Make the Most Out of Your Winter Family Vacation

*This post is sponsored by Bayer®. To make sure Bayer® products are right for you, always read and follow the label. 

I don't know about you, but this time of the year makes me dream of white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and Pina Coladas. There's some serious wander-lusting going on over here, and sadly, the warmth of the pool at Morley's swimming lessons just isn’t cutting it.

Traveling with your children is an unforgettable experience, no matter where you go. It is the chance to introduce your children to new cultures and environments, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. 

A well-deserved break from school for the kiddos is the perfect time for a family vacation, but make sure you’re prepared before you rush out the door this winter. Don’t waste a minute of your precious family time on common (and avoidable) vacation fails. 

>> You may also like: Traveling to Cuba with Young Children 

Whether you’re hitting the slopes or a water slide, make the most of your time off with these simple winter family vacation tips. 

Prepare yourself for the entire journey.

When heading on vacation, most are looking forward to the destination itself. But remember, before you can lay on that white sandy beach, you must first get there (and sadly, when it’s all over, you must also get home). Whether you are road tripping or flying, don’t forget about the way there and the way back. If you have young children, remember to pack lots of activities, snacks, changes of clothes and other necessities to limit the number of potential meltdowns so you can get there and start enjoying your well-deserved break.

>> You may also like: Traveling with a Toddler: Busy Bags & Best Free Apps for Toddlers

Tag that bag.

There’s nothing worse than arriving to your destination in one piece only to find out your bags have not. You can’t prevent luggage from getting lost or damaged, but you can make the return process much easier. Make sure you purchase luggage tags with a durable covering to protect your information. Look for a strong clasp that can withstand being tossed around from plane to carousel. And if you’re locking your luggage, be sure to use a TSA-approved lock only.

In case of lost luggage, remember to always pack an extra pair of clothes (i.e. sandals, bathing suit, etc.) in your carryon, just in case. The same goes with extra diapers and an extra change of clothes, or two, for your little ones.

If you are travelling with a car seat or stroller, and checking either at the luggage drop or gate-side, take photos of the items beforehand. That way, if there is any damage to the item, these photos can easily be sent to the airline for comparison and compensation. As I can speak from recent experience, it is not a good feeling to put your carseat (and trust) in the airline’s hands, only to have it come our damaged on the other end.

Don’t underestimate the sun.  

Whether you’re in the snow, sand or water, UV rays reach the Earth year-round and surfaces like these can reflect 85 per cent of the sun's rays back at you! To protect your face, try using Coppertone ClearlySheer Lotion for Face (SF50). ClearlySheer sunscreens deliver trusted broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection in a light, refreshing formula that barely leaves a trace on the skin. Water resistant for up to 80 minutes, it absorbs quickly, feels clean and light and won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. This lightweight sunscreen formula feels clean and light, and is also great to use daily under makeup!

If your kids love the water, but are not big fans of standing still for sunscreen, try Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Continuous Spray. This hypo-allergenic sunscreen provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection at the touch of a button, no pumping required. The easy, full coverage application will keep your children protected from harmful UV rays while making sunscreen time fun.

Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses for all family members, including the little ones.

Restore your body’s rhythm.

One of the best parts of vacationing is indulging in delicious foods, but travel might have your digestive tract feeling no bueno! Almost 40 percent of people experience vacation constipation as gut bacteria reacts and adjusts to the change in setting. Bathroom trouble can put a damper on your otherwise relaxing time off. Be prepared and bring along some pre-measured, single-dose RestoraLAX NeatPAX for convenient occasional constipation relief.  RestoraLAX dissolves easily in any non-alcoholic beverage with no taste and no grit.  It helps restore your body’s natural rhythm by working with water to hydrate and soften stools.

What are some of your vacation preparation tricks that ensure your family getaway its nothing short of amazing?  I’d love to hear!

*This post is sponsored by Bayer®. To make sure Bayer® products are right for you, always read and follow the label. 

50+ Ways to Occupy a Toddler on an Airplane

I'll be honest here, going into our recent trip to Alaska, I was nervous. Not nervous for the visit itself, but nervous for the plane ride there and back.

It wasn't the fear of flying itself that made me nervous. Nah, it was the fear of the 14 hour travel day with a toddler that sparked the nerves. 

I knew the flight would be different than her last two at 3 months and 10 months. Toddlers are fully mobile, opinionated and most times, it’s their way or the highway.

So ya, I was nervous.

I know you're dying to know... how did it go?!

I would love to tell you that the flights (that's plural, for three flights each way) were all rainbows and butterflies, but they weren't. There were a few times when we became "those people” - the people that everyone rolls their eyes at when they see a small child in tow. The people with the screaming, inconsolable toddler. The people whose anxiety immediately shoots through the roof because we knew things could go downhill real fast if we didn't act quick.

But, at the end of the flight, we were also the people who received comments about how well their child traveled. Even from a few of those initial eye rollers.

It really wasn't so bad.

I had worked myself up for it to be so awful, that when in reality, it was not all that bad.

Despite a few short moments of anxiety, it was all worth the memories we made with Morley, and we would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Are you planning a trip on an airplane with a toddler? There are many ways to keep them occupied that don't take a lot of prep work. Here are 40+ tried and true options to consider for your next airplane ride with a toddler.

PRE-FLIGHT

My first piece of advice comes before you even get on the plane, and involves booking your flights. If possible, schedule your flights around your child’s nap time or overnight, in hopes that they sleep. Avoid times when they are cranky. Don’t pick a flight that sets you up for failure before you even leave.

If your child will be sitting on your lap, book your seat in the aisle. When time comes, this will allow your child to wander up and down the aisle, and you easier access to chase them/the washroom.

When packing, add extra clothes, pjs, stuffy and blankie to your carry on for some added comfort. 

Remember there is often 2-3 hours of waiting time in the airport, between check in and boarding. For us, this was possibly the hardest part. (Especially when one of our flights home was delayed and that initial 2.5 hours turned into 4.) Bring a small umbrella stroller to push your child through the airport. While you’re waiting to board, this could also become a toy for them, allowing them to push it around. Most airlines will also allow you to gate check this free of charge.

COMFORT

Once you get on the plane, work with what is available to you. If your child will be sitting on your lap and you see an empty row, immediately ask the flight attendant if you can take advantage. Giving your lap infant a seat of their own will give you more room as well. 

Comfort is key, especially on long flights when you're trying to get your child to sleep. Ask the flight attendant for an extra blanket.

If the flight is during their normal sleeping time, change them into their pyjamas and give them a bottle (if they take one) to signal its time to sleep. If your child drinks milk, don’t worry about bringing your own. Ask your flight attendant. On our recent Delta flight, they had small cartons available. 

If your child still takes a pacifier, now is not the time to leave it at home. Not only will this help with comfort, it may also help alleviate some discomfort during takeoff and landing. Bring a pacifier clip and attach it to your child's clothing so it doesn't fall on the floor. 

 

TOYS & ENTERTAINMENT

Ask the flight attendant if they have any activities for younger children - often times this may be as simple as a colouring book and crayons. 

Next, there's always the inflight entertainment system - pop on a movie or tv show your child enjoys. Depending on the carrier, nowadays the selection is pretty impressive. Read through the magazine and safety card in the seat back pocket.

As much as we try to avoid the use of the iPad, we knew it was not going to happen on a long travel day. In fact, we encouraged it. Prior to the trip, we downloaded lots of new and exciting toddler-friendly apps. Elmo ABC, KidsDoodle (pictured below) and Toddler Flash Cards (pictured below) topped Morley’s favourites list.  Don't forget about a solid case to product the iPad incase your toddler drops it. 

Since we did not want her using headphones, we opted for apps that did not need sound. This also helped to minimize the disruption to our neighbours. If you have a Netflix subscription, download a few of their favourite shows a head of time. 

Real books are heavy, and with carryon space at a premium, I recommend that you leave them at home. If your toddler enjoys reading, try downloading some picture books on your iPad or tablet. 

The busy bag I created was a hit. I filled it with some of Morley’s favourite things (crayons, colouring book, stickers) and some things she had never seen before (play-doh, animal dominoes, gel window clings, etc.). I packed items that were small and could be sorted, stacked, or otherwise moved from place to place - foam blocks, coloured popsicle sticks, small animal figurines, to name a few. 

The bag itself (her school backpack) was also a hit - she loved playing with the zipper. 

FOOD & DRINK

When the snack and drink service comes around, take advantage of what they have to offer. Grab extra snacks, some for now and some for later. Toddlers love to sort and move things from place to place. Ask for a few extra creamers for your coffee and an extra cup. Put down the tray table and let them use their imagination.

Snacks are a must. Our go-tos are squeezable apple sauce pouches and small finger foods, such as goldfish, cheerios and veggie sticks. Small, individual pieces will take your toddler time to eat. (Be sure to check FAA regulations before you pack your snacks.) 

To save on space, only pack enough for one leg of your journey. If you have a layover, plan to restock your snacks at an airport store. Fruit snacks, granola bars, yogurt and fruit cups can easily be found. Don’t forget to grab utensils, or bring your own from home.

For drinks, make sure you have a sippy cup with a straw and/or closable lid. Last thing you want is the water spilling all over, or falling on the gross floor.

Have you taken an airplane with a toddler? What are some of your favourite ways to occupy a tiny traveler? I’d love to hear!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Purchasing through these links helps to support To & Fro, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your continued support!

Road Trip: From Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

*This post was sponsored by Cars.com, however, all opinions are 100% that of To & Fro.

Road trips are our thing. We love a good road trip. 

When we lived in Alaska, our favourite thing to do during our summer weekends was to pack up the car with our outdoor gear and just drive. Drive to explore new places and spaces, down roads we had never been. 

When planning our Alaskan adventure this time around, we knew the three(ish) hour trip down to the Kenai Peninsula to visit friends was a must. We had done the drive a handful of times before, but this time was a bit different. Not only did we have a little one in tow this trip, Anchorage had been blanketed by dense fog the days leading up to our road trip. We knew that there was the potential the drive could get a bit dicey going through the mountains pass. But, as they say in Alaska, you can't plan around the weather. 

Despite the weather, the drive down to what is affectionately known as "Alaska's Playground" is always an adventure, and one serious visual buffet. 

Hop in the car. Let me take you on a scenic road trip from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska.

It’s 9:30am on an early November day. We hit the Seward Highway and head south out of Anchorage just as the sun is rising. The dense blanket of fog and cotton candy skies make the first leg of the journey along the Turnagain Arm especially stunning, and easily the most dramatic. 

As we leave the “big city” behind, the highway narrows to two lanes, and is sandwiched between Potter Marsh on our left and the Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet on our right. 

Potter Marsh is a favourite for nature lovers, often welcoming snow goose on their migratory stopover, spawning salmon, bald eagles and the occasional moose. Maybe we’ll stop there on the way back, hoping the fog has lifted.

Past the marsh, the road begins to wind - this time, we have the ebbing and flowing tide of the Cook Inlet on our right and the steep rocky cliffs of the Chugach State Park on our left. A bit of a change of scenery. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the white specks in the mountains - they may just be dall sheep.

We’re in a bit of a time crunch. But, if we could, we would stop at one, or more, of the many scenic lookouts or tiny towns along the way - Beluga Point, Bird Point, Girdwood and Portage Valley, just to name a few.

As we pass the Portage Valley turnoff, where you would catch the access tunnel to Whittier and Prince William Sound, we begin to wind ourselves around the tip of the Turnagain Arm. Again, the scenery changes. Now with mountains as far as the eyes can see. We have officially reached Turnagain Pass. 

Continuing on the highway, we make a short pit stop to get our photo taken at the Kenai Peninsula welcome sign. A must do.

Back on the highway, a sign for Hope suddenly appears. Seeing as we’re on an adventure, let’s go down a road we’ve never traveled and check out the small town. Population 192. 

And, just as quick as we arrive, we turn back around to the highway. I'm sure its a beautiful, bustling little town in the summer, but in early November, there's not a soul in sight. 

At Tern Lake, we take a slight right at the fork and meet up with the Sterling Highway, one of Alaska's Scenic Byways. This highway is a popular place in the summer months as it leads to some of the best fishing spots along the Kenai River. 

During a road trip in the summer, its not rare to see shoulder to shoulder “combat” salmon fishing along the banks of the turquoise-coloured Kenai and Russian Rivers, or the odd bear wandering the banks in search of its next meal. 

This area truly is Alaska’s Playground, and is also a haven for rafting, flight seeing, horseback riding, hiking, camping and more. This time of year the bears are sleeping, but be sure to keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles and moose!

Continuing on, we pass the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and drive through the small towns of Sterling and Soldotna. Not far from Sterling is Funny River. You may have heard about the terrible forest fire that happened there a few years back. 

If you hook a right through Soldotna, you’ll be taken to the Peninsula’s namesake, the town of Kenai itself. 

Seeing as we've been in the car for a few hours now, lets make a pit stop for a snack at one of our favourite places in Soldotna - The Moose is Loose. Morley will tell you, they have the best apple fritter donuts. 

We're almost there, I promise.

Driving just a few miles past Soldotna, we’ve arrived at our destination of Kasilof. If time allowed, we would keep on driving to the end of the Sterling Highway and reach Homer, the halibut fishing capital of Alaska. I highly recommend planning a trip to come back during the summer months for some halibut fishing on the Kachemak Bay, a must on anyone's Alaskan bucket list. 

Now that we're here, it's time to kick back and relax for a night while we catch up with some good friends.

Thanks for coming along, we hope you enjoyed the ride!

Are you planning an upcoming road trip vacation, and in search of the perfect rental car? For peace of mind before you rent, check out cars.com for the latest expert reviews, multi-car comparisons and more! 

Have you taken any good road trips lately? I'd love to hear!

Alaskan Adventure Recap

The time between we said, "Let's go!" and, "It's go time!" seemed to crawl by at a snail's pace. And when it finally came, it flew by in the blink of an eye. Vacation is never long enough.

We are officially back from our 10 day long whirl-wind Alaskan adventure. And what a whirl-wind it was. We fit so much into our time in the Last Frontier. I'm already ready to go back.

We flew into Anchorage in the middle of the night. It instantly brought flashbacks of when we first moved up there, almost exactly seven years ago to the very date and time. We had no idea what to expect at the time. This time was different though, we knew exactly what to expect as soon as the sun came up. And we couldn't wait to experience it all over again with little miss Morley in tow.

The week was spent catching up with friends, exploring our old hangouts and favourite spaces and eating and drinking at our favourite restaurants. Some good memories indeed.

We took a trip up the winding hillside road to Flattop Mountain. Safe to say, the wind and fog made our visit pretty short. Down on flat ground, we explored Kincaid Park in the city's west end. The Park holds a special place in our hearts because it is where we got engaged back in 2012. It is also a pretty surefire place to spot one of the many moose that call the city home. Except this time, the dense fog that blanketed the city prevented us from making it back to the beach and from seeing the moose Morley had her eyes open for.

Turns out, the two moose we did actually see (that weren't at the zoo) were eating the pumpkins off a friends' neighbours' front porch. As soon as Morley saw them, she instantly knew what they were. A mama and baby moose eating pumpkins. Almost two weeks later, she still talks about it. 

While visiting, a few people asked why we were crazy enough to visit when we did. It was cold, it was dark and the threat of snow was real. But, we knew what we were getting ourselves into. It also happened to work out with our vacation time. And, if we were visiting Alaska in October, it made sense to do so at Halloween because, well, Zoo Boo. 

We knew we'd be spending some time at the Alaska Zoo, so why not do so at Halloween with old friends (both people, furry and feathery). The Alaska Zoo's Zoo Boo was also voted the top trick or treating destination in the entire state. (I can't wait to share more about this place in a later post.)

Our trip also involved lots of food and drink.

Two years ago, friends opened a brewery located about 25 minutes outside of Anchorage, in Eagle River. A trip, or two, to Odd Man Rush topped our list of "must drink places". If you're in the Anchorage area, I highly recommend a visit. Their Enforcer IPA is one of my favourites. 

One of our favourite places to eat in the city is Moose's Tooth, a local brewery and pizza joint. We were no stranger during the week. Our favourites? The Spicy Thai Chicken (roasted chicken, red onions, bean sprouts, carrot threads, cilantro, mozzarella, provolone and peanut sauce) and the Backpacker (spinach, roasted garlic, sundried tomatoes, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, feta, mozzarella, provolone and garlic oil) pizzas and Fairweather IPA. My mouth waters just thinking about it.

After an amazing few days in Anchorage, we decided to take a drive south to visit friends on the Kenai Peninsula. With the weather in town being super foggy, we really didn't know what we were in for on the drive. But, as they say in AK, you can't plan around the weather.

The 3(ish) hour drive out of the city was stunning. The fog blanketed the Turnagain Arm making it a very scenic drive as the sun came up.

This is just a small taste of our family's recent Alaskan adventure. It's really hard to sum up the amount of fun we had and memories we made in a short 600 words. Morley had a permanent smile on her face the entire week, and we can't wait to start planning the next trip back.

Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks!

Upcoming Alaska posts:

A Road Trip from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula

Favourite Anchorage Outdoor Spaces

The Alaska Zoo

Have you been to Alaska? I'd love to hear your favourite things to do and see!

Off to the Mountains: Best of Alaska

The mountains are calling, and we must go. Tomorrow we are saying adios to the concrete jungle of Toronto for 10 whole days in the mountains. Alaska, here we come!

Some may call us crazy. One, for visiting Alaska at a time when temperatures are hovering around freezing with the threat of snow and daylight hours are only seen during working hours. And two, for doing it all with a 19 month old who doesn't sit still. But we say, bring it on. After living there for three winters, we know the unpredictable weather we're in for. And doing it with our daughter makes it all that much more exciting (and, ahem, unpredictable). 

So, while we are exploring the land that we love and reconnecting with friends that we haven't seen in a while, I leave you with To & Fro's "Best of Alaska" posts, or what I've affectionately renamed as my "Alaska Pusher Series". Because if these posts don't convince you to plan a trip to the Land of the Midnight Sun, I don't know what will. 

Learn about our connection to Alaska here and here, and ultimately why and how we said goodbye here. 

To & Fro's Best of Alaska

Planning a Trip:
Alaska Travel Planning Resources
Where to start when planning a trip to Alaska. A list of websites to learn the what, how, where and when of visiting the Land of the Midnight Sun.

How to Pack for Alaska

Don't know how or what to pack? Confused by the weather? Start here.

Things to See:
Wildlife Viewing in Alaska
Alaska is home to a diverse amount of wildlife. This post shares the animals you may see and where you may see them.

Denali's Big 5
Denali National Park and Preserve is a must see on every Alaskan adventurer's bucket list. Check out just a few of the amazing animals you may spot during your visit.

Must See Phenomena in Alaska
From the animals to the landscapes, Alaska is a continuous buffet for the eyes. These are a few of the phenomena you may have the chance to view during your trip.

Places to See:
Rafting Down the Kenai River, Alaska
A girls' rafting trip down the Kenai River, one of Alaska's famous fishing rivers.

Prince William Sound
A weekend adventure deep sea fishing on Prince William Sounds.

26 Glaciers
A wildlife cruise through Prince William Sound to view 26 glaciers.

Down By Kachemak Bay
A failed attempt at a fishing trip out on Kachemak Bay.

Don't forget to follow our trip on Instagram (@toandfro21).

Have you been to Alaska? I'd love to hear your favourite places to visit, or if it's on your bucket list! 

Traveling with a Toddler: Busy Bags

Remember that time last year when we booked flights to Alaska, but didn't end up going? 

Long story short, flights got changed on the airlines’ end. So, instead of a "quick" travel day, we were being rerouted out of the way through Texas and back up. Ya, tell me how that makes sense. 

Anyways, with a three month old in tow, we said a big fat "No thanks!" to that one and instead went to Edmonton to visit my sister and attend a friend’s wedding. Everything happens for a reason.

Well, we're at it again. Flights are booked and we're heading back to Alaska, THIS WEEK! If you follow me on Insta, then you've probably seen my countdown.  Clearly, I'm a tad bit excited. 

While I am really excited for our first visit back to Alaska since 2014 (and the first with Morley), one thing I am not looking forward to? The flight itself. Or should I say, flights… plural. It’s going to be a loooonnnngggg travel day my friends. 

Things were a bit different at three months when Morley took her first flight to Edmonton, and then again at 10 months to Cuba. The flights were much shorter and she had yet to find her legs, or her opinion on things.

Related post >> Tips for Flying with an Infant

So, how do you keep a busy bee toddler occupied (and happy) on a trip from Toronto to Anchorage, and one with three legs? Naturally, I reached out to experienced girlfriends, and Pinterest, for the answer.

The solution? A "busy bag".

Busy bags are a great way to keep toddlers quietly occupied. Or, in the case of Morley, most likely just occupied. Whether on a long road trip or long flight, busy bags are engaging activities that your child can do independently. 

Now, my husband would tell you that I way over did it, and there's a good chance that I probably did. But, I would much rather be over prepared than the opposite. And let's be honest here, at the end of the day, there's a good chance these activities and snacks will also keep mom and dad’s minds off the long travel day and lack of sleep as well. 

Check out how we created a busy bag for Morley below.

What’s in My Toddler’s Busy Bag?

Crayola crayons

Colouring book

Stickers

Coloured popsicle sticks

Coloured foam pieces

Animal dominoes

Animals flash cards

Window clings

Animal toy figurines

Bracelets and hair clips

Play-doh

Cuddle+kind stuffy

Snacks

A great place to shop for supplies is at your local dollar store. They have a ton of options, at an affordable price. I only packed items that were small and could be sorted, stacked or otherwise moved from place to place. The beauty of cheap, small toys is if they happen to get lost between seats or on the floor, it really doesn't matter. 

Don’t forget about the snacks. Snacks are just as important as the toys. We used a small zippered lunch cooler to hold everything - goldfish crackers, cheese and crackers, fruit snacks, apple sauce pouches and chocolate chip bear paws. I did not want to use a transparent bag, because she would be able to see inside of it, and would eat her way through the bag. (I mean that in the nicest way possible.)

You can choose any bag to put the entire busy bay in. I opted to put everything in Morley’s school backpack from MEC simply for recognition, because she knows it is “Moley’s bag”. With how she is, the bag itself will also become a toy - unzipping and zipping it back up. 

Additional Tips for Creating a Busy Bag for Your Toddler

Plan ahead. Pick up items as you shop in advance of the trip.

Know your limits. Check airplane guidelines prior to creating your bag. Remember that there are rules on size and liquids. Avoid heavy and bulky items, such as books.

Be creative. When visiting the dollar store, think outside the box. Visit the kitchen and even health and beauty aisles.

Cater to their favourite things. Base the selection on what works for your child and their interests. Morley loves colours and loves to sort, so I included things like foam shapes and coloured popsicle sticks. She also loves to colour, so a colouring book and crayons were mandatory. If they have a favourite stuffy or blankie, make sure to include those items as well for added comfort.

But, mix in some new. Window clings and playdoh are something she's never experience before. Yes, the playdoh may make a mess, but I don't care. It will do its job and keep her occupied.

Buy doubles and split things up. Remember there is a return trip. Chances are, you could pick up some items while on your trip to include in your return busy bag, but if something works on the way there, why change a good thing? Bring refills in your carry-on luggage to restock for the way home. If you buy large packages of something, split them up. 

Keep it top secret! Don't let your child see the contents beforehand. Keeping everything fresh will create added excitement. You can also wrap items to add even more intrigue, and waste more time with them having to unwrap. I opted not to wrap the items, simply because I did not want the extra paper waste.

Safety first. Some of the items I included are considered choking hazards, or for children 3+. Make sure to supervise your toddler at all times.

And if all else fails, let's pray the iPad can hold its battery life...

Wish us luck! Stay tuned to social for how we made out, and for a review of Morley's thoughts on the busy bag when we return.

Have you ever taking a long flight with a toddler? I’d love to hear your tips and tricks!

Note: This post contains affiliate links at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your continued support of To & Fro.