Author: Little Gulliver

Which Greek island?

Dee said: February 17th 2011 8:22 AM

We are wanting to go to greece in July with our 12 month old girl. Could you suggest the best islands with easy access to beautiful beaches. Want to stay somewhere nice and like the idea of catching those big ferries. Would like to do lefkhada area as its beautiful. Also thinking of Santorini or folegandros if possible.

let me know what you think

thank you

Donna @ Travel Toddler said: February 17th 2011 9:47 PM

Hello Dee,

Sounds lovely! It will be a wonderful area to see and at 12 months old, your daughter may still be able to have some naps in her stroller while you enjoy the sights. And it looks like there will be plenty to wear her out! I like the thought of the easy packing too, just some summer outfits should do it.

You’re right – the Lefkada Island looks beautiful and as it is so close to the mainland, you could then venture out to islands, further away, without too much extra travel. There is some handy information on the area and different beaches here. I’ve also included a You Tube clip, its fairly long – but the views and the music will certainly get you in the mood while you plan your holiday!

I haven’t been to Greece (sadly with or without kids) but the Little Nomads team have put together a comprehensive section on ‘Greece With Kids‘ which I think you will find useful. (Just keep in mind it is Canadian/American based, so travel times etc will be based on their location). I also checked my well thumbed through copy of William Grey’s ‘Travel with Kids’. He suggests that the Cyclades “are well suited to island hopping by ferry cruise ship or chartered yacht.” Since Santorini is one of the 39 islands that make up this area, it may be a good place for your ferry ride.

I also love this thread from Lonely Planet, its from 2007, but does have some great detail on Folegandros with a Toddler you might find useful. Seems like you may need to stock up on nappies on the mainland, but perhaps its changed since then.

The only thing I wondered about is the timing. You mentioned July and there are some suggestions that the more popular islands are particularly busy in July and August. This is worth checking worth your travel professional for advice if it is a concern.

I’d love to hear how your planning goes and see some photos once you’re back. Enjoy!

Regards,

Donna

Family Holidays to Disneyland

Taking the family to Disneyland is a fabulous holiday idea – it is the ultimate holiday destination for the young and young at heart and is the sparkling centrepiece in the Walt Disney crown. For a completely magical holiday adventure stay at one of the three accommodation options within the Disneyland resort where the fun is at your doorstep; or choose to stay at one of the Disney good neighbour hotels that are within close proximity to the parks.

There are two Disney parks to visit within the Disneyland family – Disneyland Park and Disneyland California Adventure Park. There is also the Disney Downtown district – a unique promenade that lies adjacent to the Disney hotels and features dining, shopping and entertainment options.

Disneyland Park has attractions for everyone, starting with the famous Disney characters that the little ones will love. Take them on a magical journey with an Alice in Wonderland adventure that will see you following the white rabbit into the enchanted world of Alice and all of the wonderland characters like Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts.

For the older children and adults alike there’s a plethora of famous rides and attractions to keep you entertained including the Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain, the Matterhorn Bobsled Ride and the Pirates of the Caribbean to name a few.

Disneyland California Park is equally as exciting, smaller children will love walking the streets of

Monstropolis on the Monsters Inc attraction or playing games with Woody and Buzz on Toy Story Mania. Pick up the pace with a hair raising plunge down the Twilight Zone’s Tower of Terror or if you dare, hop aboard the California Screamin’ coaster, where you will climb 120 feet before plummeting down again at a speed of 88km per hour!

And there’s no need to stand in long queues either, ask about the ‘Magic Morning Early Admission’ and the Disney FASTPASS.

A day in Hong Kong with kids

Hong Kong is one of the most exciting family holiday destinations in Asia with plenty of fun things to do that will keep the kids entertained, along with plenty of cheap holiday accommodation to be found. Hong Kong is also a popular stopover destination so here is a list of some of the most popular attractions that can easily be done in a day:

Hong Kong Disneyland:

This much loved theme park will be a winner with family members of all ages. Visit all four themed lands

 within the park including Main Street USA, Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland. The little ones will love the singing and dancing characters of the Disney on Parade and the older kids in the family will be thrilled by Space Mountain and the nightly fireworks display.

Ocean Park:

A local favourite, Ocean Park is one of the largest aquariums and marine parks in South-East Asia. Hop aboard the Ocean Express for an aquatic journey like no other, or feel the thrill of nature up close when you hug a dolphin on the Dolphin Encounter Program.  Learn about amazing Asian animals and enjoy an unforgettable underwater experience with attractions such as Atoll Reef, Pacific Pier and Sea Jelly Spectacular.

Victoria Harbour:

There’s heaps to see and do here- start by strolling down the avenue of stars where you will see handprints of famous Asian movie stars such as Jackie Chan and Jett Li, next hop aboard the Star Ferry for a trip between the Hong Kong main island and Kowloon to be treated to an amazing view of the harbour, the junks, hydrofoils, sampans and barges.

By night be sure to catch the famous ‘Symphony of Lights’ a light and laser spectacular featuring more than forty of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers in a visual extravaganza.

Fun Food

Take the family to one of the many Dum Sum restaurants in Hong Kong, they are fun, family orientated places to eat that are busy, noisy and open all hours.

As seen in ‘Woman’s Day’ Magazine

Great to see our Bugzz Poncho’s listed on page 81’s “Top of the Class – Study essentials get funky’. We think they’re great for travel too! See Little Gulliver’s Clothing – Bugzz Poncho’s category for more information.

Woman’s Day magazine January 17, 2011

As seen in ‘Out & About with Kids’ Magazine

If you’re flicking through the current Issue 27 Summer 2011 issue of ‘Out & About with Kids’ magazine you might notice the Potette Plus.

Whats hot for baby, page 25 ‘This portable potty and toilet trainer seat in one is perfect for assisting children with toilet training at home or on-the-go. The full size folding potty comes in a hygienic carry bag with super absorbent lines that can simply be tied up after use and thrown away allowing you to keep your routine, where-ever you are.’

The Potette Plus is a unique product, allowing for ease of use and clean up. Available now at Little Gulliver. RRP $19.95 (includes 2 liners and a carry bag). Don’t forget to grab a handy extra pack of liners while you’re there!

While this mag is always a good read for parents keen to get away, this edition has an Out & About with baby feature, including an informative article ‘Have Toddlers will Travel’.

As seen in ‘Disney Family Fun’ magazine

If you’re flicking through the Summer 2010/11 issue of ‘Disney Family Fun’ magazine you might notice some of our popular products…

* A + Accessories – page 88 Disney Pencil cases. See our ‘Draw and Colour’ category here.

* Eat Street – page 88 Cheeki stainless steel drink bottles. See our ‘Mealtime’ category here.

 

Both practical and the great prices make them popular with parents and kids alike!

Compact travel bed

Karon said: January 7th 2011 3:58 PM

Hi Can you tell me is there anywhere in australia that sells a toddler travel n trundle or similar? we have 3 months overseas for our 4yr old and these roll up like  a sleeping bag compact for travel

thanks

Donna @ Travel Toddler said: January 9th 2011 3:54 PM

Hi Karon,

I haven’t seen the ‘Toddler Travel n Trundle’ available in Australia – they do look great though.

Other products to consider could be;

regalo travel bed

KinderKot – they are recommended up to 4 years, so check whether it may suit size-wise, you may be on the upper limits. It has a self inflating mattress, so seems quite comfortable. The only negative feedback I have heard on these is they can be complex to pack up – but I imagine you could get quite good at it after a few months! I like the idea of this if the child may be sharing a bedroom with you, the cover sort of creates some privacy. But for the same reason, a four year old may not like the cover and feel a little squashed or closed in?

Kindy Kamper – They have a new ‘Kindy Kamper Traveller’, which suits up to 5 years. I have heard good things about these, but haven’t seen one myself.

Regalo Portable Child Bed – This folds up quite small and light, you could team it with a sleeping bag etc. It suits up to a 6 year old and comes with a fitted sheet and travel bag. If you are interested in this one, let me know as I am looking to stock them at Little Gulliver.

Aerobed Sleepover – This inflatable bed rolls up into a backpack and comes with its own pump. We have a bigger size and find them great. Just make sure it isn’t “played” on and take a repair kit. We use a pool repair kit on ours – we have repaired it once (near the valve) and have had no more trouble.

the shrunks inflatable bed rail

Dream Tubes – these are ‘blow up’ bed rails, which you could use of your child was in their own bed during the trip. At 4 your child may be in a single bed at home anyway (and be used to the height of the bed and not likely to fall out), but these may be handy on the road if you are using a junior bed at home.

I haven’t used any of these products myself, but certainly they are all worth a look. I hope you find the information useful and have a wonderful time overseas! Apologies for my delay in replying, we’re just getting back on board after the Christmas / New Year break.

Also, I’d love to hear what you end up deciding on and how the trip goes! It’s so easy to be jealous in this job…

Regards,

Donna

15 Gift Ideas from Little Gulliver

Stuff It Christmas Stocking

Ben has put together a category of gift ideas. They are some of our most popular items, many of them great everyday items to use at home or on the road. There are things here to suit ever member of the family – from mum and dad right down to baby!

1. Aquadoodle Travel n Doodle – great drawing mat, no mess, just add water.

2. Banz ‘Retro’ sunglasses – fashion and function, maximum UV protection, unique strap.

3. GAIA Baby Bath Time Fun Pack – body wash, shampoo, face washer and rubber ducky!

4. Little Beetle Backpack – the best backpacks I’ve seen – drinkbottle, plenty of pockets and great quality.

5. The original Stuff It carry bag – folds out to a sturdy carry bag and folds back inside itself.

6. Stuff It Retro Tote – an extra large tote, with a hidden expansion pocket.

7. Zoobie Pets – they’re a soft toy and a pillow, which fold out to a cuddly blanket. Perfect for long haul.

8. Stuff It Christmas Stocking – a huge stocking which folds up small, great to throw in the suitcase.

9. Banz Swim Goggles – same great banz quality.

10. Play Doh Squish and Stamp Scenes playset – I love this! Crayons, stampers, activity mats + Play Doh!

11. Leapfrog Scribble & Write – LED learning and games in an all in one electronic activity.

12. Artist backpack/harness – small, comfy backpack, with harness, whiteboard and markers in one!

13. Banz hats – great for swimming, they dry quickly and have UVF 50+ and adjustable sizing.

14. Cheeki stainless steel drink bottle – great size, price, quality and designs.

15. Cheeki drink bottle Insulated Pouch – insulates your Cheeki drink bottle and adds a handy clip.

 

Just a reminder, last day for Little Gulliver pre-Christmas post is Wednesday 22nd December 2010.

 

We post twice daily – please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about any of our products. We are always happy to help!

 

Christmas colouring!

If you’re needing some time to do some kid-free Christmas preparation, why not get the kids colouring? We set them up outside with some water colours, paintbrushes and some Christmas colouring pages. It went remarkably well with our 3 and 4 year old. They didn’t even want to stop for lunch! But best of all – there were no arguments! The water colours are easy to use and surprisingly muck-free.

When the paintings are dry we think they’ll make great presents for family, rolled up with a ribbon. They would also make nice wrapping paper or cards. Best of all, they will make some great print outs to take on the road these holidays, just add crayons…Christmas colouring pages here. Crayons and other travel activities available at Little Gulliver here.