What do you pack for a weekend trip? (CAR)

Many parents assume that you have to pack for everything on a weekend away. Many more don't even attempt a weekend trip with children. Packing for the weekend is simpler than you think, and you can pack everything you need in an overnight bag and/or backpack for every four people. Impossible you say? Well, it does take a little finesse, trial and error, but it is very possible.

This probably should go without saying, but think of your typical day, and multiply it by two for babies. Does your baby/toddler always have a blow-out or two? Does your school age child always spill their drink, still? What is the bare minimum of things you need to get through a day? This is your range, bare minimum to everything times two. We will strive to put the pack closer to the bare minimum. Kids really don't need as much as you think, remember the boxes they play with during the holidays? They will stay happy with a little preparation.

Some questions you need to ask before you go include:
Will you have access to a laundry in an emergency? On any trip, you will always need one bag with a change of clothes for everyone, basic toiletries and overnight essentials (pull-ups and formula anyone?).
Is there a kitchen?
Where do I eat?
What is the bathroom like?
Are there decent restrooms along the way?
Some small kids still need a tub-is the hotel full of showers only?
Think about what a typical week is like, all your regular habits and ask, and prepare, accordingly.

This list is for the WHOLE family, divide as necessary between day pack and overnight carry on or kid pack and carry on. When you are traveling for just a weekend, you only need these things!

1. New toy/coloring book/game or activity, electronic device and ear buds. Kids love a new activity to keep them busy during travel. Keep them busy with anything from dollar store finds to electronic gadgets. Keep this in the middle of two kids, or under their seat in a van, within reach of a kiddo or parent, depending on the age of you kids. Kids' meal toys have also been a salvation for us, we eat and they get something new. If you lose it, no big deal, you'll probably see one again at your next meal stop.

2. One change of night clothes with underwear/diapers that can double as day clothes if needed. Also, pack one change of day clothes with underwear/diapers and spare (matches everything) shoes. Try to make sure all the clothing coordinates so you can wear everything in different configurations and layers, depending on weather, more than once, and you will have nearly a weeks worth of clothing, let alone three days worth. If there is an accident, and there almost certainly will be with kids, you will probably need to wash clothes in the sink or a washing machine.

3. Baby Wipes You never outgrow them! In the diaper bag or kid pack, or both. These also work great on spills and hands. I also keep a roll of paper towels handy in the car.

4. Favorite snacks (one or two) for travel and extreme bribery. Throw a couple in for you too, parents, in the kid pack. Let the kids pick them out and you have added suspense. Kids always love picking out their own 'treats' for a trip. Sometimes we do this along the way at bathroom and fuel stops as well. I allow just one item at a time, however, and not at every stop. Also, allow them to get what you can put up with--not the noise maker that you will chuck out the window at mile 300.

5. Basic first aid supplies in a zip closure quart size bag. Bandages, anti bacterial cream, hand sanitizer and little bottle of baby liquid soap, sunblock, pain reliever and fever reducer for kids and parents, a stomach medicine for indigestion for kids and parents, required medications for all family members, and a hand towel that can double as a compress. Make this accessible, on the end of the suitcase or outside pocket.

6. Favorite toy/blankie or pillow for sleeping for each kid. Bringing a bit of home with them goes a long way to ease sleeping in a new place. This can be stored in either packs or on the seat in reach of the kiddo. In our car, we always have a pillow and blanket for each kid. They can fold up and stack between them, but they are definitely well used. A pillow or snuggle toy and blanket are the magic combo for us. Your combination depends on what you want to keep track of, carry, and/or temperament of kids and parents.

7. Formula for babies and three bottles. I also liked to bring a small something to clean the bottles. I suggest a smaller sealed container of formula to start and enough for at least 3 days in case you cannot find an adequate substitute. Store this close, in the day pack (diaper bag). You can put a second container in your overnight bag.

8. Basic Toiletries for all; also in a zip closure plastic bag. This includes a body wash or bar, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes and paste, comb/brush, hair ties for long hair, sponge or wash cloth, contact lens supplies, whatever the minimum (and I mean MINIMUM) is for survival. Half the time we just pack some no tears kid soap for the bodies and hair with a pouf, tooth cleaning supplies, deodorant, a hairbrush, and I wear my glasses. The baby soap can also wash clothing in a pinch, and dab on food spills to keep out stains. Most items can be supplied by the hotel if you lose luggage and you can buy what they cannot. I still like to use the 3-4 oz air travel rule for liquids. You really can be clean, gorgeous, and get by on less than you think. If going to more formal gatherings, you might need your makeup, favorite curling iron or flat iron, and other essentials, but keep it down to the minimum. Blow dryers can be borrowed or supplied by the hotel. Just be cautious using one you aren't familiar with. Put this away for later, in the overnight bag.

9. Water bottle or sippy cup for each child and parent. Think green, no bottles to throw away. Or, get everyone a bottled water and keep refilling it; that way if you lose it, you won't ruin your day. I hope your day pack or car has a water bottle/cup holder.

10. Electronics and chargers. I keep all my valuables close, and this is just good sense. Only once have I left something behind. A little vigilance keeps things from being stolen, generally, but take precautions. Put them in whichever bag you need. Overnight if you won't use them until you get there, and day pack if you need them along the way. If you can't lose it, put it in your neck wallet or money belt, or leave it locked up in your hotel or bedroom.

A new game or movie on a DVD player, tablet or smart phone will help alleviate a lot of boredom for the kids. Use these judiciously. We have a rule in our family, only when travel is longer than an hour and if we've played all our car/brain/book games first. Usually, this can be avoided with a little practice and positive attitude. Make the car games fun for your kids, and you might have a new story to tell when you get to your destination!

Good luck on the open road, stay safe, and have a ball!



(This article contains travel suggestions, the author makes no warranty or imply treatment of any kind)

Pad Thai Basics

Everyone needs a good Pad Thai recipe, right?

True, that. This recipe is the culmination of many soggy noodles and failed attempts over a year, after our return from the Orient. There, we noticed a plethora of fresh vegetables, whatever is in the cupboard or garden that day, the occasional noodle dish, and lots of rice! We also noticed that Pad Thai as we know it in the states, is not really Pad Thai in Thailand, but more an Ameicanization, much like 'Chinese' food. I also got some help from a dear Cambodian friend. She told me that Thailand and Cambodia really are the same country, all Cambodia originally. I really don't know if that is true or not. I'll just take her word for it.

This recipe is a happy medium, combining Asian technique and a few key ingredients, with what we have here! It takes a little practice to get the noodles barely al dente before serving. Also, you will notice no sauce per se, only prepared sauces used during cooking. This is a basic recipe that you can use with any combination of sauces and finishes. Thai or Asian cooking really is about technique for us westerners, as well as key ingredients. You do need these ingredients to get the authentic flavor we were searching for. A good quality fish sauce is very important for South Asian fare. I recommend the Squid brand. Most kinds packaged for Ameican markets are lower quality, but this is the best and smelliest. If you have a sensitive nose-stomach combination, you might have to leave out the fish sauce, but once it is cooked, the smell subsides. My husband loves this food, but leaves the room when I cook it. You can find it at some fine food stores, but I'd search out a good asian market in your area. You know the one, with rows of things you've never seen, nor can read, much less identify. They should also have a vegetarian option for my veggie/vegan friends. Get some good fresh ingredients and follow the technique. I'll talk you through it. Enjoy!

Note: All ingredients are in bold. Get them all out and ready before you start. This recipe moves FAST!!

Boil two quarts of water on the stove. In a semi-shallow baking dish or bowl (enough to hold them covered with water later) place:

16 oz package of Rice Sticks or Flat Rice Noodles

While the water comes to a boil, chop various vegetables to cook later. This can include a combination of any of the following:

1-2 cups cabbage, Napa, Bok Choy or Baby Bok Choy, greens and all
1/2 cup shredded carrots
(or other crunchy veg like water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, green mango)
1 large onion, 1/2 sliced and 1/2 finely diced
1-2 Bell Peppers, sliced
Jalapeno and Ginger root-minced

and these ingredients, keep separate to add last:

4-6 green onions diagonally sliced in 1-2 inch sections (this must be added at the end)
1 4-8 oz package fresh Mung Bean sprouts (usually just bean sprouts in American stores)
Bunch of fresh Cilantro or Thai Basil

and if you need some meat or other protien

1-2 cups cooked chicken or pork, chopped and/or shredded

When the water comes to a boil, remove from heat, add 1 cup cold water and pour over your noodles. Let these soak while you cook the rest. You've prepared all your ingredients (trust me, you can't do it during) so let's go!

Add your meat choice to the wok, with a little vegetable oil, and half of the onion, finely diced. Saute for a few minutes until the onions turn translucent. Drain your noodles, rinse with a little cold water, and have them sitting nearby next to a little cup of water. They are still a little crunchy at this point.

Now, to your meat, add 1/4-1/2 cup fish sauce, don't be cheap, and as much as you can stand, with a good handful of granulated sugar. Stir constantly until the onions have disappeared. The smell will dissipate, as well, about this time. Add, 1-2 tsp. fresh grated ginger and 1 jalapeno minced. This will add heat. If you want your Pad Thai mild-med, leave these out and use the last few ingredients at the finish to add heat. If you love heat, add away! Remove the meat from your wok or pan.

Next add a little veg oil and your crunchy veg to the pan and start your stir fry! This moves FAST, so be ready! Cook and stir just until you think they are heated, not even cooked yet. Add your noodles with a little more fish sauce, if desired, and stir until noodles are a firm al dente. You might need to add a dash of water and 'steam' the noodles slightly to get them there. If you use cabbage-it will contain enough water. Don't walk away from the stove, this happens faster than you think! When they are almost done, but not yet, turn of the stove and add in the green onions and sprouts, jalapeno if you desire more heat, and your still hot meat. Finish off with any of the following:

few dashes of sesame oil
peanuts
Siracha or Sweet Chili Sauce

And a must have finish:

Good squeeze of one Lime

Stir any or all of these in with your fresh herbs, cilantro or Thai basil.  Serve immediately. By the time this gets to the table and into bowls or on plates, the noodles will be perfect! Your vegetables should be just barely crisp tender. Quick cooking means no soggy noodles or veg. Serves 6-8.

Enjoy my friends, get out there, and have a ball!

Top ten tips: Travel with Kids

     Travel with children is a relatively new field of travel writing. When I first started my travel with family, I became frustrated and over stressed about the idea of being on a plane or in a car for hours with children. What will people think, what about discipline, what about when their little ears just hurt because they don't know how to clear their own ear canal??? It was almost too much to bear! Thankfully, my kids adapted well and we both survived.

     Most of these remarks will be in relation to foreign air travel, but can easily be applied to domestic, car, caravan or other travel with smaller children. Teenagers will take some adaptation, but the principles apply to them as well. Americans and Europeans generally do not travel abroad with children, except to specific family areas. That doesn't mean you should not take your children traveling, just be aware of the adult only travel culture. Times are changing, and I hope this, along with other sites, will help usher that change further!

     So, how do we manage children who aren't the most well behaved at all hours of the day and night?

1. Focus your attention on making a memory, not sightseeing, and shift your expectations.

Travel, at the very least, serves to enrich our lives through cultural experiences. That experience can be had in another country or across the street, seeing a great work of art or feeding pigeons. It is my opinion that anywhere you go, you will enlarge your viewpoint. Remember, the best memories are not planned but random. We all have thought, "This is the only time in my life that I will be in _____, I want to see everything." Too often we focus on the quantity of travel experiences and not the quality. Perhaps you won't be back, but do you want the fighting and bad memories associated with a packed schedule? Or, conversely, does this mean you let children run around a museum like hooligans? No, absolutely not! Keep the same expectations of respect and courtesy you have at home, change what you expect to DO with kids. Find things they are interested in and keep it age appropriate. You will be so surprised at what they found the most worthwhile on vacation. I prefer to think of this as flexible optimism.
Now I hear you thinking, "Okay, then what CAN we do?"
Read on my friend.


2. Prepare the children.

Your kids will pull out all the stops on holiday, BUT, you'll be surprised at just how adaptable and enthusiastic they can be; especially if your expectations are shifted.  If they are old enough, talk about the trip and what there is to do. Learn about the countries: basic history, why this country is important (because every country and culture is!) and have a family night or dinner discussing this. Heck, have two or three of these dinners or family nights. Do your homework, parents. Look for activities you know your children will love, present them, and let each child pick one. Remember, if it is dependent on weather, you might not be able to do it. Who hasn't gotten rained out on vacation? Make sure the kids know that as well. When you research, pick the things that most appeal to your family, and your sanity. Find things unique to the country, city or state you will visit. Double check to see if there are age restrictions. Then, talk about it, often, and get excited. Your excitement will be mirrored in them.


3. Make a list of a few favorites; an item, snack or activity they can do while sitting on a plane.

This means start taking notice of your child's favorite things; foods, snacks, treats, and activities before you go. That sounds like a lot of work. It really isn't. Chances are you know that one snack your kid will do ANYTHING for. My kids have always been bribed by fruit chews. I think they are a little unhealthy with all the sugar, but my kids would eat the entire box of 10 pouches if I let them. I always throw a few in the diaper bag or carry on pack we take for our kids. If we are going foreign for a longer than a week, I might stuff a box worth in my suitcase for padding, and so I can use it where I can't get anymore. Snacks and drinks also help to clear the ear pressure upon take off and landing. Most kids don't notice the pop because they are eating their favorite treat. We've also made guides into friends with such treats, just ask my husband about his peanut butter cup candies and Paraguay. Snacks can also make a great memory.

Also, look for their favorite activities--like play dough, coloring, file folder games, etc.---that can be done in a seat. Whenever you go to the doctor's office do they beg each member of the medical staff for coloring pages or stickers? Mine do. Chances are you can find a mini version of this to take along. Discount dollar stores in the US have inexpensive crayons, dough, stickers and paper, or other amusements that you can pick up cheaply, and throw away when you are done. New things excite children immensely, and you don't have to spend much. Or, if you don't want to pack round trip, buy items at your destination for kids to keep it fresh. A lot of countries do have the equivalent of a dollar store. Check out street fairs and local supermarkets as well. One of our most beloved toys, we picked up on a trip at a street fair.

4. Take a smartphone, tablet, or other electronic device.

My husband and I also have smart phones with games, movies, and music on it. We share with the kids, and have rules about sharing, so we don't have to pack a device for every person. Also, we purchased a couple of earphones and an earphone splitter when we only had one smart phone. Before you go, upload a couple of new games or digital movies onto it before your trip. Earphones are absolutely necessary on a plane, and you need to find ones comfortable enough for their ears. Test drive those before you go. Get rid of the bulky DVD players and DVDs that scratch when you travel and consider a battery pack for your devices instead. This adds to the life of the device when you are out and about which is where you really need it. Yes, we also have educational games on our smartphones too because we are big techno geeks, as if you couldn't tell with all that stuff about the earphone splitter.

A question I'll get by someone who has taken long flights is, "Don't they have movies on the plane?" Yes, however, while most airlines do try to put family friendly programming on movie channels, the latest 'kid' movie might not always be appropriate for your child. I can think of a wonderful kids movie I love about bedroom closet monsters. It terrified my oldest with nightmares for months and my younger child thinks it's really cool. The mobile movies are also for when we are traveling in the country, in cars, buses or trains. Use your best judgment, and carry backup. And, please parents, do keep safety in mind at all times.


5. Always take a pack of emergency essentials, things to do, and a change of clothes onto the plane.

This probably should go without saying, but think of your typical day, and multiply it by two for babies. Does your baby/toddler always have a blow-out or two? Does your school age child always spill their drink, still? What is the bare minimum of things you need to get through a day? This is your range of items. Can you always count on the airlines to get your luggage to you? On our many trips, we have only had our luggage lost ONCE. It just didn't make the connection in Chicago. The airline got it to us the very next day. No big deal, right? WRONG. We were without everything, overnight! This was where we learned the importance of having one bag with a change of clothes for everyone, basic toiletries and overnight essentials (pull-ups and formula anyone?) with us on the plane. If you are still in baby mode, this can be the diaper bag and a pack. (Toddlers need the same.) School age kids can carry their own packs. I still don't have kids old enough to not forget their pack in the airport so my husband and I each carry one. These count as our personal bags.
For more on this, see our other article on what to pack for a weekend.

Another valuable tip for air travel is to wear your heaviest, most comfortable clothing onto the plane; jeans or stretch pants, jacket or sweater, fully enclosed shoes and socks.

6. Be adaptable.

This is the lesson I had to learn the hard way. Sometimes, type 'A' personalities and travel don't mix well. Remember that flexible optimism mentioned in item 1? You need to expect that you will have a good time wherever you go. Hope for the best, and deal with the rest. If you aren't having a good time at a certain activity, the kids probably aren't either, so find something else to do! Some things will be amazing, some just won't, not by any stretch of the imagination. You are never obligated to stay through a bad tour or site. Also, there can always be accidents and unforeseen circumstances in the best of planned itineraries. In some years, you will laugh, but until then; keep your head up, look for help in the right places, stay safe, and be friendly to locals. Use their language to the best of your ability. Ask locals for some family friendly favorites. This will go a long way in solving problems! If you run out of something or it brakes, you can probably find a replacement, if not, just make due. A little chocolate or treat can also help drown sorrows. And as the Aussies say, no worries!


7. Pay attention to health issues.

Again, and I can't stress this enough, make sure you have all the required medications for your family. You won't find these in foreign lands with any dependency. You might not find them domestically in certain areas of the country. If you have prescriptions, take them in your carry on, a small back up in your luggage, and a list with your prescriptions names and generic names with your doctor's contact information. Once, I heard of a parent who forgot to bring an 'epi-pen' for their child with a severe nut allergy. Please don't forget meds for any major health issue that can cause death. Even the most mundane items in your medicine cabinet can be hard to find. For example, I ran out of Saline Solution for my contacts in New Zealand. After about twenty pharmacies and big box stores, I finally found a small bottle, for $20US. I wore my glasses from then on. Even if they speak your language, don't assume they have all the same things you find at home. That little first aid kit in your overnight bag can also be a lifesaver. And before you go, check with your health insurance company to verify coverage in another city, county, state or country.


8. Pay attention to financials and documents.

Keep copies of valuable information in two places. You should have a paper copy of passports, credit cards, itineraries and important documents. I have my husband take care of all the real passports and I carry the copies. Sometimes we even put an extra copy in our luggage or take pictures with our smart phone, depending on where we travel. Whatever system you work out to carry those items, be diligent and vigilant in your assignment. We carry these in either a money belt or neck wallet. If it is non-important documents, you can put them in a file folder in the back of your day pack or suitcase. Find a system that is comfortable for you. Also, be sure to check visa requirements well in advance, as these vary for children traveling with parents or relatives. Notify your banking or credit card institution of the countries/states you will visit in order to use any cards. Check which has the better rate for foreign currency. Always have a little foreign currency on hand when traveling to another country.


9. Make friends with the flight attendants, airline professionals and seatmates.

This can go a LONG way in helping make your journey better.
Flight attendants can make or break a flight. In our experience, we have found that our attitude and friendliness towards them make all the difference. They are people too. Many have flown round trip, for several days, on little sleep. Please don't be overly demanding, calling them to your seat every time you need a little favor. If you are lucky to travel with a partner, use your partner! If you are traveling alone with the kids, you need attendants. Don't lie to them. If you need something for the kids, ask for the kids, and if it is for you, ask for you. Attitude is key. If you say hello, ask how they are, strike up a conversation, they are more likely to help. Don't walk straight onto a plane and start asking for (read: demanding) seat changes, bottle warming, or various other helps. Treat them how you would like to be treated. Our worst flight saw attendants yelling at our children for every minor infraction. To say that more than one acted unprofessionally toward our children is an understatement. This will probably never happen to you. We were on a high stress flight with evacuees at the time. If anything like that does happen, keep calm, don't get angry, and above all, fight fire with kindness. Saying please and thank you in their language is just common courtesy, and if you have your kids do it, watch the smiles. Even the seasoned French ticketing agent couldn't help but smirk at my little American child trying to say "Merci, boucoup!"

Chances are you will have to share a row with another person, not in your family, at least once. I'm not the outgoing one in our family. My husband finds friends all around the world, so, I put him to work. It is his job (and greatest pleasure) to strike up conversations with those around us. We have found seat mates to be our best allies when it comes to distracting the kids, helping to retrieve lost toys and adult conversation. Sure there will always be some you might find annoying, but sometimes, you are in the kid section of the plane and they all have someone to play with. You never know, you might make a friend for your destination. I get to be a little more cautious as the person listening in, and if a stranger makes me uncomfortable in any way, we find a new person to have a conversation with. Please, use your best judgment. I always sit between my kids and another person if possible. Don't have seatmates, truck stop employees or anyone you don't know for more than a year, watch your kids for you. They are, strangers, after all. Please practice common sense safety when it comes to strangers.

10. Figure out your kids schedule before you book, fly, or drive!

I do try to book flights according to my kiddo's sleep schedule. We love to travel during the night, because my kids sleep soundly. If you know it's going to be a struggle, look for a flight that straddles daylight and night hours, as you always need to rest a little during long flights. Try to sleep in shifts with your partner for safety. One of us is always awake, watching the kids. If you look early and frequently enough, you should be able to find what you need.  Sometimes, it is in the airport my kids sleep, sometimes on the plane. I also pay attention to eating and potty habits. Every family has habits, whether you are aware of them or not. You know that once that airplane door closes, you are going to have to stay in your seat for taxi, take off and until cruising starts. Often it is only 30 minutes, but it has been longer. Then later, you will need to sit tight for decent and landing. Use the bathroom or check diapers 15 minutes before boarding starts and landing. Use the early seating option for children so you can get situated without disrupting the other passengers, or send a parent ahead to set up the area for the kids. When you've found your seat, pull out the blanket, put sippy cups and snack in the chair pocket, and settle in. If you know your child uses the bathroom upon waking EVERY day, and a half hour after every meal, you already know what to plan for during travel.

And here is a bonus tip:

Above all, relax!

It goes without saying, having your ducks in a row really makes for a relaxing trip. I tried to include a lot of 'what ifs', but relaxing is the most challenging part. When you are relaxed, you are better, your kids act better and discipline is better. When you are relaxed, you are acting, not reacting. The whole purpose of travel (including a move or business trip) is to enjoy the journey. This will help you more than any tool in your arsenal. You are in control of your attitude, and no matter what happens, you can have good travels.

Lastly, if I haven't scared you off yet I just want to give you a little pep talk. I know you are probably thinking this all sounds like a lot of work. Yes, it does. Well, thanks for the pep talk you say! No, no, don't get me wrong. When you are an adult traveling by yourself it is incredibly flexible and easy. So was being single. You got married/partnered for a reason and have children for many of the same reasons; not because it was easy, but because it is worth it! Like any worthwhile endeavor, children take bit of work but they are so worth it! They are wonderful, amazing, and fantastic. Learning to travel with them is much the same as learning to be a parent. You don't always get everything right, but you still get most of it right, do your best and, hopefully, have a great time doing it. Like I said in my first posting, travel has amazed and surprised me, and has been wonderful at the same time!

Find those things that are unique to the places you visit, jump in, try something new and have a ball!