show it to security, incase a more serious issue occurs.
• If travelling with kids, emphasis the importance of staying with the group. Set out consequences and rewards before going to the park.
• Ex. If Billy runs ahead, he’ll miss out on a ride or if Billy stays with everyone, he can receive a treat.

Finally found dad

If you have tips, please post in the comment section.

The happiest place on earth

We’ve all heard the slogan, “the happiest place on earth”. 
Disney, Universal, Canada’s Wonderland, and other theme parks provide great family fun and entertainment.

Before going to a theme park over your vacation, there are some things to consider, such as:

• Price
• Tickets
• Food and drinks
• Souvenirs
• Crowds

• Can be very busy, so safety may be a concern
• Waiting in lines, some offer an express pass but this will come at an additional cost
• Need patience for lines and parking
• It will be loud, with screaming kids and crying babies
• Weather
• When the weather is nice, there will be more people
• Bad weather (thunderstorms) will not be as busy but some rides will be shut down
• Can be difficult finding a place to get out of the sun or rain. Seating can be hard to find.
• Age

Theme parks have something for all ages, but that doesn’t mean that you should take your toddler. Everyone can still enjoy themselves but it will limit your choice of rides and it can be difficult maneuvering a stroller. Also, your children won’t remember it. My parents took me when I was young but I don’t remember anything, besides my Fifel doll. If you’re going to take your children, take them when they will be able to remember the park. Children should be at least four but eight is a great age. At this age they can do more rides, walk around the park will less complaining and remember the day.

Are We There Yet?

The most annoying travel question.

As I’ve said before, my family travels by car. But no matter what type of transportation you take, parents and travel companions be warned, you are going to hear the annoying, are we there yet question.

I know that my siblings and me were guilty of asking this question, not once but multiple times on our trips and it can quickly become aggravating. With the use of technology and some preplanning before travelling, you do not have to hear this question or hopefully not as often.

Ideas for kids or adults to kill time while travelling:

1. Activity books 
2. Car games (Ex. eye spy) 
3. Music
4. Books/magazines 
5. Movies
6. Playing cards
7. Travel board games
8. Game systems such as Nintendo 3ds (Don’t forget the games)
9. IPod
10. Ipad or tablet 

Some of my personal favourite car past times are:

1. Books
2. Movies
3. Ipad
4. And when I was younger my Gameboy, I loved playing Pokémon

These are just some ideas. You may find that your miniature travel buddies can’t read in the car but listening to music might be the key to keeping them entertained. If you are going to bring electrical devices, make sure they have plenty of battery to keep the entertainment going.

Last tip, the best time killer for travelling at any age is sleep!

Learning to Ride

Family bike ride on Hilton Head Island

A vacation is a great time to try new things. For my brother, it was where he learned how to ride a bicycle. For him, this was a challenge and resulted in a few misadventures. When we were in Hilton Head Island, SC., my parents thought this would be the ideal environment because the island is flat. 

My dad loosed his training wheels, gave my brother encouragement, and we began our ride. An hour in, Jordan thought the wheels were too loose and couldn’t ride any further; his solution was to bail into a ditch. He fell so badly that he left skid marks in the grass and broke his bike. The sod was freshly laid, so here we were, trying to cover up tread marks, pick up the broken bicycle, all before someone saw us. Jordan had to walk back until my dad was able to purchase a toolkit to repair the bike. Eventually we made it back to the resort without further incidents.

Summer vacation in Orillia

This wasn’t my brother’s first fall, he had bailed into ditches twice before this. Once earlier that day for not wanting to cross a bridge over a swamp and another time for going too fast down a hill.

Jordan eventually learned how to ride but I think my parents should have reviewed some of these bicycle tips first. It could have prevented some injuries along the way. Also, always carry a toolkit, you never know when you may need it.

Jordan riding on the beach at Hilton Head