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Christmas markets cruise for kids?

Andrea said: July 17 2011 4:55 PM

Christkindl Markt

Just wondering if you know of any cruise lines in Europe that do the Christmas Markets and will take children aged from 2 and 3 quarters to 8?

Thanks

Andrea

Donna @ Little Gulliver said: July 22 2011 4:29 PM

Hi Andrea,

its lovely to hear from you again. We hope your last European trip went well and are really pleased to see you’re planning another (also a little envious)!

The Christmas markets sound like a ‘must do’ activity for the bucket list and I think experiencing this when the kids are young sounds like lots of fun. However, I’m unsure of a specific cruise line to recommend.

History of the Christmas Markets

For those of us who know little of the Christmas markets, I’ll give a brief rundown of their background…The Christmas markets are a tradition believed to have

started in Germany in 1434 and are now held all over Europe. There are genuine market stalls where visitors can search for handcrafted gifts while soaking up the Christmas traditions (such as Santa, nativity scenes and carolling). And for us in the southern hemisphere it is a way of experiencing the best of a European winter Christmas.

I love the tradition of the Christmas markets and it seems those in Germany may be the best to check out, with Nuremberg being the most famous. They run from late November to the third week of December or later, depending on the location. Another thing about sticking to a German cruise is that you may be able to select a shorter option (and can make an exit if it isn’t suiting the kids) while still able to see the ‘best of the best.’ Some families prefer a longer cruise and incorporate sight-seeing with the Christmas markets. Parents report they are able to have some adult time on shore, while leaving the kids in the care of experienced workers.

Cruises for Families

I would suggest checking the Cruises for families website (type in destination Europe, date November or December 2011) and have a look at the types of cruises it suggests. It will allow you to get a feel of your ‘ideal’ Christmas markets family cruise. If you find one you really like, it is then a matter of tracking down this or a similar through a local (Australian) agent ot tour operator. (Generally you cannot book with an overseas operator. Australian cruise enthusiasts are constantly unhappy that this invariably means paying more for the same cruise than our European counterparts).

Further Reading

Europes best Christmas markets

Taking teens to the Christmas markets

Christmas market cruises

Christmas market tour search

Australian Operator

http://www.globaljourneys.com/river_cruises/europe/europe/uniworld/uniccm.php

I hope you find this information useful. Let us know how you go, I’ve loved reading about these cruises and would love to go on one!

Thanks again for contacting us and sorry we can’t be of more help.

Kind regards,

Donna

Kids are free!

We’re loving the news from Zoos Victoria!

http://www.zoo.org.au/Zoo-News/Kids-Are-Free

Dad’s Malaysian trip with his 16 month old daughter

I am stressing out mainly over checking in, going through customs and boarding the aircraft. As I figure it, I will be trying to man handle an active child (who only knows how to run and not walk), large suitcase and carry on luggage. I am not sure whether my daughter should be sedated or me? I am flying from Brisbane with Malaysian airlines.

I have read your top ten tips and, although helpful I was hoping for something a little more specific to my circumstances.

Donna @ Little Gulliver said: June 8 2011 5:33 PM

Hi Gavin,

thanks for your question. It is understandable that travelling with the little one can seem a bit daunting, especially doing it on your own for the first time. There are a few things that you can think about which may help make things easier. Check out our business www.LittleGulliver.com.au we may have some products of interest to you…travelling with our first born is how the business came about.

Check in

Try to think of it as a holiday, even the airport! If you’re checking in on your own, consider hiring a trolley from outside the airport. That way you can have all your gear on it and a spare hand for the little one prior to check in. If you have some close friend or family who’s happy to help – bring them along to the airport. They could be an extra hand, up to the International Gate at least (and probably wouldn’t mind at all)!

Airport

Consider use of a harness. For a 16 month old a 2-in-1 Harness Buddy could be a good option – as it’s cute, cuddly and has a harness for a tail!
Also look at a popular backpack stroller called a ‘quicksmart’ it folds up small enough to go in the overhead locker on planes, so may help you move the child through the airport and allow for a nap etc if neccessary. It might be handy too at your destination.
Another option could be a baby carrier, this keeps the baby close while you have your hands free. Only thought here is, that your daughter may be starting to be a bit heavy and you’ve mentioned she’s really active…

Activities

Look at things you will both be enthusiastic about during the trip. Would you like to do some colouring together or reading? For this age group, maybe consider things to chew and feel and maybe a board book. A favourite story book? A teddy? A Car? I really like the ‘chubbies’ range for smaller kids as they’re big and robust. Some might like a new cuddly toy with different textures they can touch. Don’t forget the simple things, singing ‘Twinkle Twinkle’ (you don’t have to belt it out –

maybe just sing it quietly in her ear), playing peek a boo, tickling – things you know she enjoys. Doodle Pro’s are really popular. And I think I’ve mentioned (in an earlier post) one time where my daughter and I spent a long time taking her shoes and socs on and off!

Eating

Consider if your child has any food requirements. It can be good to take more snacks than you think you might need. I have had experiences where we have been stuck on the tarmac or unable to land and had run out of food! At 16 months, those squeezIe fruit and vegetable packs are great (such as Rafferty’s Garden). Bananas and rusks are great. Does she have a favourite bakery item? Will you need bottles? Also, look at our Drop Buddy, Groovy Gripper and Disposable Bibs. See our mealtime category.

Nappies

Our range of ‘Diaper Buds’ have been hugely popular. Each nappy is vacuum sealed so it takes up less space – great for travel (you can fit 3 Diaper Buds in the space of 1 normal nappy).

Sleeping.

Think about something cute like a Zoobie, its a soft cuddly toy which opens up to reveal a pillow and a blanket – all in one. Think about a neck roll (the monkey animal neck rolls are really cute). Also, do you have bedding organised at the other end? Can you hire a cot?

Seating

At this age your child is likely to be over 10 kilos. You could consider a CARES harness if you have booked or are allocated your own seat. While the CARES is great for safety, (protecting the child’s upper torso, much like a car seat does in cars) – it does add the bonus of being difficult for a child to undo. Airline seat belts are, as you know, childs play to unbuckle! Also, I like to sit near the aisle, its easier to get in and out for the inevitable nappy changes. If you get 2 seats, I prefer the child in the middle, as on the aisle their heads, hands and feet are prone to hanging out and getting knocked by other passengers and trolleys.

On board

Don’t hesitate to contact your airline if you have any questions about onboard facilities. (Don’t expect great answers though, sometimes it pays to ring a few times). If you haven’t already looked the Malaysian Airlines flying with children section (kids corner) it’s here. If you know which aircraft you will be flying on check www.seatguru.com, you may like to be near toilets with change tables or located in a particular part of the aircraft.

Other blogs say…

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=548067

http://parents.berkeley.edu/advice/going/long-flights.html

Anyway, these are just a few ideas. I think its good that you are thinking about it now, but once you leave, just relax and enjoy. Ask for and accept help when you are comfortable doing so, watch a movie, cuddle and do some people watching. Most of all I hope the 2 of you enjoy some great daughter and dad time!

Also, let me know if you have any other thoughts and enjoy the trip!

Regards,

Donna

Stroller to the gate?

CHIKO said: May 22nd 2011 1:13 AM
I am going overseas with my two kids (1y.o and 3y.o). I know that most international flight allows you to use umbrella type stroller right up to the gate but not on domestic flights. Unfortunately, our domestic transfer flight is departing on 06:20AM so we have to be at airport around 3:00am. I guess I definitely need one.

I just noticed you mentioned about quicksmart stroller on your blog and am wondering if that size of stroller( briefcase size one) can go on board as a hand luggage. I am flying with Jetstar(domestic transfer and international flight. Melbourne-Goldcoast then to Japan).

It would be much appreciated if you could advise me.

Thank you!

Donna @ Travel Toddler said: May 24th 2011 12:48 PM

Strollers on planes, I wish it was so much less confusing!

According to the Jetstar website “a collapsible stroller is great for speedy flight transfers, an impromptu snooze and also serves as a baby seat in restaurants, and you can take it on-board Jetstar A330 flights if it’s compact enough. It must be under 100x25x23cm.” This rules out the Easyfold/Briefcase Quicksmart, even though it is way under a metre, it is wider and therefore doesn’t fit their criteria. And besides that, this only applies to the A330, which you may not be on for the domestic flight.

Looking at this stroller as domestic carry on baggage, it is still too wide to comply. Check here for more information on Strollers on Jetstar.

However, there is another option! Customers have told me they love the Back Pack style Quicksmart. They have used this in the overhead luggage compartments with no problem. I don’t have the exact dimensions of it folded (update: approx Backpack length 58cm, width 34cm, bottom depth 25cm, top depth 15cm – backpack narrows at the top), but it does appear to fit the Jetstar criteria. I also suggest that you keep the bag handy at check in – that way you can show how small it folds and won’t be forced to check it in! Here’s some reviews.

One more thing I’ll mention about the Quicksmart…we LOVE ours (as you mentioned, we have the Easyfold/Briefcase style) and use it every time we travel. However, two things; 1st have a good practise with the folding and unfolding before you travel. (In my baby brain days I found it REALLY confusing). And 2nd; don’t expect it to be as comfortable as your regular stroller, it won’t be. But as a handy travel companion – we love ours and couldn’t have done without it!

Thanks for your question, I hope the trip goes well. I’d love to hear what you decide.

Regards,

Donna

Diaper Buds; space saving, full sized nappies!

All sizes of Diaper Buds now available at Little Gulliver.

Diaper Buds are tiny!: Diaper Buds are tiny!

Always looking to make travelling with kids easier, we were thrilled to welcome ‘Diaper Buds‘ into our range.

They are an individually wrapped nappy that has been vacuum-packed to make them more compact! In fact, the overall size is decreased by 70%, making them perfect for long haul flights – more room in your carry on luggage and less chance of running out. Three Buds fit in the place of one nappy and are kept clean and fresh until you open the package. Then they ‘bloom’ into a full size super absorbent nappy!

About Diaper Buds

comparable to any leading nappy on the market today
easy to open, don’t leak, have a wide, soft-stretch waist, secure-grip stretch tabs and ultra-soft cover.
dermatologist tested for sensitive skin, fragrance and chemical free and that the packaging is recyclable.

“Fits in your purse, bag or pocket”

Available now at Little Gulliver.

Family-friendly accommodation in Sydney

Fabiana said: February 3rd 2011 9:59 PM

I am looking for a place to stay 4 nights with an 18 months old. Any tips of where in Sidney.

Donna @ Travel Toddler said: April 15th 2011 4:29 PM

Fabiana, sincere apologies that your email was missed! (We receive a lot of spam and your email got mixed up). I love Sydney and am happy to share a few thoughts…

For a short time in Sydney, definitely stay somewhere around the harbour, budget permitting. This will give you great access to most tourist destinations. I have always wanted to stay at the Park Hyatt myself, (hopefully soon)! Other popular spots to stay and visit include Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and The Rocks. Also, at 18 months, a lovely day out for your child could be a visit to Taronga Zoo and catching a ferry there is lots of fun. The views are magnificent! (Mind, the zoo is rather hilly, so a stroller may be rather handy for tired little legs). And of course you can’t miss the Harbour Bridge and Opera House!

For some extra information, including great sightseeing and accommodation tips, visit Sydney.com and Australia.com/Sydney.

Let me know if we can help you at all at Little Gulliver.

Thank you for your query and enjoy Sydney!

Regards,

Donna

Tips for a great family holiday

Taking the whole family on holiday can be an expensive exercise, but knowing the tricks to finding cheap hotel deals can make a family holiday much more affordable. Check out discount voucher deals and last minute accommodation deals on the internet. If you book your accommodation less than 14 days before you depart you’ll find some amazing savings.

beach 2 plus 1 Another way to save on accommodation for your family holiday is to travel in the off-season at your destination. Resorts in Bali and Thailand, for instance, can be spectacularly cheaper outside of peak tourist seasons. You’ll also find great deals on flights and package holidays outside of peak seasons and in some places, even tours and shopping will be cheaper.

If you have small children look out for good deals on self-catering apartments, holiday rentals and resorts with kid-friendly activities. These keep the little ones amused, while you have some adult time to kick back and relax!

Choose a destination that all the family can enjoy, with activities suited to your children’s age group. Small children may be happy to just play in the sand on the beach and maybe visit a zoo or aquarium, while older children may want to meet other children their own age and have plenty of places to see and things to do.

If eating out is expensive in your destination, self-catering accommodation is a great option. This can save money, as you can prepare most of your own meals and can then dine out occasionally as a special treat.

Also, look out for good deals on tours and family passes. On Queensland’s Gold Coast, for instance, there are special deals on passes to all the famous theme parks.

With careful planning and finding the best cheap Brisbane hotels, an affordable, fun holiday for all the family is waiting for you!

Use of the Infant Lap Belt

Check this great post on Amelia Kelly’s blog, Tray Table. She does a great explanation of the “supplementary loop belt” in her post “Babies on the Plane”. This is the lap belt which fixes onto the adults seat belt, it is for infants to age 2 without their own seat, on planes in Australia.

Babies on the Plane

Amelia is an Australian flight attendant for an international airline and wrote this great post in January 2010. If you’ve never flown with a baby before or are uncertain of the regulations relating to restraints for children on board Australian aircraft, this post is certainly worth a look.

Carrot (Easter) Biscuits

Great news! The Easter Bunny LOVES carrot biscuits!

All the way from Easter Island, we have managed to source this great bikkie recipe. Its a great way to eat some extra carrots (in disguise) and a great school holiday activity. We’re going to leave some out for the Easter Bunny the night before Easter Sunday.

Make them at home, they’re easy and turn out great. Here’s how;
1) Cream 100g soft butter with 1/2 cup sugar (I used raw for the flavour) until pale and a little smooth.

2) Grate 3 medium carrots into the mix (I washed, but didn’t peel) or about 1 cup.

3) Add 1 large egg and stir.

4) Add 2 cups SR flour, stir until mixed.

5) Add 1/4 cup golden syrup and 1/4 cup craisins (you could use brown sugar and raisins, sultanas, chopped dates, even rolled oats if you have those).

6) Once combined, drop teaspoonful’s onto a baking paper lined biscuit tray.

7) Bake for 12 – 15 mins at 180oc (fan forced) oven, cool on the tray.

Makes 36.

Verdict – these are yummy and easy to prepare. They cook well and don’t spread all over your baking tray. I modified this recipe (from one which originally had copha and 1 1/2 cups sugar)…my version is sweet enough! I’m going to try them next with wholemeal flour. Also, they’re quite a soft biscuit so may work well as a slice.

And don’t forget – the Easter Bunny loves them!

Ahhh Mary Poppins!

While I don’t have strong childhood memories of the classic Disney movie ‘Mary Poppins’ I have often longed for her arrival at my home over the past few years!

But, during our last library trip (bless you librarian folk for tolerating us once a week), there it was! The Mary Poppins DVD, on the shelf, ready to borrow. And with our forthcoming staycation I thought it was just the thing for some ‘good ol’ family entertainment’ (ha, don’t get to write that much)! So off Mary went into our library bag for a rainy day.

If you’re not familiar with it, here’s some quick stats; released in 1964, directed by Robert Stevenson. Starring Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke and Glynis Johns. And the storyline? A magic nanny comes to work for a cold banker’s unhappy family. Of course they’re not unhappy for long and soon us older folk are singing along to familiar songs such as A Spoonful of Sugar, Step in Time, Chim Chim Cheree and of course, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious…

And the verdict? We loved it! It was a great show for the younger ones (ours being 2, 3 & 4) each enjoyed it enormously. And as I didn’t really recall the storyline it was a journey for each of us…the Carousel ride, the ships Admiral (and his cannon) and the delightful Mary Poppins herself with her carpetbag full of goodies. What a wonderful voice Julie Andrews has and Dick Van Dykes dancing…we need a chimney sweep like that (not to mention the maid and the cook). If only we really could have a tea party on the roof…our kids have already asked to have one!

So, this staycation I recommend a revisit with ‘Mary Poppins’ for pre-schoolers or other young kids. Perfect for a lazy family afternoon or Saturday night special. We’re going to grab a copy to keep at home for next time.