Family Travel Experts

Twitter Party Recap

Twitter Party Recap: Finding Balance with Residence Inn

Submit to DeliciousSubmit to DiggSubmit to FacebookSubmit to Google BookmarksSubmit to StumbleuponSubmit to TechnoratiSubmit to TwitterSubmit to LinkedIn

residence-innHow do you balance family life and travel? We gathered to discuss just that along with our sponsor, Residence Inn. With pools, suites, free breakfast, evening meals, and free grocery delivery straight to your suite they certainly strive to make moms life easier. And now they've introduced a new Facebook group where you can discuss vacationing with your family.

How do you find life balance while on vacation
and at home?

@EasyTravelMom On vacay it's all about relaxation, bonding time, shutting out the outside world & at home I'm still working on that!

@AnitaUtami By preparing the trip well in advance :)

@Cammi1972 I think routine is great! Try to still have routine meals, nap times, bed times if possible.

@kimberredneck Remember to enjoy the journey and experience new things when possible while on vacation.

@mommytravels I always have a frozen dinner handy just in case at home & on vacation.

How do you maintain your family's healthy eating habits while on the road?

@susan1215 It's nice to stay at a hotel that has a kitchen so we don't have to go out to eat all the time.

@AdrienBeatty Pack a cooler full of healthy food and lots of water.

@halfcrazymama Having a kitchen when traveling with picky eaters is great otherwise they will try to eat bread and french fries the whole time!

@CarolYemola I like to stay in efficiencies. We go to the grocer for food and cook some meals in our room.

@GoudaCheese007 We love to snack, so having healthy snacks are a must! We love making homemade granola!

@raisecuriousity Visit local farmers markets - fun and healthy

What are your secrets to switching from busy mom to relaxed vacation mom?

@CindyRichards When kids were little, we booked rooms w/ a balcony. Put kids to bed, took wine on "veranda" w/ hubby.

@Stacey5656 Just have fun...relax and take a breather :)

@madmomnotodrugs A cocktail sure doesn't hurt.

@StuffedSuitcase When I go to our 1st attraction, be it theme park or beach I get into vacay mom mode.

@AllishaGold My secrets are to make sure others are doing all the hard work :)

@GoudaCheese007 Make time for yourself and spoil yourself for once!

How do you accommodate everyone's wants on vacay? And try to maintain routines?

@Stacey5656 We really try not to overbook...and just enjoy our time on vacation.

@AllishaGold We try to compromise and get everyone's ideas as far as wants. Not much routine in our vacation though.

@raisecuriousity As lame as it sounds we try to maintain some basic sched. consistency (meals, breaks) Our kids are bonkers w/o routine.

@monlor Routines go out the window on vacay!

@ChristieLomb We make sure to do activities for each of our kids, my older kids are great about entertaining our toddler.

How do you get ME time on vacay?

@lovethatmouse Having separate space for husband and I to chill after kids are in bed is always great.

@EasyTravelMom I have the best hubby! We give each other ME time by taking kid elsewhere.

@primetimeparent Have husband watch the kids while I go for a spa mani pedi.

@heatheracts Spa day! I love getting in some pampering on vacation

@StuffedSuitcase Suites- Great for quality couple time on family vacations!

What's the best amenity a hotel can offer to help your family achieve balance?

@EverywhereAmy Necessary items in a hotel when I travel with family - breakfast, pool, wifi, airport transport.

@fce431 A pool, rooms with plenty of space, kitchen.

@StephLuvsDucks Breakfast, pool and a Keurig in the rooms!

@cangoninny Free breakfast and a coffee pot in the room!!

@bamagirlruns Best offer for family harmony?!? Free Coffee for Mom.

@halfcrazymama Mini fridge for sure! I can't believe some hotels still don't have it standard and you have to ask and than wait for it to get cold.

@michelle85022 I have got to say a free breakfast, that is a great start to everyones day, and a huge money saver.

*Note: Comments are sometimes edited for spelling (the vs teh due to fast Twitter fingers!) and for abbreviation that our non-Twitter bretheren may not understand (DH vs dear husband). They are not edited for content as we feel it is valuable for everyone's original thoughts to be heard.

Submit to DeliciousSubmit to DiggSubmit to FacebookSubmit to Google BookmarksSubmit to StumbleuponSubmit to TechnoratiSubmit to TwitterSubmit to LinkedIn

Twitter Party Recap: All Inclusive Vacations

Submit to DeliciousSubmit to DiggSubmit to FacebookSubmit to Google BookmarksSubmit to StumbleuponSubmit to TechnoratiSubmit to TwitterSubmit to LinkedIn
summer reading beachWe gathered to talk all-inclusive vacations on our April 29th Traveling Mom twitter party. Do they really save money? Do you love them? Do you hate them? And really- how is the food? Our fans answered this and more.

What's the best/worst thing about an all-inclusive resort?

Submit to DeliciousSubmit to DiggSubmit to FacebookSubmit to Google BookmarksSubmit to StumbleuponSubmit to TechnoratiSubmit to TwitterSubmit to LinkedIn

Read more...

Twitter Party Recap: Family Cars Chevy

Submit to DeliciousSubmit to DiggSubmit to FacebookSubmit to Google BookmarksSubmit to StumbleuponSubmit to TechnoratiSubmit to TwitterSubmit to LinkedIn

2013 Chevy TraverseOn 4/22 we gathered to talk Family Cars on a Chevy sponsored Twitter party. We covered features (loved and hated), puke, and road side attractions. Read on for tips and video recaps.

What do your kids love/hate about a car on a roadtrip?

@OhioCatfish They hate to be so close to their siblings in the car.

@go2kauai They get antsy when they sit too long. They love listening to their favorite songs and singing.

Submit to DeliciousSubmit to DiggSubmit to FacebookSubmit to Google BookmarksSubmit to StumbleuponSubmit to TechnoratiSubmit to TwitterSubmit to LinkedIn

Read more...

Disney With or Without Kids: Tips from Traveling Moms

Submit to DeliciousSubmit to DiggSubmit to FacebookSubmit to Google BookmarksSubmit to StumbleuponSubmit to TechnoratiSubmit to TwitterSubmit to LinkedIn
travelingmomsRecently our TMOM's gathered for a retreat. Sponsored by Disney, we stayed at the Yacht Club Resort and had time both in and out of the classroom. Training on all forms of social media took place, our continued growth and presence as a leader in the family travel industry was discussed, and best of all, courtesy of Disney, we all had time to enjoy the parks. We wrapped this up with a Twitter party on April 8th where we answered questions about all things Disney. Our fans also gave great tips about Disney.
Submit to DeliciousSubmit to DiggSubmit to FacebookSubmit to Google BookmarksSubmit to StumbleuponSubmit to TechnoratiSubmit to TwitterSubmit to LinkedIn

Read more...

Twitter Party Recap: Disney Travel Tips

Submit to DeliciousSubmit to DiggSubmit to FacebookSubmit to Google BookmarksSubmit to StumbleuponSubmit to TechnoratiSubmit to TwitterSubmit to LinkedIn
disney fireworksOn April 8th, we gathered to chat about Disney. We covered everything from trips with babies to adult only trips. Read on to see what our Twitter fans had to say about Disney travel.

What are your tips for taking a baby or toddler to Disney?

@Lsalisbury24 When you stay at WDW resort you get extended hours in the park which can equate to more nap time.

@runitbymom Stroller and plenty of food!

@elleinthecity Don't try to do it all. Make sure you have time to just relax and see Disney thru your kids eyes.

@2courtney Bring a baby carrier, utilize the Baby Care Centers, keep them hydrated and schedule downtime!

@bzzingmom A good stroller, plenty of snacks, a change of clothes, and a full sippy cup!

@LoveThatMouse Start early-hit the parks before the crowds. Take it slow. Return to the resort for a NAP!

@SocialSavvyMom My toddlers loved going to Disney World, even if they don't remember. We have such fun going through pics.


What are your tips for taking school-aged kids to Disney?

@WDWJill Use Youtube to preview more intense rides and talk about what will happen.

@blondefabulous -Have a game plan, but make sure there is some flexibility. You never know when your kid will change their mind!

@runningdisney Make sure you establish a plan so each one gets to do the attraction they want to. No one gets left out.

@jetsetfam Get there early in the a.m., pool it during the afternoon, & head back to the park around dinner time (no lines).

@DisneyinaTweet Remember that your kids can be early or late dayers...just plan your park visits according to THEIR strengths.

@StephenAlmberg We downloaded a copy of the Disney map and picked "safe" places to go if lost.

@EllieSiegel29 Definitely let the kids make some of the decisions and try some I'd the fun/education attractions at Animal Kingdom and Epcot.

@LaniMSays Make sure to pick a meeting place if anyone gets lost & remember that they get tired from all the walking so breaks are key.

@JacquiC13 Challenge kids to find a curriculum connection. My kids love to tell me how Disney links to their studies.


What are the best things to do with tweens or teens at Disney?

@runningdisney The more adventurous rides at Hollywood Studios are always a hit. Tower of Terror, Rock N Roller coaster, Star Tours.

@bzzingmom Have a plan on where to go if you get separated, and make sure cell phones are charged.

@mommy3sons Let them sleep in, go later and stay till the parks close.

@AdisneyFamly My tweens & teens went off together for the 1st time last year & had a blast, just being able to do what they wanted to do.


What's your favorite Disney food?

@nicbran74 The turkey legs.

@2Courtney The Mickey-shaped beignets at New Orleans Square. ALL beignets should be Mickey-shaped beignets ;)

@lovethatmouse Mickey bars!

@AspirantLiving Oh my gosh. My favorite Disney foods in until 140 characters? You must be joking.

@DisneyProLynn Dole Whip!!

@BzzingMom I love the DOLE pineapple floats!!! :)

@jspd OMG the DOLE pineapple floats in Magic Kingdom!! I would pay to get into Disney just to get those!

@blondefabulous DOLEWHIPS!!!!! OMG SO ADDICTING!

@HmschoolDisney Seasonal treats and carrot cake cookies sandwiches.


What are your tips for doing Disney with disabilities?

@bwillequer30 My mom has a disability and she goes with us. Be sure to bring a wheel chair and take lots of breaks. She still enjoys going.

@momochomperjail Always call ahead to see what types of accommodations there are and just have fun :)

@DisneyProLynn Ask for help if you need it! Disney cast members are the best & will always help!

@blondefabulous RESEARCH! Find out all info you need to navigate the parks easily. Also, ask cast members for help!

@runningdisney My sister in law is in a wheelchair and we find that cast members are so helpful. Don't be afraid to ask questions about procedure.

@AdisneyFamly Depends on disability, My Autism spectrum kids always did great w/ headphones or earplugs to help w/ the loud fireworks.

@HmSchoolDisney Best tips for disabilities. Set a pace that everyone will enjoy


What are the best things to do at Disney without kids?

@nycmartini Enjoy all the big kid rides.

@kjmaje I never had the opportunity to go without the kids!

@lovernsavers Stay in your hotel room and make out until it's time for fireworks.

@MaryBethBlanton This answer might involve the hotel too! No, I would say Roller coasters. My kid hates em!

@DisneyProLynn Best things to do at Disney w/out kids? Smile at all the people dealing with tantrums and meltdowns as you walk on by!

@kwilson887 Eat at a fancy restaurant like Blue Bayou

@runningdisney Eat at great more adult restaurants. Bluezoo, Albert and Victorias. California Grill. Brown Derby

@DisneyMom917 Without the kids, I spend more time enjoying the food, architecture & scenery.

*Note: Comments are sometimes edited for spelling (the vs teh due to fast Twitter fingers!) and for abbreviation that our non-Twitter bretheren may not understand (DH vs dear husband). They are not edited for content as we feel it is valuable for everyone's original thoughts to be heard.

Submit to DeliciousSubmit to DiggSubmit to FacebookSubmit to Google BookmarksSubmit to StumbleuponSubmit to TechnoratiSubmit to TwitterSubmit to LinkedIn