by April and Sunny
Packing for one can be stressful enough, but add a kid to the mix and it can be enough to lose your mind. Looks and Leaps to the rescue! Here are a few packing Do’s and Don’ts to avoid any “Doh’s!” while traveling with little ones.
by April
There’s no other city I visit as often as Washington DC and for the past few years my son, “J”, and I have traveled to our nation’s capital each spring. His first visit was at 5 years old so there’s no surprise he considers it his “home away from home”. There are no shortage of travel guides for families visiting DC, but since we travel to DC so often, we’ve been able to enjoy the must-sees like the Smithsonian Museums but we’ve also had the chance to get off the beaten path and discover some fun and kid-friendly places. I recently sat down with my now 9 year old son and as we reminisced about our past trips to DC he pointed out the things that really stood out to him along the way. Here are some notes from 5 years of travel to Washington DC from a kids’ perspective. In other words, things that make DC FUN!
While sightseeing on the National Mall take a break to ride the carousel!
Please welcome my guest Disney Side blogger: my mom, Cindy! She has an inspiring Disney Side story and outfit to share with you. Enjoy! ~Sunny
by Cindy
Well, when I was little, there were only three Disney princesses I remember: Snow White, Cinderella, and Aurora. I didn’t have long blonde hair like Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty, but I could relate to Snow White’s short dark hair. So I have stuck with her all these years as my favorite Disney princess. Another thing I have in common with Snow White is that I have found my prince and have lived happily ever after! Continue reading
by Joe
Travel when I was young was much different from travel as I got older. Certainly most people would say the experience of travel changes for us as we mature. In addition to that, and more importantly for me, the feelings, reflections, and the thoughts that are provoked have changed immensely. I suspect this may be somewhat common to us all but I’m not sure if it’s the same for each one of us. I still enjoy travel on all the basic levels such as the excitement, joy, curiosity, and happiness felt at seeing new places and people for the first time. Even returning to places and events that I go to more than once, but only once in awhile, does the same thing. But I started to notice in my early adult life, (late teens, and early twenties) that travel also awakened in me a new access to ideas, contemplation, and awareness of self and how I fit into this great universe and perhaps even reality. I found myself doing some of my best introspective thinking, reflection, and planning while I was traveling.
by Wendy
I am interested in the people and cultures of all countries I visit, but will always have a special fondness for the UK. Not only was London the first foreign city I ever visited, but even before I traveled there I gravitated toward many British writers, musicians and films/tv shows. When you think about it, you probably do too. Shakespeare, the Bronte sisters, Virginia Woolf, The Beatles, The Police, Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Sherlock Holmes, Downton Abbey, Doc Martin, Harry Potter, James Bond – this is only a fraction of a long list. Continue reading
by Sunny
The Sword in the Stone: a great photo opportunity that is usually not so crowded.
So much of the Disney magic is right out in the open waiting to be enjoyed by the massive crowds each year. There are a few hidden gems that I like to keep in my back pocket for times of meltdown (probably will happen) and exhaustion (definitely will happen). These little spots will give you a much needed break and leave you refreshed for more fun!
NYC sign with a message I try to remember
by Wendy
I love that movie What About Bob with the great Bill Murray. His neurotic character won’t stop pestering his psychiatrist (Richard Dreyfuss) – even during summer holidays. So the doctor prescribes the advice “take a vacation from your problems” in an attempt to get Bob to put the worries and anxiety on hold until summer is over. While Bob had trouble following this advice, I’ve found it can truly work wonders. Continue reading
Showing My Disney Side – Minnie Mouse
by Sunny
A while ago, I was in Kohl’s when a promotional sign for the new live-action Cinderella movie caught my eye. Being the Disney fan that I am, I walked over to the display rack and mannequins and was surprised to find juniors dresses inspired by the new feature film. Juniors? I thought. Would teenage girls actually wear Cinderella-inspired clothing? Turns out they will. The racks were swarming with people. When I got home, I went to the Kohl’s website and noticed a whole line of Cinderella-inspired dresses, skirts and tops for women by designer Lauren Conrad. Continue reading
by Jack
The perfect weekend getaway.
Often the effort and expense of these short trips can leave you wondering whether you would have been just as happy with a walk to the local watering hole followed by some Netflixation. Going somewhere new, centering on weather dependent activities, pushing the envelope on time, all bring in some risk to the trip, admittedly with no small reward if everything clicks, but often inviting frustration and disappointment. So it follows going somewhere tried and true, with numerous different activities, just far enough away to be considered a trip, is about as risk free as it gets. Continue reading
by Wendy
I think Sunny’s recent post on San Francisco is spot on. If you’re only in the city for a couple of days, be sure to check out her must-sees. Since several of my dear in-laws live in the area, I’ve been lucky to visit several times, so I have a few extra tips for anyone planning a longer stay. San Francisco is so beautiful! Continue reading