Kid-Friendly Travel -- by Cyma

Vacation week. It’s taken me a while to catch on, but I’m now getting more and more clever.

Psssst. Get closer. I’ll let you in on my secret: IT’S MUCH EASIER TO TAKE CHILDREN OVERSEAS THAN IT IS TO TRAVEL WITHIN THIS COUNTRY.

Now, I know you’re laughing, or probably scrunching up your face, but consider this: last year we vacationed in North Carolina – nearly 800 miles away from our home in Connecticut. It took us TWO FULL days to get there; it was scorching hot; we heard nothing but belly-aching; we had to stop G-d knows how many times to empty someone’s bladder; were stuck in endless traffic jams, and by the time we got there, we were beyond pooped.

I spent days packing, at least one day unpacking, and literally just moved one week’s worth of toys, clothes, food, linens, etc. from Point A to Point B. Seven days later, I repeated this exercise in reverse.

This may have been somewhat of a vacation for my husband and children, but by the time we arrived home, I had lost years off my life and truly needed days to recouperate. Now, I needed a vacation.

When we fly overseas, we pack (yes, we take food, toys and clothing); drive to the airport; fly; drive from the airport to a destination a few hours away and stay put. From there we take simple day-trips; see things we’ve never seen; eat food we’ve never eaten and my children are usually very, very quiet. (Watch a 5 yr. old trying to understand or read Italian or French. They’re quiet and reserved; heck, they CAN”T FIGURE IT OUT!!)

So notwithstanding money issues, and a few preplanned future trips to Disneyland, Grand Canyon and San Francisco, I’m happy with this arrangement. More importantly, my children not only get to see the world, but realize that getting anywhere in the world isn’t fraught with dilemmas – it’s only a plane-ride away.

I dare you to try it.


Note: Cyma left with her family (her children are 5 & 7) for Belgium, France and Holland on 4/15. They have already been to Russia, Italy and Ireland.

I Need a Post Vacation Vacation

The vacation verdict is in.

Travel with a four year is not a vacation in the true sense of the word.

We returned this week from a 10 day stay upstate. While it was good to get away, I can't say that I've come home rejuvenated.

Seth completely rejected the notion of trying the kiddie camp, so downtime for Marc (my husband) and I did not exist as I had hoped.

It was nice to spend time as a family without the distractions of home and my typical To Do list, but I'm sure you can guess who dictated, for the most past, our choice of activity at Mohonk Mountain House, the resort where we stayed.

We went boating, attempted fishing (though I'm not keen on the whole worm thing....or the idea of spearing a living creature), explored the grounds, took a stab at hitting golf balls....etc. But, most of our time, on a daily basis, was spent either at the indoor pool or man made beach lake area.

I did manage to squeeze in a massage, which I adored, and had fleeting pockets of time to read and take an art class. What I really wanted most was the opportunity to do some hiking and sitting in one of the many thatched huts surrounding the spectacular lake and mountains. It is there that in the past I've been alone with my thoughts and could clear my mind....something I don't do well at home.

I guess this is the way vacations sometimes go when your child (especially a busy boy) is no longer an infant you can contain in a stroller.

To his credit, Seth showed a huge sense of autonomy, easily navigating the resort and playing on his own at times. That was great to see.

We are considering a winter vacation, when Seth is on break from Pre-K, and I imagine we'll be looking at places like Disney, etc. There, I will not have the expectation of chilling, and I guess that's the key. To let go of vacations as we've known them....go with the flow....make the most of family time.....and know that our kids grow up fast, so relish even the less than relaxing times.

I would, however, welcome another moms retreat with gal pals, or a weekend to myself.

How have your vacations gone since you've become a mom?

Bring on the Chocolate....Dark Please!

I am psyched...I think.

We are going away this weekend to Hershey, Pennsylvania with another family who has a son Seth's age. They are good friends, as we are with the parents, so I'm generally looking forward.

What's not to like? Chocolate is my weakness.

My concern is that it might be exhausting.

I spoke with my friend yesterday who has gone there before. I asked how long a drive it is from NY? She said...."Well....it should take around 3.5 hours...but with traffic, it could be 5." Yikes! I hate gridlock....and this will be the longest car trip we have taken with Seth.

A woman at my gym went to Hershey recently and said that she needed a vaction once she got home. No doubt it will be good exercise walking all over the park, and I'm sure Seth will adore it. But, I'm not a big fan of crowds and waiting on long lines, especially in the heat.

It is daunting how many theme parks there are for kids....especially those with water. And, as a parent, you feel compelled to visit as many as possible. At least I do. I mentioned to one of my single girlfriends that we were going to Hershey, and she recalled being there as a child and loving it. It had etched a fond memory in her mind, and I'd love Seth to think back on the vacations we took with him and smile.

Our hotel, Willow Valley, is supposed to be great, and I always enjoy time away from home. And, being away with friends is a new experience that I welcome. So, I'm going to psych myself up.

Just have to make sure that I wear my most comfortable sneakers.

And....if I need a little energy booster, we'll be in the right place.

Bring on the dark chocolate kisses, please! No doubt I'll walk off the calories, and experts say dark is heart healthy. That works for me. :)

PS - Have you gone to Hershey, and what was your experience?