11 Travel Hacks That Will Change The Way You Travel

It's the 2018 travel season and no doubt you're planning a trip, somewhere. Before you go check out the eleven amazing 2018 travel hacks below. They will change the way you travel and make your next trip so much friggin' easier! (Don't forget to Pin your favorites!)

1. Roll your clothes to pack twice as much in your suitcase.

2. Make wholesome meals for on-the-go. Save money and a belly ache by making instant oatmeal packs. All you need is a cup and hot water!

3. Two words, Battery Backup. You can buy battery back-ups on Amazon for five bucks!

4. Freeze water before going through airport security! It's cool, I promise.  But they must be FULLY FROZEN. No water sloshing about.

5. Use a plastic bag to make instant hands-free entertainment.

 6.  A car crash or any other unfortunate event on a holiday is scary, especially in a foreign country.  So should you find yourself in Australia, and need to find good criminal lawyers in Sydney, find them there, before you go, even if it's not necessary... yet.

 7. Use a rolled up belt to keep collars from smashing.

 8. The shower cap is magic for dirty shoes...

9. Is everyone hogging the USB chargers in the hotel room? Plug your's into the back of the TV!

10. Don't let your razor go gross, use a binder clip to keep it protected. 

11. This may be the most important tip... SCAN YO' SHIT!  Always scan all important documents, front, and back and email them to yourself. Also, scan front and back of credit cards. You may need that cancelation or theft number on the back. Be safe. Not sorry. 

Dear Families, Before Booking a Hotel, READ THIS

Picture it: A family of three (Mom, dad, six-year-old boy), five large suitcases, one bed and no floor space. 

Chances are if you've stayed in a hotel with your family, it's not that hard to picture. The thought alone might be stirring up some pretty torturous memories. Especially, if you stayed for more than three days in the cubical called a hotel room. 

I've done this one time in my life, and have sworn to never, ever do it again! 

Thankfully, there is a new trend in the hotel industry, making it easier for families to travel, Apart'hotels. Offering more than one room with a bed and limited footprint, Apart'Hotels provide a fully equipped home away from home, with plenty of room for a family to move around.

I've stayed in three, from Melbourne, Florida to Melbourne Australia. They are the real deal, super budget-friendly for family travel and offer SO MUCH MORE ROOM!!!!!

Photo Credit: Ascott Limited

While in the past, fully equipped serviced apartments were considered only for relocation and extended stays of more than a week or two, times are changing. Serviced apartments or Apart'hotels are popping up in major cities across the world, and with comparable nightly rates to traditional hotel rooms, they are staking their claim on the hotel industry. 

Pictured above is a two bedroom serviced apartment at the Apart'Hotel Citadines on Bourke, in Melbourne Australia. The Hubs, kid and I stayed in that beautiful space our first two nights in Melbourne. Offering two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen (with Dishwasher!), a separate living area and workspace, we were FLOORED! The place was huge, with beautiful views from the 25th floor, and centrally located in the Heart of Melbourne's CBD!  Like, on the biggest shopping street in the city! 

But that's not all... The room rate was comparable to a traditional hotel room down the street! 

The trend towards Apart'hotel development is showing the growth of serviced apartment units to far exceeded traditional hotel unit expansion over the next two years. According to a survey conducted by the Association of Serviced Apartment Providers (ASAP), 48 serviced apartment operators show expansion targets both in the UK and globally, at an anticipated global increase in supply of 145,000 serviced apartment units through 2018. 

The shift towards Apart'hotels is great news for budget-friendly family travel. With the larger room foot print, fully equipped kitchen, and in-room washer and dryer facility, families can pack lighter and prepare meals in the room. This is especially helpful when traveling as a large family, or with young children. The money saved on baggage fees and eating meals out may even pay for the room.

We were able to eat breakfast in the room, store left overs from meals out, keep bottle waters cold, do laundry, and be centrally located. I cannot stress it enough, before you book a traditional hotel room, look for an Apart'hotel or serviced hotel first. Your family will thank you. YOU, will thank you. Most of all, your family-budget will thank you. 

The 19 Safest Sunscreens For Kids + Sensitive Skin #SpringBreak #Travel

WhooHoo! It's time to start talking spring, family vacations, sun, fun, and sunscreen! Thank goodness, too. #SoOverWinter

If you've been a long time reader, then you know, I was diagnosed with skin cancer at 22 years-old. As a child growing up in Miami, the sun was a part of life. What wasn't a part of my life was, sunscreen. My sensitive skin would burn from the first drop of the PABA loaded, chemical concoctions that doubled as sunscreen in the early eighties. My mom tried to keep me out of the sun, but in south Florida, it was pretty much impossible.

Now that I'm a mother, and totally freaked out about my son having the same skin issues I do, I am the queen of safe fun in the sun.

6 Great Vacation Spots to De-Stress in 2018

Make 2018 the year you lower your anxiety and stress levels. Take time for yourself and your family. Most of all, focus on the mantra, De-stress in 2018. And what better way than a vacation? Think you can't afford it? Wrong, just eating out less and brown bagging can save you an estimated $2500 a year. More than enough for a quick getaway to somewhere wonderful. Below are 6 Great Vacation Spots to De-Stress in 2018. 

1. Noosa, Australia

You know my heart is in Australia, and most certainly in Noosa! This was the first place the Aussie and I vacationed in Australia; Sunny, beautiful, Noosa Beach! 

Photo Credit: ME! I took this from the balcony of the apartment. A storm was rolling in, FAST! 

One of the most beautiful destinations in Australia, yet still small and laid back, is a popular place to de-stress for the pristine beaches that are available along the coast. There are even subtropical rainforests that you can explore, which makes it easy to be surrounded by the lush setting and wildlife in the area. You can spend your time watching waves with the locals and take lessons when you need to brush up on your skills. You'll create new memories and feel at ease with your feet in the sand while you're away from home. 

2. Burgandy, France

While Paris is great, it's not exactly a town to relax in, however, Burgundy, France sure is! Stroll through the medieval towns and sample exquisite wines.Various rivers and canals will surround you as you take a tour of the city. You can also visit Dijon, where the historic architecture is stunning in the quaint town. The wine town of Beaune is also an incredible place to stay for the weekend, which is a wine town that has an ancient wine cellar that is open to the public.






3. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Need some spa action? Visit Santa Fe to relax at one of the many spas that are available next to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. You can also spend your time going horseback riding in the Santa Fe National Forest or get a foot treatment at the Ojo Caliente Purification Ritual. The natural landscapes and the relaxed environment makes it an ideal place to have an escape and unplug from technology, according to shape.com.



4. Amelia Island, Florida

 

I've been going to Amelia Island since birth. It's a fantastic spot for families to rent a vacation home for a week and unwind. 

Or, resort more your thing? According to cheatsheet.com, you can stay at a resort on Amelia Island when you're in need of a family vacation. The destination is family-friendly and also features a golf course when you want to improve your game and get competitive. There's also five-star restaurants and a luxury spa available on the island where you can feel pampered. If you need a break from your hectic lifestyle but are short on funds, consider getting Miami title loans to pay for the airfare and resort before you depart.


5. Fort Worth, Texas

If Fort Worth, Texas is not on your radar, it should be. You'll meet friendly locals who welcome you to their city. Art-enthusiasts will enjoy touring various museums that are situated throughout the city by viewing wax contemporary at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. American at Amon Carter Museum of American Art is also a popular place to explore when you want to feel inspired by photography and sculptures that are on display.

Where's your favorite place to destress?

5 Sanity Saving Tips For Family Holiday Travel

After dragging my son around the world and back, I feel pretty solid about sharing a few tips for meltdown free family travel. So, if you're dreading heading to Grandmas for the Holidays, or even trading bitter temperatures for warm sands, I can help make the trip not suck, because regardless of the mode of transportation or destination, one thing remains the same, the kids are coming and you need to prepare. 

1. Pack as light as possible. Between the gadgets, toys, clothes, blankets, bedtime bears and favorite pillows, it's easy to over pack. Very easy. Combat this by making a list of essentials for each family member, and stick to it. It's not like you're leaving for good, it's a week! 

Road Trip Tip: Check to make sure the headlights and taillights are working. Give em' a wipe while you're at it. Double check tires' air pressure and tread and look for nails or debris that could be potentially dangerous. You may want to invest in an air freshener too!

2. Snack Attack. Whether it's a hungry kid or a chatty kid, snacks will come in very handy.  Skip the traditional sandwiches for bento box lunches to keep kids busy.  Also, have a bribe treat. The go-to to your kid won't turn down. Like a scooby-snack. This is your miracle worker. Don't leave home without it.

Road trip snack TIP: Freeze small bottles of water and use them in the cooler instead of ice. The frozen bottles will keep things cold and the cooler from filling with melted ice that sloshes back and forth with every turn, begging to pour out all over the floor of the car.

3. Floors Are For Feet Only. Let's face it, the floors can be valuable real estate when traveling, but not so great for the person losing the foot space. Free up the foot space by hanging bags on the back seat. Backpacks fit nicely over the 'shoulders' of the seat or secured by the headrest. When in flight, slip things over the back of the tray table to free floor space.

4. Check Your Tech. Before embarking on any trip, check your tech; replace the batteries in your camera, charge everything, and bring a car charger. Pack all tech stuff in the same bag. When it comes to a crying kid over a dying tablet, the last thing you'll want to do is search four bags to find it. 

5. Set expectations very low. With all the planning, comes high expectations. Kill them. Now. Expect everything to go wrong. Make sure the children think they are on their way to hell and it will take hours to get there. The lower the expectations and understanding that shit happens, the happier everyone will be. 

Road trip tip: Whether you're traveling with a child or not, invest in a box of baby wipes. The pre-moistened wipes clean messy faces and surfaces in a pinch, and without stinky harsh chemicals! Not to mention, those little wipes will be a lifesaver at those grimy roadside and airport bathrooms that haven't seen an attendant in at least a decade.

How To Make Your Home Handicap Accessible For The Holidays

If there is ever a time of year to open your home and say, all are welcome, it's the holidays. Sadly, for those needing handicap accessibility, the holidays can be a very difficult time. Many will decline invites to avoid the the embarrassment and trouble to the host. Which, is crap! If you have a relative that uses a wheelchair or close family member Here are a few ways you can Make Your Home Handicap Accessible For The Holidays.

Car parking

We all know how frustrating it can be if you can’t park outside your own home! Frustrating as it may be, for someone who needs more room to park and get out of their vehicle as well as being able to get inside quickly and safely it can be disheartening and even dangerous.

One way to combat those ignorant or sometimes just forgetful drivers is to invest in a disabled parking space signs. By placing these in front of your home, you’re giving other motorists the information they need to make the right parking decision. Companies like smart sign can give you a little inspiration and a few ideas.

Remove obstructions

Thoroughly check each room in your home. What are the access obstructions and where are the potential hazards?  Rugs or loose carpets should be taken away. Make sure that all floor tiles, lino and carpets are securely fastened and that there are no loose or rough edges. Rearrange furniture to make access through a room easier. Remove and store any furniture that is not needed. Clutter is not access friendly.

Make small changes and improvements

Making some little changes can go a long way towards improving quality of life for a disabled person. Braille signage on cupboard doors could be a huge help.  Portable wheelchair ramps can be used at home as a temporary solution or when modifications are not possible – however, you probably don’t want to be forever picking it up and putting it back, so it’s best to look for a ramp that can be left in place and that won’t prevent the door from opening and closing. Well organized cupboards and drawers make cooking, cleaning and relaxing much more enjoyable!

Introduce modifications

There are a number of modifications that can be made to a home but before you start, consider whom you are making them for. With the person in mind, introduce suitable equipment and aids. Disability-friendly items that can be brought into a home are:

1. Handrails and / or grab rails
2. Ramps
3. Automatic doors and entry systems
4. Wheelchair friendly flooring

Undertake renovations

To make a home fully accessible you may need to undertake some renovations. Hallways in many houses are not wide enough for wheelchair users to pass through. The bathroom and / or kitchen may need to be improved or completely changed. These are large-scale jobs and you will need to plan for any temporary disruption and consider how it will be managed.

Do you have any tips to add?

BRAVO, Royal Caribbean International, What You Just Did... WOW!

HUGE HUGE HUGE EPIC Shout-Out to, Royal Caribbean International (RCI). Yesterday, Adventures of the Seas, arrived in San Juan, Puerto Rico, LIKE A BOSS!

Next, St Thomas and St Croix?!

The following was posted on the Royal Caribbean Website:

The following sailing is being cancelled: 

Adventure of the Seas: September 30
Given the impact of Hurricane Maria, we are cancelling this cruise to utilize the ship for evacuation and humanitarian efforts. The ship will arrive on Wednesday, September 27 and will operate humanitarian calls in San Juan, St. Thomas and St. Croix to aid in the evacuation and donate critical supplies to each destination.  The ship will bring evacuees to Fort Lauderdale before returning to San Juan on October 6 to prepare for the October 7^th cruise.  

We are very sorry for the impact this storm has had on your vacation. The cruise fare and fees will be 100% refunded to the original form of payment, and we are also offering a 25% future cruise credit, based on the cruise fare, if a new cruise is booked in the next 30 days. Pre-booked shore excursions will also be refunded to your original form of payment.

BRAVO Royal Caribbean International, way to show the US Government how it's done, Son. Way to step up and do the right thing. It's not about money; it's about lives. OUT-FRIGGIN-STANDING!

It's comforting to know, those repeatedly beaten down by the hurricanes, are going to be treated to a few days on an ultra-luxe Royal Caribbean cruise ship. I pray they find solace in those peaceful moments.

Photo: Royal Caribbean International

Oh! And, as if this humanitarian aid mission isn't enough, Royal Caribbean has committed to match donations up to $1 million to aid Hurricane Relief efforts. Supporting Royal Caribbean Hurricane Irma & Maria Relief through a partnership with, World Vision.

My heart is so full of joy, it's smiling. Thank you, thank you, thank you. There seems to be no end to the company's dedication and generosity. Thank you, Royal Caribbean International, you have my family's business.

5 Tips For Meltdown Free Family Travel

Planning a trip? Heading to Grandmas for the Holidays? Escaping the bitter cold for warm sands? Regardless of the mode of transportation or destination, one thing remains the same, the kids are coming and you need to prepare. Below are five of my best tips for meltdown free family travel. 

1. Pack Light. With so many gadgets, toys, clothes, blankets, bedtime bears and favorite pillows to consider for the trip, it's easy to over pack. Very. Easy. Combat the need to over pack by making an "essentials" list for each family member. Give the little one a small bag to pack their favorite things.   Remind yourself and fellow travelers, you're not leaving for good, it's a week! 

Road Trip Tip: Clean and check the headlights and taillights. While giving the exterior some love, double check tires' air pressure and tread and look for nails or debris that could be potentially dangerous. You may want to invest in an air freshener too!

2. Snack Attack. Whether it's a hungry kid or a chatty Aunt Cathy, snacks will come in very handy.  Skip the traditional sandwiches for bento box lunches to keep kids busy. 

Road trip snack TIP: Freeze small bottles of water and use them in the cooler instead of ice. The frozen bottles will keep things cool and the cooler free from filling with melted ice water that sloshes back and forth with every turn.

3. Floors Are For Feet Only. Let's face it, the floors can be valuable real estate when traveling, but not so great for the person losing the foot space. Free up foot space by hanging bags on the back seat. Backpacks fit nicely over the 'shoulders' of the seat or secured by the headrest. 

4. Check Your Tech. Before embarking on any trip, check your tech; make sure all phone, tablet and laptop batteries are fully charged, with all accessories safely and conveniently packed away for emergency charging.When it comes to a crying kid over a dying tablet, the last thing you'll want to do is search four bags to find it. Keep all tech together for easy access. 

5. Baby Wipes Work Wonders On Trips. Whether you're traveling with a child or not, invest in a pack of baby wipes. The pre-moistened wipes clean messy faces and surfaces in a pinch, and without stinky harsh chemicals. Not to mention, those little wipes will be a lifesaver at the grimy roadside or airport bathrooms that haven't seen an attendant in at least a decade.

If you have a family road trip tip please share in the comments below!

What Happens When You Take A Small Child To A Big City

March 2016, The Aussie, the Kid and I traveled to Melbourne, Australia, to spend three glorious weeks visiting family and friends. I planned everything out. I over thought everything. I over-packed like a crazed mother crossing the world with her son for the first time. (I was!) I thought I thought of everything.

Wrong.

I never once thought about the fact that big cities aren't really great fun for little kids.  Sure, the museums, green space and some sights can be great, but the over-stimulation and getting from point A to point B can be tough. Especially, if you don't have a stroller or transportation.

Allow me to use my horror story as an example.

Our first morning in Melbourne, The Aussie and I could hardly wait to hit the city. Riddled with jet lag, the three of us stumbled out of our high-rise apart'hotel The Citadines On Bourke, situated right smack in the middle of the central business district (CBD). Even better, on the best street for shopping in the city! 

The City of Melbourne, Australia is gorgeous. From the architecture to the sights, sounds, trams, food, culture, museums, street art and Pokie pubs, it's the greatest. 

Hand-in-hand the three of us headed down Burke Street towards Southern Cross Station to meet friends for lunch. Mid-way down, The kid starts asking to be held. All 45 pounds of him. 

Dad picks him up and carries him a couple of blocks. Puts him down.

Two minutes later, I'm holding him. 

Five minutes later, switch.

This is pretty much how the entire time in the city went that day. The boy wanted nothing to do with walking in the city. Which is odd, since he always wants to walk. 

Later that night before bed:

Me: Why didn't you want to walk today? You always want to walk.

The Kid: There are too many people and all I can see is their butts!

I had to laugh.

As the conversation progressed, I realized it must be scary for a three foot, four-year-old in a big city. He's in a strange place, there are people everywhere surrounding him, especially on the street corners. It's got to be scary. 

And all he can see are butts!

The next morning, a friend brought us a stroller on his way to work. Even though the kid was a little big for it, he was happy to sit in it. 

INTERJECTION: Just like infants will happily sleep in their carriers before a crib, there is something about a stroller that makes a child feel safe. Even a big scary city surrounded by people he doesn't know with an unfortunate line of sight.

We used the stroller the entire time we were in Melbourne. In the city, suburbs, shopping... The little guy was happy to sit in it and look around. We were happy to push him.

That being said, we still spent a great deal of time holding him during our three-week trip.  The second he got tired, uncomfortable or unsure, into our arms he went.

Before we flew back to the states, we made a pitstop in Sydney, Australia. Without a stroller, we were prepared to hold him while in the city, however, we quickly found out all the hills in the Sydney CBD made it back-breaking hell. 

We were going to have trouble the next four days navigating Sydney by foot with a four-year-old. I was desperate for a stroller and resolved to buy one until I found out strollers are sold at only one store in the CBD, David Jones, and start at $100AU.  

We passed on buying a stroller and opted to make do. (Read: He spent a lot of time attached to daddy.)

Needless to say, we took advantage of public transportation every chance we got.

Ferries... 

and the double-decker city tour bus.

Moral of the story: Little kids can be super-duper overwhelmed by a big city. Creating a comfort zone or safe space is key to a seamless city stroll. 

I know bringing a stroller on a plane can be a pain in the ass, but it flys free and will prove to be priceless.