My top travel gear and tips, specially when travelling with kids

This post has long been in my drafts folder. I intended this for summer of 2014, but alas, I've really been sooo busy as you can see from the lack of posts this year (bah excuses, excuses). Hopefully I get to blog about our past family trips one day.

Anyway, hope this post may still be of use specially for those who are likely travelling for the holidays with the family. I'm listing down my top travel essentials and some useful tips for your far away trips with the whole crew. Here we go.

Packing cubes - This is on top of my list or everybody's. Whoever invented these babies is a genius. They keep the luggage organized. It's also easy for unpacking once you've settled in your hotel room. Well actually, I just bring out the cubes and put them in the closet. I always have at least one for each member of the family. It's easier for everybody to get their stuff. The set of four on the right were gifted to us (thanks cousins A&B!) while the others on the left can be found at Daiso.

Travel docs holder - For those family travels, I'd rather keep all travel documents in one handy kit for breezing through check-in, immigration and boarding. I got mine from where else again - the Japanese store. I like that it has various pockets to hold our passports, tickets, vouchers, a notepad, pen and even foreign currency and credit cards.

Toiletries kit - I got this from Landmark for only Php169.75. I like that it has a built in hook and can be zipped up into a small bag. It's handy for outings or campings where you don't have a decent shower area with a counter top or shelves to place your toiletries on. The travel bottles can be found at the Japanese or dollar stores.

Universal adaptor - I'm so lucky to have received this souvenir from one of my firm's events. But you can also purchase universal adaptors from your local gadget shops.

Umbrella stoller - It's lightweight and folds as easy as (well what it's named after) an umbrella. It comes in handy for those public commutes in other countries or places where you're not able to bring your own car. What's nice about our umbrella stoller is that it has a reclining position for when the kids are asleep. The brand of our stroller below is Apruva.

One big luggage - As much as possible, we try to fit all our stuff in our ever reliable Concorde maleta and just bring a carry on. First of all, when you travel with kids and bring along a stroller, it's a hassle to pull along a number of luggage when there's just two adults (you and hubby). Second, it saves you the wait in the baggage carousel if you only have one to look out for. Lastly, you have a compelling reason to pack light and lessen the risk of excess baggage. What we do, is we just pack a folding overnight bag for the pasalubongs and other items we shopped for.

Travel cot and sling/carrier - If you're travelling with a small baby, you may want to consider a sling/carrier specially if you're breastfeeding. I got this cozy sling from The Medical City when I gave birth, but I believe it can be purchased from Landmark as well for around Php600-700 I think. Baby would really feel snug as a bug in this, but this is more advisable for places with cold climates. Our travel cot also came in handy during our Tagaytay trip. If your hotel room does not have a crib on hand or you're not comfortable in using the hotel's, it's advisable that you bring this. I got this from Landmark for around Php1,000.

Travelling with kids is really a challenge. Always be prepared to have extra clothes, snacks and small toys on your carry on. However when the whining and bickering get's out of hand, that's when we whip out (please note only as a last resort) the tablet/Ipad. Also for plane rides with babies, try to nurse them, and give snacks/drinks to the little kids to lessen the ear pressure.

I've had my share of smooth flights with my babies as well as cranky ones. No matter what, always believe in the kindness of other passengers, they will understand. Although you can also flash your brightest smile or apologize beforehand for any trouble your kids may cause. =)

Also, never underestimate your kids. I was amazed at how my four year old was able to cope with a delayed flight and made a new friend in the process. More on that in another post.

But most important of all don't forget your trusted camera, enjoy your trip, and make lots of memories.

Tagaytay getaway

Posted for August 8 and 9, 2013

This post is long overdue but I have to publish all the entries in my draft folder before my maternity leave ends this week. This was the Tagaytay adventure I mentioned in this post. Before I start, let me just mention that this Tagaytay trip sort of became an annual tradition already for our little family, which started with our honeymoon in 2009. Eversince, Taal Vista Hotel has been our favorite place to stay in. You just have to book/reserve a room days in advance specially for long weekends as the place is usually fully booked. Hindi talaga pwede ang walk-ins.

L-R: Honeymoon December 2009, National Heroes day August 2011 and 2012 respectively

This time around Mama and my bro C were with us. We left that Thursday at around 11am. Traffic was a breeze, probably because the long weekend actually starts tomorrow pa. We were just fortunate that Daddy A had no classes today because of St. Dominique's feast day. We stopped over at Shakey's in Paseo de Sta. Rosa for lunch. There was butterfly/moth stuck on the window beside our table, Mama said it's probably Papa dining with us. Bro C and Daddy A decided to checkout also the sports shops there. Only bro C was able to buy running shorts from Nike. The rubber shoes Daddy A liked in Mizuno didn't have his size.

We reached Taal Vista around 2. Complimentary drinks (iced tea) welcomed us at the lobby. We checked into our Mountain View wing (older building but nevertheless renovated) room. It had 2 twin beds and a sofa. They brought in another bed since we reserved for 3 adults. Bro C settled in the couch. Mama and R got the other bed, JD and I on another, while Daddy A had one just for himself.

 My life and loves all in one room

Loving this portable travel cot/co-sleeper. It closes into a bag. Will blog about it in my travel post.

After settling in and a short nap, we hopped over to Sky Ranch just beside the hotel. It just recently opened kaya hindi pa masyado madami ung attractions and restaurants/food stalls. Nevertheless, R enjoyed it. Entrance was at a promo rate of P50. P100 talaga siya. Children below 3 feet get in for free.

 

Children 4 years old and below were not allowed for the horseback riding. We just asked to take a picture with R for posterity. Un nga lang, she got scared when the horse started moving and whining.

Carousel nalang muna for her.

That's JD, snug inside the sling - another travel essential.

We then had dinner at Bulalo Point along the ridge. Sayang, I was not able to take a picture. Basta it overlooked the Taal lake and volcano. Un nga lang it rained. We ordered bulalo, bicol express and tapa.

The following day, we had our complementary breakfast at the hotel. Lamon levels kami except for bro C na high blood (oo kahit ting-ting yan lagpas 140 ang BP niyan).

Ang mga busog

 Loving their new furnishings

 Our customary family pic by the lake view

Going back home we stopped by Rowena's, Mr. Moo's, fruits stands and wooden furniture shops. Patawa lang ung conversation namin sa car nung nasa Mr. Moo's sila Mama and Daddy A:
Bro/Tito C: Galing ng mga nagagawa ng gatas ng kalabaw, pati gatas ng kambing. Eh gatas kaya ng ina? O kaya gatas ng lola?
R: La naman gatas lola, mommy lang
=)

We also dropped by to see TJ, the newest cousin of R & JD.

I really love these times spent with the family specially in the outskirts of the metro. Looks like it's going to be an annual thing after all.

South Korea - Day 2 of Daddy A's adventure

The following day, they first toured the famous Changdeokgung Palace. Well eto lang naman ang sikat na palace sa Jewel in the Palace. It was added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 1997. Changdeokgung literally means "Prospering Virtue Palace". It  is is one of the "Five Grand Palaces" built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897) and set within a large park in Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

It was raining that day. Nevertheless, it didn't stop them from capturing these beautiful scenes.

Their next stop was the DongHwang Korean Ginseng Center.  Korean Ginseng helps clean the blood, balances metabolism, strengthens resistance to stress and strain, helps stop cancer and rejuvenates the body. Abay kelangan ko pala nito, bat di mo ko binili Daddy A?

Afterwards, they went to the Amethyst factory. No pictures inside daw kaya eto nalang.

Mahalia daw sabi ni Daddy A, so no amethyst for me. Oo na, madami na kayong amethyst at di namin afford. Ipagduldulan ba? Hehe

Next stop - Kimchi making!

Daddy A's finished product. Jang Geum would be so proud of you.

 

Then they were able to try on an authentic Hanbok:

The royal family

 

Hangkyut mo Daddy A para kang si King Gunggong este King Joong Jong

Afterwards, they went to the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan.

Exhibition hall

 

Wikipedia: This fifth-century Silla gold crown was excavated from the North tomb of Hwangnamdaechong in Gyeongju. In the North tomb, more ornaments including a silver belt ornament with an inscription of 'Buindae(the meaning of Madame's belt)' were found than in the South tomb. In this sense, this North tomb can be presumed to have belonged to a woman. A gold crown indicates the owner's political and social class.

 

Wikipedia: The "Gyeongcheonsa Ten-Story Pagoda" was originally erected at the monastery Gyeongcheonsa in the fourth year (1348) of King Chungmok of Goryeo. In 1907, it was illegally smuggled to Japan by a Japanese court official, but was returned in 1918 at the behest of British and American journalists, E. Bethell and H. Hulbert

For their last stop for the day, they took a cable car to the Teddy Bear Museum in the N-Seoul Tower. Unfortunately dito na naubusan ng battery ang DSLR.

www.visitkorea.or.kr - The Teddy Bear Museum N Seoul Tower shows exhibits that chronicle the history of Seoul from past to present through the use of teddy bears. It is an amusing and innovative way for visitors to see how Seoul has changed and developed over time both as the capital of Korea and as an international city. Teddy bears are posed in scenes recreating historic events as well as various aspects of Seoul life.

Hang saya-saya noh?! Watch out for Day 3.

South Korea - Day 1 of Daddy A's adventure

To start off with my travel posts, I will write about Daddy A's most recent trip out of the country to the beautiful land of Seoul, South Korea, nasabi ko narin yan dito at dito.

Kabang-kaba lang naman ako nung Day 1 at hindi pa kasi ko nakakatanggap ng text, tawag or email. Buti nalang bago ko manawagan sa TV o sa DFA, (nakatunog ata si Daddy A sa kapraningan ko) I was able to receive a text message from him that he arrived safely and there's nothing to worry about. So enough of my kaba, let's just tour this beautiful land. Allow me to photo blog.

My husband is so lucky to have seen already the top 3 airports in the world.  Ako ung 2nd and 3rd placers pa lang.

And here he is at 2012's number 1 - Incheon International Airport:

Bus ride scene to their first stop:

Since this is an academic visit, their first stop was the Kyung Hee University, located in Dongdaemun-gu. It ranks between the top 400-500 in the Academic Ranking of Worldwide Universities.

The beautiful campus grounds:

They checked-in at the Seoul Royal Hotel in Myeongdong, it was very accessible to shops and the church (which Daddy A loves). Their room and bathroom was quite small but very neat and modern.

Watch out for Day 2, that's where the scenic tours begin.