Traveling with children Tips 101

Here are some handy tips when travelling with children:

1 - Always pack thongs (that's slippers in Australia!). You can never be sure of the hotel's dodgy carpets.

2 - Bring (children's) medicines such as Paracetamol, nasal sprays, immodium and any other emergency supply. I can never emphasize the importance of multiple barf bags!

3 - Always research what prepaid SIM card you will get. Especially if you plan to use your mobile phone's navigation app. Unfortunately, the Americans do not have any SIM card kits if you have your own phone (like the one we get from Woolworths). They normally offer a phone plan with all their products. We purchased an O2 Wireless Universal SIM card from BEST BUY, only to find out that it does not carry any data services. I rang T-Mobile and explained our requirements (2 weeks usage only). They kindly arranged a monthly plan that do not charge any termination fees once we leave the country (make sure your credit card will not get charged!). Ensure it allows for unlimited internet access.

4 - DO NOT PRE-BOOK EVERYTHING IN YOUR ITINERARY! Remember that your itinerary is merely a guide. Kids get sick all the time. You will be wasting money if you cannot make it to a pre-booked event! Additionally, i found that most hotels have vouchers in the lobby. You can save at least $10 per head even for online bookings. Remember how American websites always ask for coupon numbers when you are booking online? These coupon numbers can be Googled! I only found out 5 days into our travel ... you in the meantime can take advantage of this tip!

5 - Always bring swimmers (aka swim suits) and goggles. There are wet rides in theme parks. You will also want to have some downtime by just enjoying your resorts facilities such as pool, tennis courts etc.

Day 2 - Premium Outlet Shopping

Itinerary - Carlsbad Premium Outlet

The next day, Gab was feeling a whole lot better (thank god!). He managed to hold down a slice of toast and an egg. I forewarned him that this day was dedicated to "serious" shopping. Therefore, no complaints and no whining allowed.

It was a Sunday and the Carlsbad Shopping Outlet was packed. If you are in America, take the time to include a one day trip to the closest premium outlet. The kids have their fun, mums should have theirs too!

Where in the world can you find BASS boots selling for "buy one pair, take two pairs"?! It's a no-brainer, I immediately went and secured my three pairs! Skechers shoes selling for a song, bargains everywhere ...

Lunch was at Rubys Diner. The lovely Amethyst served us well. Not knowing the place, I asked her for her favorite dish. True enough, the Super Burger (with a slice of avocado. Ask for the ricotta cheese as a side.) was lovely! Get the onion rings too while you're at it.

Day 1 - Semi Legoland

Original itinerary: Legoland from 10am to 2pm; and again from 6pm to 9pm for an evening event

Revised itinerary: stay in hotel all day, Legoland from 7:30pm to 9pm

We were closely monitoring Gab's health so we decided against any activities for the day. We all woke up at around 11am the next day. A first for me! The last time I woke so late was 'before kids'.

Gab was very weak. So i sent Gambit to firstly collect our car hire from Enterprise, then proceed to pick up food essentials at a grocery called Ralph's. Of course, I researched the address beforehand. We had all the addresses stored in Gambit's Nokia Navigator including the car rental location. All he had to do was trust his GPS and get his head around to driving at the 'right' side of the road (once again). It is Gambit's first trip to America, and so very out of his comfort zone. Not to mention a sick kid to tend to. Kudos to my partner, he managed to come back in one piece and with an armful of groceries.

Gab managed to eat a couple of toast slices and some gatorade for rehydration. Gradually, he regained his strength. He would not give up on going to Legoland on our first day in America (that's how the Aussies call USA. It's America, not the US). I told him to convince his dad that he is indeed well enough to go to Legoland. So at 7pm, we spontanouesly made the trip with a semi sick child!

After all, this is their holiday!

Day 0 - Arriving at LAX

My heart skipped a bit when we touched down at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Gab was more animated! But Migo was quite upset with all the noise and plane vibrations. He kept complaining about his ears hurting. I gave him a couple of lollies/snakes so he can clear his eardrums while chewing. He kept yelling: "Stop the plane!" I could only hold his hands ... the poor boy.

Even with all the dra

ma, the three ladies seating behind us complimented me about how well behaved the boys were! If only they knew what went on ... perhaps it is better that they don't.

ANGELS ARE EVERYWHERE!

We cleared immigration and customs with no drama. But those queues are unbelievably slow! It aggravates the nerves of someone who's had no sleep.

It is a good idea to grab dinner at any of the shops inside or outside the airport. Having arrived at 4pm, I expected to be at the hotel at 7pm at the earliest. According to Google, our accomodation was 1.5 hours away, however, we were in the middle of a Los Angeles Friday rush hour. After buying a box of Cinnabons (yum!) and 4 hotdog sandwiches, we made a beeline for the taxi rank. The first angel was a female Hispanic volunteer who asked if we had any transportation. She commented that a taxi will most likely charge over US$200 for a trip to Oceanside. She suggested that we go take the Ride-share mini vans instead. We probably saved at least US$50 from that advise. We gladly gave her a AU$10 note for her valuable advise. I know, I should have given more!

The second unnamed angel was our African-American van driver who charged our party of four US$150. Although we arrived at the hotel at 8pm, having two other groups being dropped in various locations along the way, the driver regaled us with local stories. He made a very entertaining tour guide.

The goodness of these two ordinary folks eased the strain of our flight.

HOTEL#1 - WORLDMARK by WYNDHAM, Oceanside, CA (stay 7 nights)

This serviced apartment was part of the Interval Exchange group of which my mother was a member of as part of her Accor Club Membership.

During my research, there were better known hotels at Laguna Beach, Newport Beach and Carlsbad that I considered. I chose Worldmark for its location (15 mins. to Legoland) and because it had a murphy bed for the boys. This is a bed that is hidden against the wall when not in use. So my husband and I have privacy and the boys have the entire living room to themselves.

The 1 bed apartment was clean, the kitchen was self contained, there was a laundry/dryer, and we had a large balcony with a BBQ grill. There was even a coffee maker, hurray! Our 2nd level apartment looked out into the tennis court, basketball court and a partial view of the pool. Lots of apartments dot the distance, all overlooking the ocean. I knew that behind the train tracks lies the ocean. Yes, trains pass by every half hour or so. This may be bothersome to other folks, but Migo enjoyed watching every train that passes. Our last day at this resort is a beach day. I can't wait!

There was no restaurant on site, so the takeaway food (or the "to go" food as Americans would say) saved us from imminent hunger.

Other hotel details: internet computer with printer was available at the lobby; internet was available inside the room for a small fee of US$15 per 10 days; unit supplies can be replenished anytime saving me from buying laundry and dishwasher detergents. Oh and it includes supply of the coffee beans. Little joys.

Come undone!

Even the best planning comes undone when kids are involved, big and small (sigh!).

Based on previous holiday experience, my children (well just one child in particular) get sick towards the last days of travel. Gab had an ear infection two days before we were scheduled to travel home from the Gold Coast to Sydney. During an overseas trip to Manila, Gab suffered gastroenteritis, again, two days before the trip home.

Hence, I made sure we do Legoland (the kids' highlight, it's not Disney) in the first leg of our journey. Mummy was feeling very smart about this.

Surprise, surprise ... Gab became ill even before we boarded the plane!

We did have comprehensive Travel Insurance so I was not worried in that regard. I prayed hard that we did not have to see any doctor!

The longest twelve hours of my life.

The pilot said we were traveling for 12 hours!

Gab complained of stomach pain, was listless, and was whinging. At some stage, he 'sharted' on his undies. Fortunately, there was no queue at the toilets. We packed overnight clothes in our handcarry such that Gab was able to make a change of underwear.

The B777 had three three-seater segments in each row. So I sat with the children while Gambit sat at the other aisle seat next to mine. Once we were on air, I decided to give up my seat so Gab can sleep on at least two seats. Gambit went and found an empty seat while I took his.

Airline crew are not prepared for children falling ill (or anyone for that matter). They did not have any hot water bottle. So I just used the drinking bottle and filled it up with cold and hot water (pure hot water will melt the plastic). This helped ease Gab's pain a bit. He slept most of the way, thank god. I however was too worried to get even a nap. Bless Migo for taking everything in stride (the trip, the sick brother who was sleeping almost on his lap!). Migo managed to sleep sitting upright.