This is a reader question from Audrey who will be traveling to Paris with her four and a half year old in Paris.
Hey, do you have a particular stroller that you would suggest for a four and half year old? We are going to Paris in Feb and I think that my daughter will not be able to handle the long walks. She is small for her age and I need one that will be easy to use in Train Stations and the like. Thanks, Audrey
For a trip to Paris, where the sidewalks are relatively even and stroller-friendly, many people would recommend buying an inexpensive umbrella stroller that you can leave behind if it breaks and wouldn't be disappointed to lose. I think that is a fine choice if you can push them comfortably, but I find that I am hunched over an uncomfortable using one.
I particularly like the Maclaren Strollers
because they fold up easily and are relatively lightweight and very sturdy. Our Malaren has been a workhorse that has served us well through two children. We have often carried it up and down stairs with a sleeping child inside and rolled it over rough cobblestone streets. It does, however, have a couple of drawbacks: While it is lightweight, it is big enough that it usually doesn't make it onto the plane and must be gate checked, and because it doesn't have a sport suspension system, the ride can be rough.
The Quinny Zapp is another great choice for travel because it folds up small enough to stow in the overhead bin on an airplane.
Good luck on your trip!
Related Links
Strollers and Baby Carriers for Family Travel
Favorite Kids Travel Gear
Paris With Kids
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3 comments |
Posted on July 8, 2009 |
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Naptime can be one of the biggest challenges when you travel with young kids. Luckily, babies are fairly portable, and once your child gets used to sleeping on the go, everyone gets into a routine. Here E and I are in a quiet corner midlevel on the Eiffel Tower. I'm obviously sleepy, but he looks wide awake, doesn't he?
Related Links:
Paris With Kids
Favorite Books, Maps and Resources for Planning a Trip to Paris
Naptime and Bedtime on Your Family Vacation
Photo Friday: Please Share Your Photos:
Share a favorite travel photo by adding your link below. First timers, here is
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13 comments |
Posted on July 2, 2009 |
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Dan R from New York City sent in these Haikus, and I thought they were too fun to keep to myself!
Baby jet lag bad
West East harder than East West
More crying at 3?
Google "jet lag"
Others afraid or... Too late!
Screwed just like you.
I will sleep or not
I may cry or I may not
make room in your bed
Related Links
JetLag Survival Guide for Babies, Toddlers and Kids
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Posted on June 30, 2009 |
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The images in my Photo Friday post were from the Institut du Monde Arabe on the Left Bank in Paris. The windows don't just look like camera lenses, they open and close depending upon the amount of sun streaming through, which makes this a very interesting building to sit and watch. On the top floor there there is a nice (if expensive) Middle Eastern restaurant, with a gorgeous view of the city, but the real find is the hidden cafeteria serving middle eastern stews and kabobs in a college like atmosphere. In summer, after you've stuffed yourself, you can enjoy the same view afforded by the more expensive restaraunt by splurging on tea service in a rooftop garden.
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Paris With Kids
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Posted on June 29, 2009 |
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I thought I'd try something entirely different for Photo Friday this week. Who can guess where these pictures were shot and explain what's special about this building? For bonus points, if you have a post about this building link to it in comments!
Update: To Learn the answer, Click Here
Photo Friday: Please Share Your Photos:
Share a favorite travel photo by adding your link below. First timers, here is
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Posted on June 25, 2009 |
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My friend just started a new blog, Dog Jaunt focused on traveling with small dogs. I know little about this subject, but I love her pragmatic approach, great writing and adorable dog Chloe. If you want to know more about topics like keeping your dog safe in a car, staying in hotels with a dog, or traveling by small plane, this is a great place to start.
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Posted on June 24, 2009 |
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This is a reader question from Susan who will be renting a car and wants to know about the safety of renting a car seat. As Susan knows, I've written much about this subject, including two investigations of unsafe car seats at rental car agencies. I've also heard from many readers who have had bad experiences at rental car agencies around the country.
Hi Debbie,
I came across your blog b/c i am traveling with my 3 month old baby to Boston. Thanks so much for all the great information.
It's a short flight, but I will need to rent a car. I read one line where you say you had a "fine" experience with Hertz. Do you think all Hertz rentals have updated and clean car seats? Should I take my own just in case? On their website they say they offer Graco Snug ride seats and Costco convertible seats. I am a AAA member so the infant seat rental was actually "free." What is your opinion on whether I should take my own or hope that Hertz has good infant seats?
Thanks,
Susan
Susan,
Thanks so much for writing. I'm glad that my website was helpful to you and I hope you have a great time in Boston.
Through my readers, I have heard stories of unsafe or dirty car seats (or no available car seats at all) at every major rental car chain. It's no fun to get trapped at the airport without a safe car seat for your child, so I think the safest bet is to always bring your own seat.
Here are a few ideas that could help make your trip with the car seat in tow a little easier.
- Consider checking your car seat. Most airlines do not charge a bag-check fee for car seats, but be sure to check your airline's policy in advance. Baggage (including car seats) is often left outside for brief periods of time (even when it is raining or snowing) so make sure that it is protected in a bag. The safest choice is the car seat's original packaging, which will also help protect the car seat from damage. Another option is to stow your car seat in a large plastic garbage bag. Finally, there are several high quality carseat bags to choose from, and many families are able to ship additional items that fit in the bag along with their carseat.
As with all luggage, make sure that your car seat is clearly labeled to help the airline find it should it be misrouted.
- You might prefer to carry your carseat through the airport, and then gate check it (reducing the risk that it will be lost or damaged) or use it on the plane. Depending on what is most comfortable for you, there are several different types of car seat carriers ranging from backpacks to devices that convert your carseat into a stroller
- Finally, if you travel frequently, you could consider buying a travel car seat.
If you absolutely must rent a car seat, following the advice on this page: Safety Tips for Renting a Carseat will help increase your odds of getting a safe seat.
Good luck!
Debbie
Related Links
Car Seat Carriers
Travel Car Seats
Safety Tips for Renting a Carseat
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8 comments |
Posted on June 23, 2009 |
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This is a guest post by Jessi Parker a member of the BabySafeTravel.com team, a website dedicated to helping parents travel with their baby. You might be surprised by Jessi's favorite summer beach destination!
In my time I have traveled a lot with my now three year old son, but there is one place that I will return to over and over again. It doesn’t seem to matter how long I spend here we always find somewhere new and exciting too explore. Throw in the fact that they speak English, and that I’m a history buff and England is a place I think of as a second home.
Don’t let the tales of rainy weather and grey skies scare you off. For me, the rain is a welcome break from the heat of a Texas summer. During British summer time the temperate climate makes traveling with children easy – you don’t have to worry about how to keep them warm or cool. During the summer the temperaure averages in the high 70’s but be prepared for climate change – one day it can be in the 50’s and the next it can easily be in the 80’s. So make sure you pack a plenty of layers. Days are long, and it does not get dark until nearly 10 o’clock during the summer. That's great for parents, but not so great for persuading little ones to go to bed. Be prepared for late nights and lazy mornings.
When you arrive in England from the US you will most likely fly into London. Personally, a couple days in London is plenty of time for me!
Don’t feel a need to rent a car to explore London. English public transport is excellent and many locals don’t even own cars. If you are staying in London both airports have regular trains and shuttles to the city. Choose a hotel somewhere in the heart of London so that you have easy access to everything there is too see. If your little one isn’t walking yet, baby wearing is the best way to navigate the city. Not all the underground stations have elevators (“lifts” to the locals) and trying to push your stroller through a crowded street just doesn’t work. If you do need to use a stroller make sure you check online to see which stations have elevators. There is usually only a block or two between underground stations so you might have walk to the next station.
And what should you see in London? All the museums are free entry to the main exhibitions; the Natural History Museum and Science Museum are side by side and have plenty of activities to keep wandering minds and excited toddlers busy. If the sun is shining, a walk along the Thames River to see Big Ben and the Tower of London is a great way to spend the day. While your children might not be excited about the monuments, they'll love the opportunity to see the boats and buses of London, and an ice cream from one of the many vendors you will come across can appease even the crankiest child.
Though it is less touristed, you should also make a point of visiting Chinatown. Situated right by Leicester square, entering Chinatown is like walking into a different world. The Dim Sum at Lido in Chinatown is too die for – even my one year old gobbled it up. At a couple pounds per dish, Lido is an affordable family favorite. The colors and smells of Chinatown kept my kids fascinated.
Once you have exhausted your time in London it is time to explore further. Though you might be tempted to rent a car, you really will enjoy your journey more if you take the train. You can sit back, relax and watch the countryside roll past your window. The kids will get such a kick out riding the train and not being strapped in their car seats. If you are looking for another great city to visit I recommend York.
York was originally the Viking Capital of England – it is packed full of history and old world charm. Immediately when you get off the train you will be able to tell that you are in the “North.” The city is surrounded by an ancient wall. On a sunny day, exploring the wall makes an interesting way to spend the afternoon. You can also stroll down the cobbled streets, and stop in a pub for lunch (most British pubs are family friendly, many even have play areas for children). If you are feeling brave climb to the top of the tower at York Minister, and don’t forget to pick up some fudge from Fudge Kitchen located right by the Minister.
A 45 minute train ride away from York is the seaside town of Scarborough. The north beach is a family and budget friendly place to spend the afternoon. Kids can spend their afternoon playing in sand looking for crabs and wading in the ocean. If the weather turns bad or the kids get bored you can catch a ride on Thomas the Tank engine to the Sea Life center, where kids can explore the aquarium and learn about the animals that live off the British Isles.
Finish your day off with some fish and chips by the sea, eaten out of paper with wooden forks and you have an authentic British summer vacation.
This was a guest post by Jessi Parker of BabySafeTravel.com. At BabySafeTravel.com, parents can share their experiences and find the best baby travel products at discount prices.
Related Links
City Guide: London With Kids
What to Do in London With Kids
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Posted on June 22, 2009 |
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I recognize that a day-trip an hour north of your home doesn't normally count as a road trip, but with three kids under four (one of them only two weeks old) every trip out of the house feels like a monumental effort worthy of awards.
Still, when friends invited us to spend the day with them at their Camano Island beach house (Camano is about one hour north of Seattle, and easily reached via a bridge) we jumped at the chance. We might be overwhelmed and sleep deprived, but at least we'd be overwhelmed and sleep-deprived it in a beautiful environment!
The big kids had a wonderful day playing in the sun. With grass, sand, mud, a hose, gobs of sunscreen and even a rocket fueled by baking soda and vinegar, they required even more wardrobe changes than little Eilan. Removed from the "tempting" piles of laundry, dirty dishes and mounds of unread mail my husband and I were able to relax, recharge and enjoy our changing family too. As the sun went down, it felt natural to cuddle a little before putting PJs on everyone and loading them in the car. E took this opportunity to hold his little brother and whisper secrets in his ear. Perhaps he was telling him how to score and extra Smore?
Related Links
Seattle With Kids
May 2008: Daytrip to Camano Island
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19 comments |
Posted on June 18, 2009 |
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The TBEX travel blogger's meetup in Chicago is just over a month away, and I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone face to face. The meetup will be held at the beautiful Chicago Cultural Center, right in the heart of Chicago on Sunday July 26th from 9am to 3pm. You can find the TBEX Speakers List Here
Thanks to our very generous sponsors, the meetup will be free of charge to attendees! I'd like to take a moment to thank our sponsors:
BootsnAll travel
Vail Resorts
Explore Chicago - The City of Chicago's Official Tourism Site
Home Away Vacation Rentals
Savvy Navigator Gay Tours
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Follow The Chicago Concierge on Twitter
Chicago Office of Tourism is offering online concierge support for attendees of TBEX. If you need help finding something to do ask @explorechicago
Home Away “Save Our Summer Vacation” $10,000 Vacation Getaway
Home Away is searching for the person in the United States and Canada who is most deserving of a week-long summer vacation. Share their story for the chance to win a $10,000 vacation getaway. Two runners-up each will receive a $5,000 trip. To enter the contest, all you have to do is submit a short text, video or photo entry explaining why you deserve to have your vacation saved by HomeAway. Hurry, the entry period ends July 2!
Chicago With Kids
If you plan to bring your kids with you to Chicago (or even if you don't) check out my Guide to Chicago With Kids
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Posted on June 16, 2009 |
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