The family has decided on Boracay for our summer getaway and this will be the first time my toddler will be boarding a plane. I can easily imagine how things can get really, really bad with a fidgety toddler riding a plane for the first time, so I've been scouting around magazines and websites for air travel tips and toys. Here are the ones I've found useful and will be trying out:
(1) Get a book about airplanes so she'd know what to expect
(2) Have gum or lollipop ready to help her relieve the pressure and unclog her ears
(3) Gadgets such as iPad, iPod, Fisher Price Pixter, or similar items. I have a PSP so I'm setting this up to play her favorite cartoons and songs.
(4) I found a site with tips on how to keep a toddler busy during air travel, using items that are readily available on an airplane!
(5) Travel toys suitable for air travel (i.e., lightweight with little or no pieces that can fall off or create a mess) - magnetic toys, toys with reusable stickers, lacing toys, activity books, pipe cleaners, and pocket doodle toys (i.e., etch a sketch)
So begins my adventure to find good quality, affordable travel toys and books that are available locally...more on my next blog!
Showing posts with label toddler travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label toddler travel. Show all posts
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
ZipBins? - Genius!
I adore the ZipBin product line - bags that double as playsets! Convenient to haul around and keeps my toddler entertained for hours when we travel. It's especially great for those long waits at the restaurant. Her godmother got her the dollhouse playpack last Christmas. It's doubles as a castle and comes with a little princess doll. My daughter chucked out the doll and stuffed it with her fave Disney miniatures of Mickey Mouse and Pooh Bear. Since the bag is lightweight, she can carry it around herself. The interior of the bag is spacious - thus far, we've had it fit all the Mickey Mouse and Pooh Bear characters, a couple of toy cars, and some small books.
ZipBin products are available locally at Toy Kingdom and Rustans Department Stores.
ZipBin products are available locally at Toy Kingdom and Rustans Department Stores.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Toddler Travels: Subic Bay
Subic Bay remains one of the more popular tourist spots in the country and is a family favorite of ours! It's just the thing for when you're itching to get out of town without having to board a boat or plane and the travel time from Metro Manila isn't as long as say, Baguio, so it's perfect now that we have an active toddler to contend with ;) You can learn more about the Subic and its various attractions here, but here are some highlights from our own travels:
Accommodation: The Lighthouse - named so for the Lighthouse at the back of the property, this hotel has never failed to provide good food and great service! If you're looking for a luxury hotel with large rooms complete with flatscreen TV, cable, DVD player, aircon, hot/cold water, and a bath with huge bathtubs your babies can swim in - this is the place to be. It's pricey and far from the main tourist attractions (it's at the opposite end of Subic from where Zoobic Safari, Ocean Adventure, etc. are located - about 30 minutes away via car), but it's a great way to kick back and relax after a long, hot day of exploring all that Subic has to offer. It is, however, just a stone's throw away from a number of other hotels, bars, and restaurants lined up in front of the beach and is ideal for travellers seeking the nightlife. On the other hand, families and their children will enjoy leisurely walks along the beach. There is also a convenience store and playground within walking distance, and a nearby Catholic church offering regular Sunday mass. Although the beach is not fit for swimming, it does cater to water sports! If you fancy a swim, the hotel has a small kiddie and adult pool for their guests.
Zoobic Safari - meet and greet wildlife such as tigers, crocodiles, and other exotic creatures (you'll be amazed at the variety)! Although the tigers are fatter and more sluggish than they used to be and you're no longer allowed to feed them live chickens (I think this is actually a good thing though), the thrill of getting up close and personal with the animals is still there and is almost always a big hit with the kids. Plenty of feeding and picture-taking opportunities await! The only downside for me is the addition of a "cavern" type exhibit in which you are led through a dark warehouse filled with faux plants and animals - what's the point? If you are taking your family to Zoobic, be sure to bring hats/caps, a change of clothing, and drinks because there's a lot of walking involved under the sweltering heat of the sun.
Ocean Adventure - not to be confused with Ocean Park in Manila, this park offers shows and exhibits that showcase the beauty of marine life. Exploring the park is typically a whole-day affair as you move from one show to another, but proves to be worth it especially if you're travelling with young kids. Although my daughter much preferred the tigers to the fish (go figure), most children are apt to adore the dolphins and sea lions and their cute stunts. I only wish the security was a bit more discerning about their guests. We were at the park at the same time as a school field trip and a number of teachers and students had conjunctivitis (they were openly talking about an outbreak of the disease in their school), which made us a bit uncomfortable since we had a baby along.
Tree Top Adventure - this is one of those things that you just have to try at least once in your life. This adventure park offers a unique way of communing with nature - through thrilling rides and stunts that you will perform yourselves, usually 100 feet off the ground! Start off with the canopy ride to help you relax before you jump into the big guns. The long walk to this ride will also give you a sneak peek at the other activities the park has to offer - if the screams and cheers around you are any indication. Once you're all revved up and ready to see what the excitement is all about, go for the Ultimate Adventure and soar from tree to tree. Still haven't lost your lunch? Go all out and jump off that tree in the Tree Drop Adventure! Just to note, though - this is no place for a toddler or baby and there's no suitable waiting area for them. While my husband, brother, and I were gathering the courage to fly amidst the trees, I sent my baby with her lola to El Kabayo for some horseback riding.
El Kabayo - no puny ponies here! Home to retired racehorses, this equestrian center features horses imported from the U.S., Argentina, and Australia. While the center offers several horse riding activities, I am unable to expound on the experience. My baby bravely put on her safety helmet and got on the horse, but when the guide told her to pick up the reins, her prissy little self shuddered in distaste and she requested to be taken off her high horse, so to speak. I have heard from other mothers that this is a good place for kids who like horses and want to experience riding a real horse.
Shopping, shopping, shopping - what better way to cap off your vacation than by spending money at the numerous outlets and stores boasting of imported goods at low prices?
If I haven't detailed it enough, Subic offers something for everyone - if you're up to a family road trip, this is the place to be.
Accommodation: The Lighthouse - named so for the Lighthouse at the back of the property, this hotel has never failed to provide good food and great service! If you're looking for a luxury hotel with large rooms complete with flatscreen TV, cable, DVD player, aircon, hot/cold water, and a bath with huge bathtubs your babies can swim in - this is the place to be. It's pricey and far from the main tourist attractions (it's at the opposite end of Subic from where Zoobic Safari, Ocean Adventure, etc. are located - about 30 minutes away via car), but it's a great way to kick back and relax after a long, hot day of exploring all that Subic has to offer. It is, however, just a stone's throw away from a number of other hotels, bars, and restaurants lined up in front of the beach and is ideal for travellers seeking the nightlife. On the other hand, families and their children will enjoy leisurely walks along the beach. There is also a convenience store and playground within walking distance, and a nearby Catholic church offering regular Sunday mass. Although the beach is not fit for swimming, it does cater to water sports! If you fancy a swim, the hotel has a small kiddie and adult pool for their guests.
Zoobic Safari - meet and greet wildlife such as tigers, crocodiles, and other exotic creatures (you'll be amazed at the variety)! Although the tigers are fatter and more sluggish than they used to be and you're no longer allowed to feed them live chickens (I think this is actually a good thing though), the thrill of getting up close and personal with the animals is still there and is almost always a big hit with the kids. Plenty of feeding and picture-taking opportunities await! The only downside for me is the addition of a "cavern" type exhibit in which you are led through a dark warehouse filled with faux plants and animals - what's the point? If you are taking your family to Zoobic, be sure to bring hats/caps, a change of clothing, and drinks because there's a lot of walking involved under the sweltering heat of the sun.
Ocean Adventure - not to be confused with Ocean Park in Manila, this park offers shows and exhibits that showcase the beauty of marine life. Exploring the park is typically a whole-day affair as you move from one show to another, but proves to be worth it especially if you're travelling with young kids. Although my daughter much preferred the tigers to the fish (go figure), most children are apt to adore the dolphins and sea lions and their cute stunts. I only wish the security was a bit more discerning about their guests. We were at the park at the same time as a school field trip and a number of teachers and students had conjunctivitis (they were openly talking about an outbreak of the disease in their school), which made us a bit uncomfortable since we had a baby along.
Tree Top Adventure - this is one of those things that you just have to try at least once in your life. This adventure park offers a unique way of communing with nature - through thrilling rides and stunts that you will perform yourselves, usually 100 feet off the ground! Start off with the canopy ride to help you relax before you jump into the big guns. The long walk to this ride will also give you a sneak peek at the other activities the park has to offer - if the screams and cheers around you are any indication. Once you're all revved up and ready to see what the excitement is all about, go for the Ultimate Adventure and soar from tree to tree. Still haven't lost your lunch? Go all out and jump off that tree in the Tree Drop Adventure! Just to note, though - this is no place for a toddler or baby and there's no suitable waiting area for them. While my husband, brother, and I were gathering the courage to fly amidst the trees, I sent my baby with her lola to El Kabayo for some horseback riding.
El Kabayo - no puny ponies here! Home to retired racehorses, this equestrian center features horses imported from the U.S., Argentina, and Australia. While the center offers several horse riding activities, I am unable to expound on the experience. My baby bravely put on her safety helmet and got on the horse, but when the guide told her to pick up the reins, her prissy little self shuddered in distaste and she requested to be taken off her high horse, so to speak. I have heard from other mothers that this is a good place for kids who like horses and want to experience riding a real horse.
Shopping, shopping, shopping - what better way to cap off your vacation than by spending money at the numerous outlets and stores boasting of imported goods at low prices?
If I haven't detailed it enough, Subic offers something for everyone - if you're up to a family road trip, this is the place to be.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
San Fabian, Pangasinan
I recently went on an excursion to Center Beach, San Fabian, Pangasinan with family friends and decided to bring my toddler along. Major mistake. The beach water was murky, the sand was itchy, and the general area was peppered with garbage. While we were getting ready to swim, my brother went ahead and dove in. Minutes later he returned, the victim of a jellyfish that stung his back. We sent my baby to the swimming pool instead.
My husband and I still wanted to brave the waters so as not to waste the long drive so we went back to the beach. While studying the waters, we were approached by a boatman who offered to take us on a boat ride to get to a cleaner beach for P30/head. I ran back to our cottage and returned with the cash, only to learn that we need to pay another P500 each to gain access to the resort with the good beach. We declined and turned away. He called us back, claiming that he can get us in if we give him P150. Disgusted, we joined our toddler in the pool and stayed in the cottage for the rest of the day.
We did pick up some learning points from the long drive, though. Particularly in keeping a toddler entertained in the car. Thankfully, my daughter is the type who usually sleeps the moment the car is in motion, but she was awake for about 2 hours on the way to the beach and on the trip back home. Here are some tips to keep a lively toddler occupied:
(1) Books with reusable stickers
(2) Toys for pretend play
(3) Clay (a bit messy though)
(4) Aluminum foil (make jewelry, animals, etc)
(5) Sing songs
(6) Portable DVD player
(7) Point out animals, colors, and other interesting sights on the road
(8) Snack time!
(9) Kiddie laptops
(10) Take regular pitstops and let your baby run around to expend the extra energy
My husband and I still wanted to brave the waters so as not to waste the long drive so we went back to the beach. While studying the waters, we were approached by a boatman who offered to take us on a boat ride to get to a cleaner beach for P30/head. I ran back to our cottage and returned with the cash, only to learn that we need to pay another P500 each to gain access to the resort with the good beach. We declined and turned away. He called us back, claiming that he can get us in if we give him P150. Disgusted, we joined our toddler in the pool and stayed in the cottage for the rest of the day.
We did pick up some learning points from the long drive, though. Particularly in keeping a toddler entertained in the car. Thankfully, my daughter is the type who usually sleeps the moment the car is in motion, but she was awake for about 2 hours on the way to the beach and on the trip back home. Here are some tips to keep a lively toddler occupied:
(1) Books with reusable stickers
(2) Toys for pretend play
(3) Clay (a bit messy though)
(4) Aluminum foil (make jewelry, animals, etc)
(5) Sing songs
(6) Portable DVD player
(7) Point out animals, colors, and other interesting sights on the road
(8) Snack time!
(9) Kiddie laptops
(10) Take regular pitstops and let your baby run around to expend the extra energy
Monday, November 29, 2010
Toddler Travels: Nuvali, Laguna
Fancy a pitstop on the way to Tagaytay or Batangas? Drop by Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna for a truly novel experience. Developed by AyalaLand, the entrance to Nuvali boasts of a relaxing promenade along a man-made lake where visitors and residents alike can wind down in one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area. Children and adults will both enjoy viewing and feeding the multitude of beautiful Koi fish swimming at the edge of the lake, waiting for their daily meal from captivated tourists. Packets of special Koi food are available for sale at a reasonable price.
You can also opt to rent bikes and cruise around the area, or pay a little extra to take a boat ride around the lake. The lake is rather small, and the ride will just take you through a mini tunnel under a bridge and around 2 or 3 fountains (literally just pillars of water shooting up from the lake). It lasts no more than a few minutes and is quite tame for adults. It is sure to be quite thrilling for very young children though!
Another perk of Nuvali is that it is literally next to Paseo de Santa Rosa commercial park, well-known for its variety of sports and clothing outlet stores (Dockers, Crocs, Speedo, etc.). You can have a mini-shopping spree here and make your way to Nuvali to relax and cleanse yourself of the noise, crowds, and cars speeding down the main highway.
You can also opt to rent bikes and cruise around the area, or pay a little extra to take a boat ride around the lake. The lake is rather small, and the ride will just take you through a mini tunnel under a bridge and around 2 or 3 fountains (literally just pillars of water shooting up from the lake). It lasts no more than a few minutes and is quite tame for adults. It is sure to be quite thrilling for very young children though!
Another perk of Nuvali is that it is literally next to Paseo de Santa Rosa commercial park, well-known for its variety of sports and clothing outlet stores (Dockers, Crocs, Speedo, etc.). You can have a mini-shopping spree here and make your way to Nuvali to relax and cleanse yourself of the noise, crowds, and cars speeding down the main highway.
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