This time however, the Hogan family decided to take the two-hour train from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. With the gorgeous Southern California weather, taking the Amtrak Coast Starlight (once daily) or Surfliner (seven times daily) was a new experience for all of us.  I’ve been on planes, cars, boats, and buses but never a train. Amtrak has a daily service from downtown Los Angeles, and the gorgeous Pacific Ocean view is free. They even had sleeping accommodations on the Starlight.    

Make sure to get to the station early as coach tickets cannot be reserved in advance, therefore, seating is on a first come first serve basis.    

On our trip, the majestic scenery made us feel proud to be Californians. At the same time, my wife and I wondered what else we’ve missed by not looking at our own backyard for these kind of treasures. Costa Rica and Thailand are amazing destinations if you can spare a week or two,  but we were immediately captivated by this local adventure two hours from our home and by train no less!  As the primary driver in our family it was nice to have a break —Yipppeee!    

For weekend accommodations, we researched several intriguing leads that I’ve included just to make your own decision-making easier. 

Hotels 

Ala Mar By The Sea Motel

Ala Mar By The Sea is located at 102 West Cabrillo Blvd. in an affluent area despite its very inexpensive price. It’s just steps from the beach so its proximity offers a ton of activities for the family. The Spanish-style architecture of the building certainly doesn’t scream MOTEL. In fact, it looks more like a beachside bed and breakfast. Speaking of which, breakfast is free and kids under 17 stay free so our kids qualified. As a result, Ala Mar by The Sea tops our list.    

Best Western Pepper Tree Inn is at 3850 State St. and sits on five well-manicured acres. It has a one-of-a-kind “Santa Barbara Resort” feel for a Best Western. It also has Spanish-influenced architecture. It is quiet and within close proximity to the Santa Barbara Mission and the Museum of Natural History.    

Inn of the Spanish Garden Santa Barbara

Inn of the Spanish Garden (located at 915 Garden St., Santa Barbara, Phone: 806-564-4700) is in downtown Santa Barbara, only a couple of blocks from the best dining and shopping choices on busy State Street. This luxury hotel—in a word—spoils its guests with unexpected comforts and an attentive staff. Luxurious Frette linens, Anichini towels and robes, free WiFi throughout the hotel, and even fireplaces for chilly Santa Barbara evenings await lucky guests in this sanctuary. French press coffee makers are even standard in the rooms. However, what makes the Inn of the Spanish Garden a true jewel is its exquisite Spanish-Mediterranean exteriors with grounds featuring fountains and a fire pit where the kids will enjoy warming up while talking about all the new adventures tomorrow brings.    

Fess Parkers Double Tree Resort  (located at 633 East Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, Phone: 805-564-4333) has stunning grounds with the cool Pacific Ocean and the golden mountains of the Southern California Mountain valley surrounding it. This resort is literally a hop away from the beach, and even has special beachside and on-premises activities to entertain kids and adults. Every room even has a patio (ground-level) or balcony. There are 5 on-site restaurants to choose from as well as 24/7 room service.  Pets are also very much welcome if Rover wants to come along with the family.    

Hotel Oceana Santa Barbara at 02 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara also sits across from the beach and delivers a grand Pacific Ocean view that includes the harbor where the kids might even spot migrating whales. What’s “family friendly” about the Oceania? Well, they offer babysitting services. However, since the point of our trip was to spend time with the kids, we passed on this convenient feature. Nearby there is an assortment of restaurants, museums, and shops.    

Hotel Santa Barbara is at 533 State St. in downtown Santa Barbara and has a captivating Mediterranean charm while within arm’s reach of cafes, theaters, and even nightclubs. Mission Santa Barbara is nearby as is the Paseo Nuevo Mall, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and Santa Barbara County Courthouse. The most attractive offering here was the availability of cribs for traveling infants.    

So once the family is settled in, you will want to eat a good dinner after the grueling (not really, but we had to sound like we were hardened adventurers) journey to get here.    

Restaurants   

Longboard’s  (210 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, Phone: 805-963-3311) is right where the action is—on Santa Barbara’s well-known Stearns Wharf. A dining experience here with the family starts with a one-of-a-kind appetizer served on the outdoor patio. We’ll even give you the recipe: inhale the ocean air, hear the waves crash, and watch the sunset over the Pacific. Sound delicious? Why not follow it up with some clam chowder, fish and chips, and other seaside favorites? The kids will love the delicious fish tacos, gourmet chicken burgers, and fried shrimp perfect for dipping.    

Moby Dick’s (220 Stearns Wharf, 805-965-0549) has a memorable name, great food, awesome views, and a kid’s menu. It is easy to find at the end of the wharf. I highly recommend the clam chowder as it puts you in the nautical mood.    

Palace Grill (8 East Cota Street, 805-963-5000) Another great place if you are with the kids since they have a convenient kid’s menu. It has a Cajun theme but everyone is sure to find something to enjoy for lunch or dinner.    

Beach Grill at Padaro (3765 Santa Claus Lane, Carpinteria, Phone: 805-566-3900) love kids so much they even made a sizeable sand play area on the premises stocked with toys. It’s the perfect spot for them to romp while waiting for lunch or dinner. There is even a grassy area with picnic tables where you can take your food out. As for the menu, they have salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and seafood.  While, you eat, you can even enjoy a seaside view. This is our pick for most kid-friendly restaurant in Santa Barbara hands down.    

Cajun Kitchen (901 Chapala Street, 805-965-1004) is our close runner-up for most kid-friendly because the very casual staff supplied our kids with coloring books and crayons. The Cajun food is also reasonably-priced. Weekends usually mean a long line outside this popular spot so reserve in advance or send someone ahead to save you a spot in line. Have they thought of installing a sandbox?    

Now that our tummies were filled, we wanted to relax at the beach and enjoy the spectacular Santa Barbara sunset, but which beach? Santa Barbara has so many.    

Beaches    

Butterfly Beach faces west therefore guaranteeing one of the best sunset experiences in town. The surrounding neighborhood is very private and exclusive but the people here are certainly colorful.    

Carpinteria State and City Beaches is on a long stretch of two gorgeous beaches. You can camp, surfside and play Frisbee with the tots. However, time seems to absolutely stand still when you take a leisurely walk along the water .  Everywhere you look people seem to be content just watching the waves.    

Leadbetter Beach is a haven for catamaran pilots, surfers, windsurfers, and yes, walkers. It is centrally located so it is one of Santa Barbara’s busiest beaches. Weekly sporting events and parties are a given here especially during the summer. A local radio station even broadcasts straight from the sand!    

The Spit did not sound so attractive but if you wish to avoid the crowds, The Spit is it! It is a small beach at the far north end of the city but has lots of dog walkers, strollers, and even boogie boarders. The Spit is not very popular with the tourists but a gem among the locals.    

We still had one full day of the weekend before heading home so we decided to see the attractions that do a great job luring visitors worldwide to this Spanish-style resort town.   

Attractions   

Santa Barbara Mission [2201 Laguna St., 805-682-4149] is not the only reason to visit Santa Barbara but is possibly the best reason to stop by. It was built in 1786 by well-known missionary Father Junipero Serra with the help of the Chumash Indians. In fact, it blends the spirituality of the Indians and the Spanish almost seamlessly. It isn’t hard to realize why they call Santa Barbara Mission the “Queen of the Missions” as it holds court from a majestic hilltop throne overlooking the Channel Islands and the idyllic town. It even has a crown of twin bell towers.    

“Solvang” (Highway-101 exit off Buellton then follow Highway 246 to Solvang) is Danish for “sunny meadows,” and this little haven of Dutch culture on the West Coast includes one of its most famous tourist attractions replicated here. The kids loved the Little Mermaid statue copied from the original in Copenhagen. In fact, everything here, from the building architecture to the restaurants and boutique shops give visitors a little taste of Denmark. We opted to try the authetic Danish smorgaasbord, a filling buffet with a Nordic twist. If you are just stopping by for a snack at one of the Dutch bakeries, try the aebleskievers, a pancake-like dish topped with raspberry sauce at The Solvang Restaurant (the best place to try this specialty). We also recommend a quick lunch of healthy ostrich burgers!  Solvang was a scenic 30 minute drive from our hotel in Santa Barbara.    

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

Historic Downtown  (Downtown Santa Barbara) has adobe walls, glazed tile work, and terra-cotta roofs. It felt like we walked back into the past, but then I saw three (count them THREE) Starbucks on State street alone.    

We recommend taking the unique Santa Barbara Trolley especially during the holidays when Santa Barbara becomes a well lit Christmas Ornament. This 90-minute ride shows you this amazing sight that quickly puts the family in a holiday spirit. The Annual Trolley of Lights run from December 10 till Christmas Eve but the regular Trolley Tour runs daily.    

Santa Barbara Mission (Mission Street Exit off the US-101 in Santa Barbara) is crowned “The Queen of the Missions.” It is a well-deserved title  with its gorgeous surroundings that includes meticulously manicured gardens and scenic vistas. It is the 10^th California mission and has been active for 223 years since its founding. Here, you can tour the mission gardens, the museum, the cemetery, and the church. Recently added was an Arts and Architecture tour. Some of its historic hotspots include the ruins of a pottery kiln, tanning vats, a fountain, and a lavadero (or wash house/laundry). The mission itself was dedicated to Saint Barbara, a christian martyr. Its twin bell towers are recognizable particularly among California school children.    

So next time you want to go on a family weekend getaway but are short on time, cash, and yes, even short on patience for driving, try looking in your own backyard (not literally, that’s called a “staycation”). I bet there’s a hidden travel treasure only an hour or so away.

Central Market in San Jose, Costa Rica

Holly wasn’t satisfied with the souvenir selection at the hotel gift shop (more on our hotel later).  As a result, we started to think “out of the box.” Our  search for a souvenir purchase for Holly’s best friend, took us on a 3-hour-drive to Central Market (Mercado Central) in San Jose, Costa Rica from our hotel off the small village of Monteverde. The drive (and thinking out of the box) was totally worth it!

This unplanned expedition into San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital and largest city gave the Hogans a true slice of local life (and made Dora nostalgic for her childhood). The Central Market is well-known with almost 20,000 people trekking through it daily. Therefore, finding it along the Central Plaza and the National Theatre was no problem. The market is not just a colourful building where commerce takes place but it is integral to the whole country’s history and culture, having been the gateway for many farmers who eventually settled in the city, including my wife’s family.

From morning to evening, the locals really gather here in the same way we meet up with friends at Starbucks for coffee and chitchat. We eventually located the perfect souvenir that our four year old could proudly give her best friend.  It was a handmade leather purse we bought for under $5. I was touched by my wife Dora’s memories of her youth, triggered by the mouth-watering scents that included traditional Costa Rican dishes like “casados” (a tasty brew of rice, beans, cheese, plantains, and meat) “gallo pinto” (beans and rice), fresh tortillas with cheese, and fried plantains.

Our daughters even had a sample of Dora’s favorite childhood beverage, “agua dulce” (a sweet drink made of Costa Rican sugarcane candy and water).  Also known by the obvious nickname “sweet water,” Holly seemed to love it as much as Dora once did!

One tip I learned about souvenir-shopping for our friends is to skip the hotel shop and head straight for the Central Market. You will discover some of the same merchandise at a significantly lower price.

Hotel Monteverde Surroundings

Souvenirs at Costa Rican hotels shops might not be bargains, but finding family-friendly accommodations in the country can be, with hotel rooms starting at $50 which, in many cases, includes breakfast.

Dora’s parents, who have retired at a senior-living complex, gladly recommended the Monteverde Lodge in the small village of Monteverde, which has its own enchanted forest, “the Cloud Forest”.  Holly’s grandparents knew that seeing the low-hanging clouds and prosperous flora and fauna would make Holly think about her beloved fairy tales.  They were right! 

While the Monteverde Lodge is indeed family-friendly, I am listing a more extensive criterion of what I think makes accommodations truly “kid-friendly”:

1. Look for larger accommodations where your kids can move and play about and avoid sitting in front of the TV whenever you are indoor.

2. If you can afford it, and it is available, opt for a suite especially if you have a large family.

3. Adjoining rooms can give you privacy while keeping your children close by.  The kids can also sleep uninterrupted while the adults stay up a bit later.

4. Some hotels do supply cribs in addition to rollway beds for the older children.

5. Room service is a must and usually standard at most hotels. While we encourage you to explore the town, including the local groceries, eateries, and market places, on those days when you’ve been out and about and need some rest, you may wish to take some of your meals either in your hotel room or on your patio.

6. Most hotel restaurants or café carry children’s menu.

7. Check for organized children’s activities. These are mostly found at popular resorts, but you can also check with the hotel concierge for kid-friendly sight-seeing and activities (more below on this).

8. Inquire about hotel babysitting service.  This will give you, the parents, a chance for a quiet evening together.

9. Ask if there is an in-room refrigerator to keep your baby formula or leftover baby food cold.  Some family hotels even have a kitchenette or full kitchen.

10. Also inquire about a convenience store or supermarket on the premises or nearby.  If you have an infant, you will certainly need diapers and other supplies.

So you are probably thinking “too many things to look for!”  Not to worry—in our Internet-driven era, you can easily find reliable reviews online. Therefore, you don’t have to rely simply on luck when choosing a kid-friendly hotel but your own family-friendly sleuthing skills as well.

It is important to research the surrounding neighborhood of the hotel where you are planning to stay.  Check for restaurants around your hotel and if need be, for public transportation (we had Dora’s still-active parents to chauffer us).  In addition, if you plan to visit specific areas, check to see that they are easy to get to and from the hotel.  Since you will be traveling with your kids, these conveniences will make life much easier.

Finally, feel free to get nitpicky and cross-check hotel amenities against the features I listed above. This is a (usually) once-in-a-lifetime family trip where you will be shelling out mucho dinero (big money).  I suggest you get as much as you can for your hard-earned dough!

Whether you’ve found a hotel with which you are 100% happy, or only 50% satisfied, I put together some additional ways you can make your hotel room kid-friendly and SAFE, especially if you are like our family with a four year old and an 8-month old in tow.

First of all, pack some duct tape and rubber bands as these will be your essential tools.  Next, assess the room and identify all the electrical sockets that can be unsafe for curious tots.  You will need to cover them with your handy duct tape.  Now look under beds and behind cabinets and dressers for any items that might become choking hazards for curious little hands. Yes, housekeeping might have overlooked it!

You should also gather together electrical cords securely with rubber bands. You can use duct tape to keep cords safely tucked to wall bases so your tots won’t trip or pull them (and the appliance they happen to be attached to), causing an accident.

I also find that taping the dresser drawers and bathroom cabinets can prevent the kids from playing hide-and-seek in these hazardous spaces or getting hold of things in the medicine cabinet or under the sink.  I also recommend duct-taping the room temperature controls so the kids cannot play with them, as visible buttons tend to be tempting to little ones.  Last but not least, rubber band the drapery pulls, shortening them so the kids can’t play with them as well. And keep your windows and doors secure at all times, especially the ones leading to the balcony.

Make sure to clean out the mini-bar so the children cannot get hold of the prohibited items inside.  You can make arrangements with the hotel to relocate these items.  Use the space for the items you do need like baby formula, juice boxes, and popsicles.

Now we suggest you reward yourself for all the hard work you put in making your hotel room kid-safe by vacating it!  Have fun outside!

 As for the Hogans, we explored the little town of Monteverde, including the Finca Ecologica, a unique ecological safari farm that started at 5:30pm, which wasn’t too late to stay up for the kids.  Each trekker was armed with a flashlight as we tracked nocturnal creatures that included tarantula spiders, glow worms (Holly’s favorite), and sloths (my favorite).

For a family vacation, this was the closest thing we would be getting to a nightlife!

On a recent family trip to Costa Rica to visit my wife Dora’s parents, we had to power through almost six hours in the air from Los Angeles with our four year old, Holly, and our 4 month old baby, Lenore. Now if you think the car trip to San Diego with our girls was a challenge, multiply this times 100 and you’ll know we took on the Olympics of family travel on this jaunt.  We learned quite a few tips and tricks for air travel with kids that we’re very happy to share with you!

Before and After a Flight

Before your departure, check your airline’s policies and other information on flying with infants and small children. You’d be surprised how comprehensive their guidelines can be. The airlines even have special sections for domestic and international flights.

On domestic flights, children less than 2 years (24 months) fly free on most airlines when accompanied by an adult as long as they do not occupy a seat.  At 4 months, Lenore certainly qualified. However, for international flights, a ticket is required regardless of age. Also on International flights, infants are required to have proof of age and newborns need a doctor’s permission to travel.

You can use your child safety seats (same one used in your car) on the flight. We used one for Holly.  Car seats can only to be used in window seats on airplanes that have one aisle and both window and middle seats in airplanes with two aisles.  However, the car seat cannot be used in rear-facing seats.

As for Lenore, the airline conveniently provided a bassinet free of charge. Of course, bassinets could not be used during takeoff and landing or when the seatbelt sign was on. Since it was considered an international flight, Lenore had a child safety seat too.  This proved to be a much more comfortable way to travel, especially since she could sleep in her own car seat, but of course it is more costly.

Changing tables are available only on certain lavatories onboard and are usually labeled as such (more on diaper changing later).

All in all, our airline’s website provided us with a good starting point with things to think about before embarking on our trip. We highly recommend you consult your airline’s website too.

On the day of your departure (both legs of your trip), make sure to give yourself plenty of time for just about everything from checking in to transit flights. Even if you are a seasoned international traveler, kids will slow you down!

For example, getting through security nowadays can be a nightmare. These advance tips will make it much easier. First, we had Holly wear clothes and shoes that were easy to take off and put on. We also explained to her the night before how security worked at the airport so she wouldn’t be jumpy once we walked through X-ray machines and were asked to remove our jackets and shoes.

For children that are a little older, make sure to discuss with them the importance of being respectful while going through security.  Making jokes like “There’s a bomb in my bag” will cause major problems, so be sure to explain to them the importance of using restraint. 

During boarding, be alert for announcements directed towards families with children.  Those who are travelling with small children can usually board first.  It is easier to be among the first to board the flight when you are with small children and exit the plane last, so that you can get all the assistance you may need from the cabin crew.

Although we don’t usually use it, a harness for Holly came in handy at the airport for her own safety, as my wife Dora was busy with the baby and I was handling our luggage.  With the harness, Dora was able to watch both our girls while I dealt with baggage, immigration, customs, and the airline desk. Speaking of customs, be on the lookout for fast track immigration and customs checkpoints especially for families travelling with infants.

Meal Times during the Flight

Airline food is thankfully served hot. However, for kids like Holly—it may have been a little too hot and she burned her tongue!  Now, Dora always tests the temperature of Holy’s meal before allowing her to eat.  Just as in our long car trips, we make sure to pack some of Holly’s own favorite non-crumbling snacks, such as fruit roll-ups and string cheese.   Drinks and baby food for infants are usually OK, but they will most likely require extra screening.  Liquids exceeding the 3 or 6 ounce limits should be OK for infants, but may be confiscated if they are meant for older children.  Keep in mind that you can usually buy drinks in the airport after passing through security.  Remember that while on your flight, kids have their own hunger and thirst timetables.

We brought along some plastic food containers for Holly’s often half-eaten or totally untouched meals which she would be asking for later – on her own schedule. We even brought her favorite sippy cup to minimize spills and messes during meals.

As for the baby, the galley had their own baby food but not the brand that finicky Lenore prefers. Thankfully, Dora had the foresight to pack Lenore’s favorite baby food along with a bowl and a plastic utensil for the flight. We also brought along disposable bibs for her.

Disposable bottle liners were another great thing to bring along. We made sure to buy bottled water once we were through security.  Instant bottle!  We just asked our flight attendant to warm it for a short time in a bowl of hot water. The flight attendant obliged, but you should remember to ask well ahead of cabin meal service time even if it isn’t your baby’s mealtime yet. There are usually no microwaves in the galley. Therefore, the flight attendant will need to rely on hot water to heat a bottle up for you.

Feeling at Home on a Flight

Much like our previous road trips, we made the kids more at home by bringing along Holly’s favorite stuffed animal and Lenore’s blanket.

We also dressed Holly so she could get in and out of her sweater easily as temperature changed. We even brought along an extra blanket for her in case it got really cold.

While our plane had a fairly good entertainment system with personal monitors, we nonetheless brought a portable DVD player along with Holly’s well-loved DVDs. In exchange, we spent four hours of stress-free flying as she finished a Disney movie marathon with minimal interruptions.

As additional entertainment ammunition, we brought along a backpack full of crayons and coloring books, stickers, and small toys. The backpack fits easily under the seat. We tried to delay the boredom factor by introducing new distractions only when we knew they were at their breaking point.  After all, if it’s going to be a long flight, you can’t give them everything in the first hour and have no more excitement saved for the rest of the flight!

Getting Down and Dirty

 For Lenore, we made sure to pack more diapers than we thought would be needed. Let’s face it, you can buy duty-free perfumes and electronics in the air but not diapers. In Lenore’s bag, we brought diapers, baby wipes (which came in handy for other messes as well), and a scented nappy sack. Dora also packed rash cream—better safe than sorry as the cliché goes.

While some airplanes have larger bathrooms in the rear with larger changing tables, be prepared to work in a small space only.  Some airplanes do not even have a changing table and you will need to improvise by using the toilet seat cover instead.

Among other things, we packed lip balm (lips get dry on flights) and two changes of clothes for Holly and Lenore as well as an extra shirt for each adult. Bad messes will happen and emergency clothing will not take up much space overall. Also bring zip lock bags for your dirty clothes.

Finally, ear pressure problems will happen, usually during take-off and landing, so be prepared. We gave Holly chewing gum (candy will do too) and Lenore sucking her bottle or pacifier seemed to do the job well.

Set Family Goals

We had a family “pow wow” a couple of months before our scheduled vacation, already toying with the idea of a historical travel destination. I printed out a few choices to review with everyone. Setting family goals through a family meeting (we like to call it “pow wow”) is a great way to get everyone’s opinion about the next family vacation as well as get us excited to the idea.  In our case, we discussed visiting Boston as a strong possibility.  At first, we expected Holly to roll her eyes as when we switch from Cartoon Network to the History Channel.  However, tales about the Boston Tea Party and Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride had the opposite reaction. Holly was insisting we depart the next day!

Make Adjustments on the Go

You can’t be everywhere.  From towering skyscrapers to narrow historic streets, every nook and cranny of the city of Boston seems to hold something special and significant. While we realized we could not see everything in the one week we would be staying there, planning out each step lacked the thrill of discovery our kids seemed to live for away from home.  To compromise between being practical and being spontaneous, we decided to mark a map with the basic route we wanted to cover—an area near our hotel since we had the kids, including a seven month old.  We would stick to the area but follow other points of interest we chanced upon as long as it did not steer us too far from our home away from home. Travelling locally gave us more time in the afternoon and evening to spend quality time just hanging out.

It was not hard to find points of interest in Boston.  History is literally everywhere, not just in the dreaded confines of museums which would have driven the kids crazy not to be outdoors all day.

Boston Harbor

On the actual trip, we found a kid-focused tour called “Boston By Little Feet” (held summers).  This child-level stroll through Boston includes a souvenir Explorer’s Map (now hung up proudly on Holly’s bedroom wall).  It gives a taste of Boston’s importance in the American Revolution and even how the city was built.

Historical sites we passed included Faneuil Hall, the Old State House, and the Old South Meeting House.  Yes, it covered the Boston Massacre but from a kid-friendly perspective which won’t leave them with nightmares.

Our ever precocious Holly found her favourites to be the first public school in the United States and the oldest cemetery.  My favourite was the spot where our founding father Benjamin Franklin supposedly flew the famous kite during his lightning storm experiment.  The “Boston By Little Feet” tour takes 1 hour (perfect for our family of four) and costs $8 per person.

Follow a routine and schedule even on the road.

During our Boston adventure, we stayed at the Boston Harbor Hotel in historic Rowes Wharf. History again, was right outside our room since Boston Harbor is, of course, the location of the Boston Tea Party, a story which Holly wanted to hear Dora her mom, repeat over and over again during our stay.

Make no mistake about it—the Boston Harbor Hotel is a luxury hotel (5 star in fact) but it is 100% kid friendly!  Our plane ride was exhausting, and we were tired by the time we arrived at the lobby front desk to check in, but the kids were re-energized by the milk and cookies and complementary stuffed animals waiting for us in the room.  We applaud the hotel for their efforts to make us all feel at home.  Other convenient amenities included a roll-away bed for Holly, a crib for Lenore (with a diaper kit, powder, and her own infant-sized toiletries), kid’s robes, and games, puzzles, and activity books for family fun time in the room.

Such wonderful attention to detail really made us all feel welcome.  While on our trip we followed a routine of waking up and getting ready for the day at 7am, breakfast at 8am, lunch outside at 12:30pm, afternoon snack at 3pm (the girls enjoyed a tea party at the hotel before we left), and dinner at 7pm. The structured day made everyone feel a little more at home and gave us “breaks” during the day to catch our breath and catch up with each other during meals.

Have a family “pow wow” before your day begins and at the end of the day.

During breakfast, the topic of conversation was the day’s agenda.  For instance, when we were planning the trip, it allowed the excitement and anticipation of being in Boston build-up.  Holly seemed like a  “mini” reporter interviewing us about each spot we planned to visit.  Meanwhile, a “pow wow” at the close of the day during dinner not only allowed her to ask more questions about what she saw and experience that day, but it reinforced the family quality time and togetherness we wanted by recalling our special memories like riding World War II era amphibious jeeps on the Boston Ducks Tour that took us to Bunker Hill, site of the famous battle in 1775, and Boston Common, the oldest park in the United States.

Focus Your Time on Priorities

Keep choices simple.  To maximize our time in Boston, we made life easier by choosing to eat breakfast and dinner at the hotel, in our room (Boston Harbor Hotel has 24-hour In-Room Service), or near the hotel.  Lunch was the only meal we spent outside our hotel’s local radius since we usually went sight-seeing from the mid-morning to late-afternoon.  With two kids, one little girl whose legs easily got tired and an infant who seemed to need changing at the most inopportune moments, we kept our choices simple without feeling left out of the exciting things the city offered.  We were very content ordering room service most evenings.  Dining together and assembling puzzles of the Boston Tea Party while overlooking the Boston Harbor defined contentment.

Little to No TV Time

Set limits on television watching, video games, and phone calls.  This is one rule we always enforce during our family vacations.  After all, we spend enough time being distracted back home.  We are determined  not to let our vacation suffer from the same bad habits.  As tempting as it was to turn on the TV while we got ready in the morning, our day just ran smoother without it. In the evenings, we had plenty to talk about before bed time just reflecting on the day’s events.

Boston Public Garden Swan Boat

Plan mini-activities during free time to replace watching television and playing video games.

As I mentioned before, the temptation to switch on the TV is great.  Therefore, we filled in the blanks (actual spare time on our trip if you can believe that) by playing board games in the room, talking some more, or taking a brisk walk at the Boston Public Garden where our efforts to spend quality time together minus electricity (sorry, Benjamin Franklin) were rewarded by a ride on graceful swan boats that looked like they came from our favourite fairy tales.

Set a bedtime for the kids and yourself during your trip.  Having a regular bed time during vacation also ensured we were well-rested for the next day’s adventures.  This was, of course, much needed considering all the walking we did in Boston.  Speaking of walking, the famous Freedom Trail is something we plan to do down the road when Lenore is older.

There you have it—how to manage your family’s time even in a place like historic Boston where there doesn’t seem to be enough time to enjoy everything, especially with history in every corner!

Whether it is summer vacation or Spring and Winter school breaks, spending your getaway at a family-friendly resort can be a wonderful bonding experience.  Many resorts are now designed specifically for families and children.  This includes destinations you would least expect like the Caribbean (it isn’t just for honeymooners anymore) and Thailand (International adventure is no longer limited to solo adventurers).

When shopping around for a “family-friendly” resort, make sure they are fully-equipped to handle your kids’ needs as well as your own.  Hotels and resorts that you may want to avoid are those that don’t allow children in some areas of the grounds.   Entertainment and activities for children are a must!

Packaged vacation deals can actually save you money!  Despite the struggling economy, 76% of families surveyed by the Travel Industry Association statistics report families are making the most of their time and budget by taking packaged vacations.  While all-inclusive deals formerly suffered from a negative image of limiting your freedom, many families are rediscovering all-inclusive resort vacations for many reasons.  Among these are affordability, convenience (especially when traveling with kids) and luxury, with many upscale resorts now targeting the “family-friendly” market.

So where to go?

The Hogan clan always takes a vote on three ideas annually for summer vacation. The two kids and two grown-ups alike enthusiastically cheer when Walt Disney World Resort is mentioned. Why not? Right after landing at Orlando International Airport, the Disney spell is immediately cast.  The aptly named Disney’s Magical Express Transportation takes us free of charge to the Walt Disney World Resort Hotel.  We don’t even have to worry about our luggage, which is delivered direct to the hotel.  You can’t count on my family to pack light so this makes the trip totally carefree.  There is even free transportation around Walt Disney World Resort during our stay.

The option of traveling by bus, monorail, and boat was exciting in itself.  After all, the park is almost 30,080 acres and includes four theme parks (the original Magic Kingdom theme park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studio, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom) and two water parks.  To make sure we make the most of our time, we always use the “Extra Magic Hours”.  These are extended theme park hours just for hotel guests and at no extra charge.  It’s great to have this kind of advantage over the masses!

Make sure your family also checks out the Disney Dining Plans for hotel guests.  You can choose from over 100 dining facilities resort-wide and get up to 30% off on meals.

Finally, the kids were thrilled when they got a welcome voice mail from the Big Cheese himself.  Yes, Mickey Mouse is only one of the in-room character calls you can get for special occasions.  My wife, Dora, arranged it for the girls at the Online Check-In Service.

So Disney is a no-brainer.

Club Med Ixtapa Pacific in Mexico is snug-as-a bug between the Pacific Ocean and the legendary Sierra Madre mountains.  Families with babies like our six-month old Lenore will appreciate the “Baby Med” option. Our room had everything to make a fussy infant feel at home, like bottle warmers, fully-stocked diapers, and even her own “getaway” crib! Meanwhile, our equally fussy and easily bored four year-old, Holly, attended Circus Camp where she lived out her Big Tent dreams learning how to work the trapeze (safely), juggle like a clown, and more. As for the grown-ups, the Mexican-style hacienda had a fully-featured spa for Dora and an empty lounge chair with my name on it facing another breathtaking part of the never-ending Pacific Ocean.

15 of the 298 large rooms are family suites (for an extra charge of course), and include breakfast room service.  Our package included our classic room (choose from classic, deluxe, or suite), childcare and kids activities from four months old and up (Lenore thankfully made the cut).  Club Med Baby also includes baby food for tots up to 23 months, sports from group to individual activities, meals and unlimited anytime snacks (including sodas, cocktails, juices, and exclusive Club Med signature drinks—refreshing companions for my beach chair activities). There’s even live music at night.  In addition, tots under two, like our baby Lenore stay FREE!

During our stay, we all got everything we needed in what turned out to be a great vacation.  Holly couldn’t stop chattering about joining the Circus, Dora was relaxed and refreshed (and even more beautiful than usual), and Lenore was clean and well-fed, therefore happy.  I got my uninterrupted lounge chair time with a fruity concoction that put me in a mucho tropical mood!

What’s up for our next vacation? Can you believe Jamaica or Thailand?

Yes, these places aren’t just for the lone adventurer or newlywed couples. Beaches Resort in Jamaica is an all-inclusive holiday in a gorgeous white-sand beach setting where wallets are optional since it would include all our meals, snacks, beverages, accommodations, sports (like scuba diving), kid’s activities (including a Kid’s Camp).  Butler service too?  Well, butler service is available and only comes in the upper strata of rooms (beyond our budget), but a guy can dream.

Rose Hall Resort and Spa Jamaica

Another option is the Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego, Jamaica, which sprawls over 1,000 square feet of private beach paradise and includes a Kid’s Retreat and Teen Zone (keeping this one in mind for when Holly hits her teens still a decade down the road).  Rose Hall even includes a water park called Sugar Mills where kids and grown-ups can spend quality-time floating in the lazy lagoon, exploring a jungle garden with suspension bridges (undoubtedly a fast favorite),  and getting a peek at the historic Rose Hall Plantation via replica aqueducts harkening back to a lost era. Live music and Drive-in movies made our family getaway complete!

Now butlers are nice, but having our own Vacation Nanny sounds even better!  They have just that at the all-inclusive Franklin D. Resort and Spa in Jamaica.   All-inclusive covers food, drinks, accommodations, and even activities.  The “Wee Baby Moon” is more than a clever play on words; it really shows FDR’s commitment to being a family-friendly establishment.  Mom and all children under 16 stay for FREE (There is a maximum of two children per family plus a baby of 3 months and under).  It’s the perfect package for new moms and dads!

Now when you think Thailand—you probably think of crowded streets that aren’t very kid-friendly. Go a little further and you’ll be in family-friendly territory with pristine beaches surrounded by mountain peaks and tropical islands. What a dream vacation Dolphin Bay Resort would be!

Pink Dolphins are real!

Shallow waters and gentle waves make it a safe and enjoyable beach holiday for the kids. There are even actual dolphins in Dolphin Bay of the gray and pink variety (I think Holly just screamed at the top of her lungs at the mention of PINK DOLPHINS!!!!!).

Moreover, a night at Dolphin Bay is only $46 a night (double occupancy).  Of course, you will need to budget in airfare to Thailand but accommodations are budget-friendly once there.

All in all, here’s a rundown of what to look for in a family-friendly resort vacation:

- Fun activities to occupy the kids and adults alike (IMPORTANT!)
- A friendly staff that accommodates kids. (note staff to kid ratio especially at the resort’s “camps”).
 Accommodate special needs for infants if you have one (diaper service, infant food/formula, etc.)
- Rest and relaxation for yourself! (It’s your holiday too!)

Finally, discuss plans with the kids to see if the activities mentioned will indeed be fun, engaging, and most of all, turn into a happy childhood memory (PINK DOLPHINS included).

Unfortunately, car travel with two kids can quickly turn into a nightmare for the unwary and unprepared.  On the other hand, with the right planning, car travel with your loved ones can turn into one of the most wonderful experiences yielding memories to last a lifetime.  Make sure it is the latter by following our Hogan Family Road Trip Tips!

Tip # 1

Allow for a break every two hours at a rest stop or other facility accommodating weary travelers.  This not only gives everyone the chance for a needed bathroom break but will also break apart the monotony the kids and even you, will feel being on the road for so long.  You can even make it exciting by doing some advance research on scenic stops.

For example, on our trip from Los Angeles to San Diego, we took Highway 1 north of San Clemente and stopped at the San Clemente Pier (611 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA, Open 4am to midnight).  Even our 4 year old daughter marveled at the majestic view the San Clemente Pier offered of the Pacific Ocean that cannot be found anywhere else on the California coast.  There were other nearby activities like fishing, surfing and volleyball, but we instead took a refreshing stroll down the 1,296-foot pier and took family photographs against the one-of-a-kind, gorgeous backdrop. We timed our road trip so we’d be here just in time for lunch at The Fisherman’s Restaurant (611 Avenida Victoria, CA, and open 11am-9.30pm Sunday thru Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 10pm).  It was particularly memorable to dine on the outside deck with the family, taking in the busy San Clemente beach and the breathtaking Pacific Ocean while the kids munched on specially-prepared lunches from the Kids’ Restaurant Menu for kids 12 and under available from 11am to closing.

And if you can’t find a rest stop or a scenic stop, Burger King and MacDonald’s located near major freeways often have playrooms especially for family trips.  Schools and parks along the way also have playgrounds for the kids to burn off their excess energy.  You can even have an impromptu picnic with grocery store goodies.

Tip # 2

Bring some special activities to entertain and occupy the kids on the road, including coloring books, crayons, stickers, and small toys.  Add-in some new items as a special surprise, but make sure to ration these out or they might become bored and start quarrelling after just the first hour of a four hour trip!  Pack these along with snacks (#3) in colorful bags or their favorite backpack with their names on them to prevent arguments over who’s is who—Most kids don’t share quietly so be prepared. 

Tip # 3

Bring lots of fun but healthy snacks like crackers, juice boxes/packs, fruit (grapes and berries are bite-sized and handy for little hands), fruit roll-ups, trail mix (keeps the kids full), and lots of bottled water for thirsty tots.  Dora my wife, suggests crumb-free, individually packed snacks so you won’t have to do much clean-up and get to enjoy your vacation as well.  One healthy snack you can give to babies or young toddlers are Baby Organic Puffs.  They come in different flavors and Lenore loves them!   She is still having trouble grabbing them and putting them in her mouth so it sure does keep her busy!

Make sure to take along a small cooler to keep drinks cold.  Paper towels, tissues, anti-bacterial hand cleaner, and baby-wipes will also come in handy for quick clean-ups of wet noses and accidental spills.

Make sure the backpacks and coolers are within reach of the front seat so you can distribute both playtime goodies and snacks without stopping the car.   A trash bag will also help keep the inevitable mess under control throughout the trip. Empty and replace the trash bags as needed or during stops.

Tip # 4

For some kids, road trips might be very uncomfortable and difficult, so ease them into it by bringing along their favorite stuffed toys, blankets, and pillows.  Make the inside of your car cozy and snugly even if you are driving through a desert.

Tip #5

Whether using a car rental or your own car for the family trip, make sure they are equipped with car seats for the younger kids to travel safely!  For the older kids, make sure the seat beat rule is enforced no matter how bored they get during your trip.

Tip # 6

Bring a change of clothes for the kids and yourself. Even if it is just a day trip with no overnight stays, accidents will happen: beverages will be spilled, car sickness, food fights, and more.

Tip # 7

Be prepared for every emergency. Dora prepared this list for our trip, keeping in mind that our eldest, Holly, gets motion sickness.

- Dramamine
- Neosprin
- Tylenol
- Sunscreen
- Anti-Bacterial Wipes
- First Aid Kit with band aids and other useful items

Tip # 8

For our six month old, we also bring along extra diapers and sanitary wipes.  Bibs can also help keep your baby’s neck and chest dry when teething.  There are also disposable bibs that come in very handy during feeding time.

Tip # 9

Finally, Holly loves post cards on our road stops.  We buy them for her and she writes (or draws) on them so they can be mailed to family and friends.  It’s a great idea even if our particular trip is only driving distance from home.  Kids love to share their travels as much as we love to post our trip photos on Facebook.

While we could have spent the whole day at the San Clemente Pier (the kids were fascinated by the playful sea lions at the end of the pier) and visiting other roadside stops on the way to San Diego with its own travel treasures –we were now only an hour away!

Side diversions on the main trips go both ways.  Again, We did some research beforehand and decided a stop at Mission San Juan Capistrano (26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, is open daily 8:30am-5:00pm except for holidays).  This was our scenic on-the-road getaway and hopefully, taught our kids about California’s rich past and the need to preserve it for future generations (which is emphasized in this historic mission built more than 200 years ago).

What’s more, there were many on-site educational programs available at Mission San Juan Capistrano like the Mission Matters class three times weekdays for only $3.00.  What a bargain to have the kids learn about daily life at the mission!  Meanwhile, check out the Journeys to the Past.  It’s also only costs $3, and it’s a one-hour storytelling experience for both kids and adults that includes Native American singing, games, and culture that left our family with a whole new perspective on their traditions and customs.  It’s only offered on specific dates so check the Mission San Juan Capistrano website for an updated calendar.

We also discovered the Zoomars Petting Zoo near the Mission grounds, (Open Monday through Fridays, 10am-4pm).  It costs $6.00, and the kids loved interacting with hundreds of critters that they fed and, of course, petted. The family even enjoyed a cool picnic in the shaded picnic area.

 For both the kids and the adults, these roadside stops to and from the main destination are highly recommended.  They are respectively, a starter and a dessert for a weekend mostly spent on the road.  For the adults, it was even sweeter not to hear “are we there yet?”  Over and over again!

Are you and your family weekend road warriors? What tips can you share for keeping your long car trips fun for all?